There have been advancements in technology over the past few years that have made it easier to turn back the hands of time than ever before. One of those advancements is the development of the laser, non-surgical facelift procedure.
Laser lifts as they have been dubbed offer patients the ability to take years off of their face without the use of scalpels, resulting in a faster recovery time and no formation of scars. But, they aren’t for everyone. For those contemplating a facial procedure to help remove the signs of aging, here is how the laser lift stacks up against a traditional facelift.
How it works
During a traditional facelift, small incisions are made along the periphery of the face, usually at the ears and hairline that allow the surgeon to pull the skin of the face as well as relocate fat deposits creating a smoother, tighter look. There are several different facelift procedures that can be performed, but the overall end result is the same. Traditional facelifts do a great job at removing sagging skin at the neck and lower jaw while also removing wrinkles and skin folds that develop as the skin begins to lose its elasticity and replacing the collagen under the skin diminishes as a normal part of aging.
The main drawbacks to traditional facelifts are post-surgical infection, bruising, swelling, and an extended recovery period. In addition, facelifts can’t retexture or remove hyperpigmentation of the skin in order to create an overall more youthful look.
Laser rejuvenation, on the other hand, doesn’t rely on the mechanical repositioning of the skin to create the tighter, smoother look that patients are after. Lasers provide a less invasive way to tighten loose skin, retexture skin, and remove fine to moderate wrinkles. Lasers are very effective in improving the look of the skin around the mouth, an area that is difficult for a traditional facelift to improve.
Laser procedures offer patients a faster recovery time with fewer complications than traditional facelifts. However, laser procedures can’t provide the same results as a traditional facelift for those who have considerable skin laxity or heavy wrinkling, making it a poor choice for patients who wish to improve these issues.
What Patients Are Candidates for Laser Facial Procedures?
Patients who are still relatively young but have begun to notice the appearance of fine to moderate lines around their eyes, mouths, and other areas are good candidates for laser facial procedures. These patients will not only experience fewer lines and wrinkles, but will see a subtle tightening of the skin as well as improved skin texture and color.
For those who have more advanced signs of aging, including sagging skin, heavier wrinkling and skin folds will experience better results undergoing a traditional facelift procedure. For those who fall into the facelift category, but also have a rougher skin texture or age spots that need to be removed, a combination of both procedures can provide the greatest benefit.
If you’re considering a facial procedure, Dr. Lazor can help you determine the best treatment options for your individual needs. He can answer any questions you may have, and will help you get the results you want. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Lazor, contact New England Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center today.
