What is the primary purpose of a rhytidectomy?

The primary purpose of a rhytidectomy, commonly known as a facelift, is to lift and tighten facial skin. This surgical procedure specifically targets the signs of aging by removing excess skin, repositioning the underlying tissues, and sometimes redistributing fat to create a firmer and more youthful appearance.

In this context, the procedure directly addresses sagging skin and facial contours that have changed due to aging, helping to restore a more youthful profile. The techniques employed can vary, but they all aim to enhance the overall aesthetic appearance of the face by improving the structure and tightness of the skin.

Other options focus on different aspects of facial aesthetics. While improving skin texture is important in skincare, it does not directly pertain to the goals of a facelift. An eye lift is a specific procedure aimed at the eyelids and does not encompass the overall facial rejuvenation that a rhytidectomy provides. Treating cellulite, on the other hand, involves different methods that target subcutaneous fat and skin dimpling rather than the lifting and tightening of facial skin, which are the central aims of rhytidectomy.