Difference Between Ultra Sound Face Lift and Fraxel Repair Laser Treatment?

asked 1 year ago by Brookhaven8823 in Brookhaven
Latest answer by Joseph A. Eviatar, MD
Question viewed 3,962 times
Tags: comparison, tightening, ultrasound

I am considering a procedure to tighten the skin on my face and neck and also looking to improve the lines around my eyes and lips. I heard fraxel repair was expensive, very painful and there was a lot of recovery time needed. I have recently heard of an ultra sound face lift, could you please tell me the differece between the two and which would give the best results with the least amount of down time and money???

7 answers to Difference Between Ultra Sound Face Lift and Fraxel Repair Laser Treatment?

I always caution people on the use of these new technologies

The one thing that I always caution people about is the use of these new technologies which are just not proven over the long term. There is ultra sound that has been used in medical applications. But, as far as using ultra sound instead of a surgical facelift, I wouldn’t recommend it. Fraxel is a different story. It shouldn’t be painful and usually is not that expensive and is appropriate for skin wrinkling and skin tightening, superficially. But, it’s not a lifting... more

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD
Bronx Oculoplastic Surgeon

Fraxel Repair versus Ulthera

Dear Brookhaven: This is a common question in the mind of many patients who want to deploy their hard earned resources in getting the best result. Comparing the Fraxel Repair (FR) versus other skin tightening treatments (like the Ulthera) is tough because they treat different things and have different downtimes. The FR works very well to rejuvenate the surface of the skin, but can have 3-6 downtime depending on the treatment levels. The ultrasound technology attempts to... more

A. John Vartanian, MD
Glendale Facial Plastic Surgeon

Focused ultrasound vs. fractional resurfacing

Fractional resurfacing is best suited to treat fine wrinkles and discoloration of the skin while focused ultrasound treatments are intended to tighten and contour the skin. Ultrasound treatments do not address skin color changes. There is no recovery period after ultrasound treatments whereas approximately 1 week of recovery is needed after ablative fractional resurfacing treatment. These treatments tend to be complementary as opposed to competitive. That is to... more

Brian Biesman, MD
Nashville Oculoplastic Surgeon

Non-surgical facelifts

Neither Fraxel (despite Dr. Oz's recent show) nor Ulthera will give you anything close to a "best" result. At best they might slightly tighten you up but in no way will they do much very impressive. Keep your expectations in line with what a treatment can realistically do and you will be happy.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Thermage and Fraxel or Portrait

Resurfacing for lines around the lips improves these lines but the lines will not usually go away completely. The best results are obtained with laser resurfacing but it does take a week or more to heal and there is a risk of scarring. Fraxel Repair, non-fractional carbon dioxide laser and Portrait plasma therapy can be done but all do require at least a week to heal. Tightening procedures with radiofrequency, such as Thermage, do nothing to help the surface lines. Often patients undergo... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

www.thenyac.com

Best Non-Surgical Face Lift Ultrasound (Ulthera) vs. Fractionated CO2 (Fraxel repair)

Hi Brookhaven, Fraxel repair will give you skin rejuvenation by improving the tone, texture, and color of your skin as well as tightening select areas of crepe skin such as around the eyes, cheeks, and somewhat in necks. Fraxel repair is the best technology for wrinkles around the eyes and lips. The treatment should not be painful when performed by a physician who knows how to use local anesthesia. Thankfully, the post-treatment recovery is pain free (in 4 years I... more

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

CO2 will improve the texture and color too

Fraxel Repair and other fractional CO2 systems give some tightening, but mainly help general photoaging symptoms like lines, wrinkles and especially blotchy discoloration. Ultrasound and radiofrequency tightening just gives some improved contours and lift. Many patients actually do need both.

Mary Lupo, MD
New Orleans Dermatologist

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