Laser face lifts are an option for those who aren't ready to go under the knife.
A laser face lift, sometimes called laser skin tightening, uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove, layer by layer, areas of skin that are damaged or wrinkled. While the name is a bit of a misnomer in that it doesn't actually lift the face, it works to minimize the appearance of fine lines in wrinkle-prone areas. A laser face lift can be performed on the entire face or on specific problem areas.
Ideal Candidates
A fair complected, healthy patient with non-oily skin is the ideal candidates for a laser face lift. People with olive, brown or black skin are at an increased risk for pigmentation changes, while a patient prone to infections may also be a bad risk. Laser face lifts are appropriate for people who want to tighten the sagging around the face and neck, but don't want to undergo surgery or a lengthy recovery period.
How it's Performed
A laser face lift is performed by stripping the outer layers of damaged skin, leaving new cells to form a smother, tighter skin surface. Studies have shown that the physical changes that occur are similar to those that occur with dermabrasion or chemical peel procedures, according to the Plastic Surgery Network. Particular areas of the face can be concentrated on during the procedure, such as wrinkles around the mouth and eyes. With differentiated laser penetration, the physician is able to pinpoint specific spots and wrinkles.
Anesthesia
Sedation and a local anesthetic are enough to control pain if very small areas are being treated by a laser face lift, but a patient will need general anesthesia if a large area is to be done.
Benefits
A laser face lift can help patients achieve younger-looking, smoother skin without the pain or expense of surgery. One benefit is that a laser face lift has a minimal amount of associated risk and very little recovery time.
Limitations
No skin treatment, surgical or otherwise, will stop the aging process. After a few years a patient may begin to see some of the same signs that bothered her the first time around, although practitioners say that she will still look better than she would have without the laser face lift. Laser face lifts are not shown to be very effective for neck skin or make a significant change to large amounts of excess skin.
Costs
The cost of the procedure is dependent upon several factors, such as size of the area treated, how many areas are treated, and whether a local or general anesthesia was used. You also need to factor in the costs of pre-operative exams and testing, the operating and recovery room, medical supplies and dressings, laser fees, surgeon fees and follow-up care with your surgeon. Shopping around for the lowest cost is possible, but may also bring in the practice of a non-qualified surgeon, so do your homework.
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