Many plastic surgeons claim that a laser facelift renews your skin without painful surgery and minimal downtime. That's great news if you are looking for a non-invasive procedure to help you reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
But what exactly is a laser facelift and is it painless? Basically, it is a procedure where a beam of light heats the skin's surface to the point where the surface layer of the skin is removed.
The tissue is slightly burned so that the cells underneath the skin's surface layer begins to heal and rejuvenate. As the healing process begins, the skin tightens and appears smoother.
As far as pain, a laser face lift is not completely painless but it is far less painful than a traditional face lift. Many patients are prescribed mild pain relievers for the first few days. If pain or discomfort still persist, the doctor might suggest an over the counter medication. However, the level and degree of pain varies from individual to individual.
You may wonder what you will look like after the procedure. Some experience weeping and crusting of the treated area after the first days of the procedure.
Within a week's time, the area may turn pink and the weeping subsides. After that, the pinkness diminishes after a few weeks. Realistically speaking, normal skin color and texture may take awhile to return. The time frame varies according to skin type and other factors.
So, if you decide to have a laser treatment how long will the results last?
As of today, there is no fountain of youth. That said, no skin treatment or procedure can completely and permanently turn back the hands of time.
However, according to several studies, patients claim that their face is smoother and looks younger after a laser facelift. Of course, after the treatment, you must take care of your skin.
Before you make a decision, understand that only the surface of the skin and not the underlying muscle is treated. This means that fine lines and wrinkles are significantly reduced but deeper lines and loose skin and muscle are not affected.
Laser facelift technology is definitely replacing traditional face lifts with generally better results. Remember to consult with a certified cosmetic surgeon and have realistic expectations.