Fractional CO2 Laser (two treatments) and mini facelift. Is this the best option for me?

Question

I am 61 and was told by my doctor that I needed above to help with fine lines, sun spots and wrinkles. The doctor also said that I needed a facelift that would start at the temple and go around my ears because the laser alone wouldn't help my neck. I don't have any excess fat on my neck, just lines. No excess fat in my face either or chin. Do you think this is the best option for me?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

These can be treated with the above procedure, but an in person consultation is needed as you may be a better candidate for other treatments.  Neck sounds like ThermiRF/ThermiTight or VASER and co2 laser would work well.  Face would do great with co2 laser and/or microneedling/PRP.  Facelifts do not correct lines/wrinkles just laxity. Best, Dr. Emer.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

Without pictures its difficult to say whether a facelift would help. However, if you have a hanging neck and jowls with facial lines- the CO2 laser will help with the facial lines but does not help excess skin on the neck and jowls. The only treatment for that at this stage will be some type of facelift with a neck lift. Facelift approaches vary by physician experience and will vary based on your physical examination. If you have concerns/questions, ask your Dr to show you pictures and expected results. CO2 laser is a wonderful addition to any facial rejuvenation surgery, I love the laser and the predictable results it gives me and the excellent results it affords my patients.

C. Coleman Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Laser resurfacing/Chemical peels/Thermismooth (RF) or similar are treatments that will improve the fine lines or texture of the skin. They won't specificallt tighten the skin but you may see some improvement with them in that regard. Modalities that improve tightening from underneath (VASER/SMARTLIPO/RF/ThermiTight, etc.) are nice and can augment the surface treatments to improve the laxity without  more invasive surgery. However, if there is significant jowling or neck skin anteriorly (under the chin down to throat area), you will likely need a more formal procedure such as face/necklift or just a necklift. Good luck,Dr. Brown

Peter J. Malouf, DO · Answer

Hello,I would strongly consider a second opinion.Getting more than one opinion may help eliminate bias and is always a good idea prior to having cosmetic surgery.Dr. Peter Malouf

J. Matthew Knight, MD · Answer

Hi!  Sorry that I can't be more specific without photos, but I wanted to comment that laser resurfacing and face lifting do different things that often are complementary.  Fractional CO2 is the gold standard for improving skin texture, mottled pigmentation, and helping with fine lines/wrinkles.  It also helps (slightly) tighten the skin.  CO2 does not help improve large wrinkles/folds or jowling/sagging skin.  These issues are addressed by traditional surgery like a face lift.  It is logical to combine these procedures, however I do not advocate CO2 surgery being performed at the same time as a facelift.

Fractional CO2 Laser (two treatments) and mini facelift. Is this the best option for me?

Answers (6)

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