Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What is the medical term for a cosmetic surgical procedure to lift the face?

1. Rhytidectomy

2. Blepharoplasty

3. Dermabrasion

4. Facial augmentation

The correct answer is: Rhytidectomy

The medical term for a cosmetic surgical procedure specifically designed to lift the face is rhytidectomy. This procedure is commonly referred to as a facelift and involves tightening the skin and underlying muscles to reduce the appearance of sagging and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful facial contour. The term is derived from the Greek words "rhytis," meaning wrinkle, and "ektome," meaning excision or removal. During a rhytidectomy, surgeons may remove excess skin, reposition the underlying tissues, and sometimes even perform liposuction to enhance the overall aesthetics of the face. The other options refer to different cosmetic procedures. Blepharoplasty is focused on eyelid surgery, dermabrasion is a skin resurfacing technique that exfoliates the upper layers of skin, and facial augmentation typically involves the use of fillers or implants to enhance facial features rather than lifting. Understanding the distinct purposes of these procedures highlights the specific nature of rhytidectomy as the correct answer for lifting the face.