INFORMED CONSENT -
FACELIFT SURGERY (Rhytidectomy)

©2004 American Society of Plastic Surgeons®. Purchasers of the Patient Consultation Resource Book are given a limited license to modify documents contained herein and reproduce the modified version for use in the Purchaser's own practice only. All other rights are reserved by American Society of Plastic Surgeons®. Purchasers may not sell or allow any other party to use any version of the Patient Consultation Resource Book, any of the documents contained herein or any modified version of such documents.

INSTRUCTIONS

This is an informed-consent document that has been prepared to help inform you concerning facelift surgery, its risks, as well as alternative treatment(s).

It is important that you read this information carefully and completely. Please initial each page, indicating that you have read the page and sign the consent for surgery as proposed by your plastic surgeon and agreed upon by you.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging on the face and neck. As individuals age, the skin and muscles of the face region begin to lose tone. The facelift cannot stop the process of aging. It can improve the most visible signs of aging by tightening deeper structures, re-draping the skin of face and neck, and removing selected areas of fat. A facelift can be performed alone, or in conjunction with other procedures, such as a browlift, liposuction, eyelid surgery, or nasal surgery.

Facelift surgery is individualized for each patient. The best candidates for facelift surgery have a face and neck line beginning to sag, but whose skin has elasticity and whose bone structure is well defined

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

Alternative forms of management consist of not treating the laxness in the face and neck region with a facelift (rhytidectomy). Improvement of skin laxity, skin wrinkles and fatty deposits may be attempted by other treatments or surgery such as laser resurfacing, chemical face peels or liposuction. Risks and potential complications are also associated with alternative surgical forms of treatment.

Facelift Consent Form - Download