Wondering if the Fotona 4d laser facelifting is worth it. Are there good results with reducing the marionette lines and nasolabi

Laser resurfacing is designed to remove wrinkling in sun damage with in the skin. Unfortunately the marionette lines and nasolabial folds are depressions along anatomic borders and not related to necessarily problems within the skin. Nonsurgical options which included fillers. The marionette line is very responsive to surgery. The nasolabial fold is generated by facial expression and reemerges.

While there are many technologies claiming to give comparable results, there really is no comparison to a traditional facelift.  A facelift can address the underlying muscle, tissue, fat and skin and can provide results lasting 10-15 years.  While laser does address skin laxity, texture and tone, the results may not be as significant nor as long lasting as a facelift however, you may see visible improvements.  Another option is Facetite which uses bipolar radio frequency to tighten the skin, melt the fat beneath the skin, improving the contour of the jawline, neck and lower face, which are often the concerns of people in their early 40's with mild to moderate signs of aging.Dr. Philip Solomon, Solomon Facial PlasticToronto, Canada

There are many non-surgical devices that purport to treat facial aging.  None of them create any significant facial rejuvenation result.  Before undergoing any treatment ask the doctor to see before and after photos of at least 5 consecutive patients that the doctor has treated on that device. Lasers and other devices can have some effect, but usually you have to look hard to see that result.  In my practice I routinely see patients present for facelift surgery that have had these non-surgical treatments elsewhere, and routinely they have been disappointed with the results.  

It is important to realize that any laser treatment is only going to make mild improvements in aging changes caused by laxity and tissue descent. It is not going to lift and pull like a facelift would. Lasers are great for ironing out the finer wrinkles, and in some cases, depending on the laser, can tighten the skin and off for a very slight lift. However, your provider must be honest about how much of an effect a given laser can provide. In general, lasers or better for texture and quality of skin, rather than actual lifting of structures. Post some pictures and we can better advise you.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Patients with only lines on their face can be improved markedly with chemical or laser peels. Skin tightening will be minimal so if you have excess skin sagging you need a facelift. See a very experienced facelift surgeon to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both treatments.

Please consult first with a board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon in your area. There is no laser treatment that will substitute the amount of improvement that you can get in the marionette and nasolabial lines that a traditional facelift or mini-facelift does. Pleae allow yourself the benefit of a second opinion from a facial specialist.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

It is not the"tool" that gets the results, it is the surgeon. There are a variety of devices , all used for the same goal. There is no magic wand. Start your search looking for the right doctor, not the right laserhope this helps

What is more important than the laser is the physician using it, who should be a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. There is currently no long term valid scientific data that shows the clinical benefit of this laser in achieving a "facelift".The
definition of facial rejuvenation varies from surgeon to surgeon and means
different things to different patients. In general it is the process to try to
reverse the facial appearance caused by aging. It may involve improving the
skin texture and complexion, diminishing skin discoloration, minimizing fine
lines and wrinkles, contouring hollows, or tightening loose tissue that has
lost its elasticity.
There are a variety of procedures, both non-surgical and surgical which can be
utilized to achieve these various goals. Fillers, Botox or Dysport, micro-fat
grafts, chemical peels, a skin care program, lasers, skin tightening, and
surgical lifts are some of the methods that are used to achieve a cosmetic
improvement. Each has advantages and disadvantages as well as limitations of
what they can achieve. The best technique or combination of procedures depends
on desired outcome, individual anatomy, underlying medical health, and extent
of aging. There is no one approach that is ideal for everyone.
I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of
Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with who has all of
the modalities of treatment available. You should discuss your concerns with
that surgeon in person.
Facial rejuvenation needs to be individualized. What would be an ideal approach
for one patient is not necessarily the same for someone else. Based on the
examination and discussion at the consultation, you should have a better
understanding of the various options that can achieve the best cosmetic result
for you.
Robert Singer, MD FACS
La Jolla, California

The Fontana 4D laser is an attempt to use different laser modalities to heat and tighten the skin and the subcutaneous tissues.The technique is new and proprietary, so not many results out there for comparison.

The key to understanding changes with aging is to recognize that facial anatomy as well as facial changes which occur is predictable and the result of changing tissue positions as well as changes in the skin appearance. The use of technology to alter the tissue positions and contours 'under the skin' is not reliable and certainly not effective. The actual repositioning of tissue does alter the contours of the face so that persons 'feel better' with the result since it is effective. The contours change for many reasons but loss of 'volume/fullness' is also associate with changes in the location of of each tissue.