Scalpel-Free Facelift!--Research Summary

BACKGROUND:   In 2011, facelifts were the most popular cosmetic procedures and on average the most expensive.  A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck.  Many people who consider this procedure want to correct sagging in the middle of the face, loss of muscle tone in the lower face, deep creases below the lower eyelid, fat that has fallen, deep creases along the nose extending to the mouth, or loose skin under the chin and jaw.  A facelift consultation will be conducted before the surgery can take place.  Certain things have to be discussed for safety purposes; for instance, why they want the surgery, what medical conditions they have, what previous surgeries they have experienced, and what medications they are on.  (Source:  plasticsurgery.org) 

RISK FACTORS:  As with any procedure, facelifts come with a variety of risk factors.  They include: bleeding, unfavorable scarring, infection, anesthesia risks, poor wound healing, correctable hair loss at the incision sight, facial asymmetry, skin loss, facial nerve injury, numbness or other changes in skin sensitivity, fluid accumulation, pain, skin discoloration and swelling, skin contour irregularities, deep vein thrombosis, and the possibility of revision surgery.   After the procedure is done and the patient is released, they must watch out for shortness of breath, unusual heart beats, and chest pains.  If one experiences any of these symptoms, then medical attention should be immediate.  (Source: plasticsurgery.org)

TREATMENT:  After surgery it is very important to follow all of the physician’s instructions in order to achieve success.  Professionals say that it is highly important for the surgical incisions to not be subjected to abrasion, motion during the time of healing, or excessive force.  Patients are advised to not wear any clothing that will go over the head.  Usually the doctor will give detailed instructions to the patient on how to care for oneself.  (Source: plasticsurgery.org)

NEW TECHNOLOGY:   An alternative to the expensive and invasive procedure would be LazerLift.  It is a precise laser facelift technology that will reverse the signs of aging without scalpels, stitches, and scars while cutting down the risks, costs, and recovery time associated with a facelift.  It works by safely heating and tightening the skin to stimulate the tissue coagulation and the formation of collagen.   It can help attack the physical signs of aging without harming surrounding tissue.  LazerLift uses ThermaGuide to provide the doctor with real-time temperature feedback during the procedure to avoid overheating the skin and deep tissue.  LaxerLift also provides results several months following the procedure for a natural and long-lasting look.  (Source: lazerlift.com)

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