Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

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What is the primary cause of skin aging that a rhytidectomy aims to address?

Environmental factors
Genetic predisposition
Sun exposure
Loss of collagen and elastin

The correct answer is: Loss of collagen and elastin

The primary cause of skin aging that a rhytidectomy, commonly known as a facelift, aims to address is the loss of collagen and elastin. As we age, the skin naturally loses these vital proteins, which are essential for maintaining skin's structure, elasticity, and firmness. Collagen provides strength and support, while elastin allows the skin to stretch and return to its original form. As these proteins diminish, the skin can sag, leading to wrinkles and an overall loss of youthful appearance. A rhytidectomy seeks to counteract these effects by tightening the underlying facial structures and removing excess skin, thereby helping to restore a firmer and smoother look. This surgical intervention directly targets the consequences of diminished collagen and elastin rather than equivalent external factors or predisposition, making it a focused treatment for age-related changes in the skin.