Contributions of the First Female Plastic Surgeon to Modern-Day Rhytidectomies

Dr. Suzanne Noël was a pioneer for female surgeons and made fundamental contributions to the field of plastic surgery. Her hallmark operation, the “petit operation,” defined the fundamental aspects to many modern rhytidectomies including the mini-lift and the short scar facelift. These contributions included camouflaging incisions in the hairline, limiting incision length, avoiding tension on the skin, meticulous handling of the skin edges, appropriate and precise vector placement, and staging operation when required. Through understanding the history of the fundamental principles on which rhytidectomy was constructed will help the cosmetic surgeon understand the nuances of this operation.

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