Laser Face-Lifts - Resurfacing the Facial Skin

Laser face-lifts are not really "face lifts" but procedures to take care of fine lines around the mouth and eyes. They do give a lift to the face by bringing out more radiance and making the face appear younger.

Laser resurfacing for the face uses a CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser to strip away layers of skin that has been damaged by scarring or that has fine lines. While this kind of procedure does not rid a person of wrinkles altogether, the results are less visible lines and clearer, more radiant skin.

The technique is often used with typical or mid face-lifts, making the combined results more dramatic. The face-lift takes care of the sagging and the resurfacing solves problems with fine lines.

The most intensive results from laser resurfacing occur during the healing process as new skin is formed, replacing older and damaged skin. This build up of new skin cells gives a more youthful glow.

This kind of resurfacing can be done lightly - taking off very little skin, or more deeply - taking off several layers. Often, the procedure is a combination of shallower and deeper resurfacing. The deeper resurfacing is done to remove more damaged skin, deeper wrinkles or scars. Healing time depends on how deeply the laser has penetrated.

It takes anywhere from a few minutes to an hour and a half to complete laser resurfacing. The length of time depends on how big an area is to be resurfaced and how deeply the laser must penetrate.

The procedure is not recommended for those with darker skin tones because of the risk of skin pigmentation problems. Those who have acne are discouraged from having laser resurfacing done as it can aggravate the condition and promote more scarring. However, when one's acne is gone and there are scars left, resurfacing can improve the skin's appearance in a big way.

It takes several days to heal from having a laser face-lift and for several months, the skin will be extremely sensitive to the sun. Staying out of the sun or wearing protective accessories and sunscreen is recommended after having resurfacing done.

As with any other type of procedure involving the skin, there is a risk of infection. Be careful to note any extra swelling that occurs a day or so after having the procedure. Watch for increased redness, soreness and fever.