Rhytidectomy: The Medical Term for a Facelift
"Rhytidectomy" is the formal medical and surgical name for what's commonly called a facelift — the same procedure, described in the language you'll actually see on a surgical consent form or in a research paper. Neither word specifies technique on its own: a rhytidectomy can be performed as a deep plane facelift, a traditional SMAS facelift, or a mini facelift, and which one matters far more for your result than which name your surgeon uses.
Quick Answer
A rhytidectomy is a facelift — the medical term (Greek "rhytis" = wrinkle, "ektome" = excision) for the same surgical procedure patients commonly call a facelift. It's not a different or newer procedure; it's the clinical name that appears in surgical records and academic literature. The technique performed under that name — deep plane, SMAS, or mini — is what actually determines longevity and naturalness of results.
Educational content, not a substitute for an in-person consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
What is a rhytidectomy?
A rhytidectomy is the medical term for a facelift — the same procedure, just using its formal surgical name (from Greek: rhytis = wrinkle, ektome = excision). It appears in medical records and literature, while 'facelift' is the everyday term. The specific technique performed (deep plane, SMAS, or mini) — not the name used — determines how natural and long-lasting the results are.
Quick Answer
Is a deep plane rhytidectomy different from a regular rhytidectomy?
Yes — 'rhytidectomy' just names the procedure (facelift), not the technique. A deep plane rhytidectomy releases and repositions the SMAS layer and deep facial ligaments as a single unit, producing more natural, longer-lasting results (10-15 years) than a traditional SMAS rhytidectomy, which primarily tightens the skin over those layers (5-7 years). Ask specifically which technique a surgeon performs — the term 'rhytidectomy' alone doesn't tell you.
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Where the Word Comes From
"Rhytidectomy" combines two Greek roots: rhytis, meaning wrinkle, and ektome, meaning excision or surgical removal. Literally, it translates to "wrinkle removal" — though the modern procedure does much more than remove wrinkles; it repositions sagging facial tissue and, in deeper techniques, the underlying muscle and ligament layer itself.
You'll encounter the term "rhytidectomy" in surgical consent forms, hospital billing codes, academic journals, and board-certification documentation — anywhere the procedure needs a precise, unambiguous clinical name. "Facelift" remains the term patients and marketing use in everyday conversation. Both refer to exactly the same surgery.
Rhytidectomy Techniques: What Actually Differs
Since "rhytidectomy" describes the procedure category rather than a specific technique, the meaningful distinction for patients is which technique a surgeon performs under that name:
Deep plane rhytidectomy
Repositions the SMAS layer and deep facial ligaments as one unit. More natural results, 10-15 year longevity, longer and more technically demanding surgery.
Traditional (SMAS) rhytidectomy
Tightens the SMAS layer and skin without releasing the deeper ligaments. Shorter surgery, 5-7 year longevity, can carry a more "pulled" look if over-tightened.
Mini rhytidectomy
A limited-scope version addressing early jowling and neck laxity, shorter surgery time, lower cost, but more limited correction and durability than a full procedure.
Which one you get
Determined by your surgeon's technique, training, and your specific anatomy — always ask explicitly which technique is being performed, since "rhytidectomy" alone doesn't specify it.
Cost by Country
A rhytidectomy's price is driven by the same factors as any facelift: technique, surgeon experience, and geographic market — not by which name is used to describe the procedure. In the United States, a board-certified rhytidectomy typically runs $35,000–$75,000; in medical-tourism destinations such as Turkey, $8,000–$12,000 is typical.
See the Full Country-by-Country Cost Breakdown →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rhytidectomy?
Rhytidectomy vs facelift: is there a difference?
What is a deep plane rhytidectomy?
How much does a rhytidectomy cost?
What is recovery like after a rhytidectomy?
Who is a good candidate for a rhytidectomy?
Considering a Rhytidectomy?
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Medical References
- 01Hamra ST. The deep-plane rhytidectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1990;86(1):53-61(opens in new tab)(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21DOI: 10.1097/00006534-199007000-00008
- 02Owsley JQ. Face lifting: problems, solutions, and an outcome study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;105(1):302-313(opens in new tab)(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-08-05
Cite this pageCC-BY 4.0
DEEPPLANE™ Editorial Team (2026). Rhytidectomy: The Medical Term for a Facelift Explained. DEEPPLANE™. Retrieved from https://deepplane.com/rhytidectomy
Content licensed CC-BY 4.0. Free to share with attribution to DEEPPLANE™.
Dr. Yakup Duman
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery Specialist
Board-certified Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery specialist with 13+ years of experience. Specializes in deep plane facelift at Merkez Prime Hospital, Istanbul. Medical Reviewer for DEEPPLANE™.
Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Association
Medically reviewed and provided for general education only — this is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician about your individual case. Deep plane facelift outcomes, risks, and costs vary by patient; always seek a licensed surgeon's guidance before making any treatment decision.
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