Facelift and skin resurfacing, same time or one before the other?

I have performed simultaneous face lift and fractional CO2 laser (face and neck) in hundreds of patients over a 10 year period.  I have done this on young and old patients with a variety of medical conditions.  I rarely modify the intensity of the laser treatment and I have seen no complications. The face lift and laser treatment can be done separately or together; however, most patients elect to combine the procedures to minimize cost and to economize on healing time. The addition of the laser does not extend the healing time for the face lift procedure. My very best. Good Luck. 

Thank you for your question. You are asking if facelift, fat transfer, and laser skin resurfacing with fractional CO2 laser can be done at the same time, or if they need to be done separately, how much time is need between procedures.
I can certainly help guide you with this question, even without a photo for reference, and without the benefit of a physical exam. As a facial cosmetic surgeon practicing in Manhattan and Long Island for over 20 years, I perform all types of facelifts regularly in my practice. I also perform laser and radiofrequency procedures, and own several lasers including fractional CO2, as well as volume augmentation procedures using implants, filler, and fat transfer.
The short answer is that you can certainly do these procedures at the same time. I usually do the facelift, with volume augmentation at the same time, using cosmetic fillers, facial implants, or fat transfer. I do find that cosmetic fillers give me the most accurate and customizable results.  For areas like the cheeks, jawline, and chin, I do prefer longer lasting, thicker fillers like Juvederm Ultra Plus, and Juvederm Voluma which can last 1-2 years, and can be reapplied without surgery after they are safely metabolized by the body. I use a special technique called Structural Volumizing to place filler at the bone level, and between the muscle, so they don’t migrate, and the look solid and defined, not soft and pillowy which can happen when placed in soft tissue, where they can migrate. Fat transfers to the face are a little unpredictable because 30-70% of transferred fat is absorbed by the body, and fat doesn’t retain a consistent shape one it is grafted. Due to fat absorption and unpredictability, expect at least an additional fat transfer procedure after the initial one. Facial implants can also be considered and done at the same time as facelift surgery. I do inform my patients that facial implants are not permanent, as the dimensions of the face do change with aging, so eventually they won’t fit as well. Fractional CO2 laser skin tightening and resurfacing can be done right after the sutures of the facelift are done. Other fractional lasers may also be considered like the Nd:YAG, or Erbium, depending on what can best help your specific skin type. I also often apply platelet-rich plasma to improve skin quality, and stimulate collagen, as well as the wound healing material extracellular matrix to help expedite healing of the facelift incision.I perform all facelifts under local anesthesia with LITE IV sedation, so patients can heal more quickly as they are not recovering from the effects of general anesthesia. They don't require an overnight stay, and can go home shortly after the procedure.
You may still need to maintain results some time after your facelift, which can involve additional laser treatment, volume augmentation with filler, and skin quality treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP). A facelift can last 5-10 years, but aging doesn’t stop, so maintenance procedures can keep you looking your best.
I suggest you meet with cosmetic surgeons for a full evaluation of your face, so the treatment options can be presented to you. You can then discuss with your doctor the plan for your comprehensive treatment. I hope you found this information helpful. Thank you for your question.

It is absolutely possible to have a facelift with fat transfer and laser resurfacing in the same surgical setting.  It is a very common practice and better for the patient with regards to comfort of having the laser procedure while under general anesthesia and recovering at the same time as the facelift.  Please be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgery with experience and expertise in facial rejuvenation.  Ask to see before and after photos of the surgeon's own patients.