Facial Plast Surg 2011; 27(04): 299-307
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1283049
Review Article

Laser Face-Lifts: A New Paradigm in Face-Lift Surgery

Patrick McMenamin
1   Sciton Inc., and Cynosure, Inc., Sacramento, California
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Laser-assisted liposuction has been successfully applied to remove fat and contract skin in nonfacial areas. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of this technique in the face. Patients (n = 40) requesting improvement and a shorter recovery time received one of four laser face-lift (LFL) procedures. The target area was divided into ~15 squares, each around 5 × 5 cm. Each square was treated individually by laser-assisted liposuction to surface temperature end points of 38°C to 40°C. Anatomic areas treated included the submentum, jowls, neck skin, jaw line, cervicomental angle, oral commissures, and nasolabial grooves. Wavelengths were 1064 nm and 1319/1320 nm. Patients returned to their normal lifestyle within 6 to 7 days after treatment. Patient satisfaction was generally higher than that seen in patients receiving a conventional face-lift. Adverse events were limited to burns in two patients. The LFL is a less invasive treatment with acceptable efficacy, reduced downtime, shorter recovery, and lower cost compared with the traditional face-lift.



Publication History

Article published online:
26 July 2011

© 2011. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 
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