Which Should I do First, Facelift or Fractional Laser Resurfacing?

Question

Which should be done first for a patient requiring 2 procedures, a facelift or fractional laser skin resurfacing? Thank you.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

My advise is if your plastic surgeon agrees - do both procedures at the same time and just have one recovery. This is what I recommend to the majority of my patients ( for example I do not offer this option to smokers). If you are determined to do them separately there is some theoretical advantage of doing the laser period secondly and including the facelift scars that might also benefit from the laser treatment as well as giving further tone to the facelift skin.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

There is not set rule.  I recommend either facelift first followed by resurfacing at six weeks or facelift and fractional laser resurfacing at the same time.

	To be sure you are a good candidate for these procedures. See two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in consultation.

	I hope this helps.

Romy Ahluwalia, MD · Answer

Resurfacing laser  can be done before surgery (usually 2weeks) or after (usually 4weeks). Some surgeons also combine the facelift with  resurfacing lasers. Ultimately the two work really well together so I highly recommend it

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD · Answer

There is no set rule. However, I generally try to determine what the predominant factor is that needs to be addressed: is it a structural change that facelifting techniques use or is it a textural change that peels or lasers are designed for? I usually advise the patient to perform the predominant correction first. If they are equal, then I approach the structural changes first.

	Robin T.W. Yuan, M.D.

Jason Pozner, MD · Answer

A combined facelift and laser resurfacing is a very common procedure in our practice (with fat grafting as well). The key is to limit the amount of laser on the lifted portion of the skin. This is a very safe combination in experienced hands and I have written many articles about this technique. If you prefer a staged procedure it really does not matter which is performed first.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

II recommend that you have the facelift first and then, after you have healed, move on to the Fraxel procedure if you still feel that it is necessary. You should allow a minimum of six weeks, and preferrably more, to elapse between procedures.

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi.

	Laser resurfacing is most effective for lines around the mouth and around the eyes, and we do it together with facelift.  So you only have one procedure and one recovery.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Both these procedures rejuvenate the face. The Laser corrects the damage from the sun and generally eliminates crinkles and lesser wrinkles. I usually require a skin care regimen such as the Obagi system first to reduce the risks of the procedure. The Facelift corrects the effects of gravity and skin stretch.It eliminates deeper wrinkles and folds. I will usually start someone with both problems on the Obagi sustem to prime the skin. I then do the facelift to correct as many of the wrinkles as possible. The Obagi increases vascularity and makes the surgery safer. Whatever wrinkles and crinkles are left, I then do the Laser to smooth them, again with well prepped skin. Although reversing this process can work, i have found this the safest method with the best results overall

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Technically, you could do either one first...just separate them by at least 6 months. However, if you're having the Laser to treat unwanted lines and wrinkles, then the face lift should be done first which removes and tightens the skin causing lines and wrinkles to be less deep. This will require less Laser depth penetration and a faster recovery IMO.

David Alessi, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

A facelift and laser resurfacing are two surgeries that can be done at the same time generating great results. All of your healing from the two procedures will be done at the same time with only one anesthesia. These are two beneficial benefits. A facelift enhances the facial structure and the laser procedure improves the texture, fine lines and pigmented areas. After having these two procedures it is always a good idea to begin a skin care maintenance program

Which Should I do First, Facelift or Fractional Laser Resurfacing?

Answers (11)

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