With all the different skincare gimmicks and trends out there, it can be hard to find something that actually produces the results you’re after. The first step to real improvement is to consult with a medical professional. As a team of board-certified plastic surgeons, we offer a range of facial rejuvenation options tailored to address your specific skin concerns.
Two of the most effective approaches—CO2 laser resurfacing and facelift surgery—address different layers of facial aging. Understanding how each works and what it can achieve will help you choose the treatment that best aligns with your goals.
Facial Aging
Before you can decide how to treat signs of aging, it’s helpful to understand why they appear. Wrinkles, volume loss, and other skin irregularities are caused by genetics, the environment, and your lifestyle.
The most effective way to address these issues is to prevent them from developing. Simple daily habits can go a long way toward preserving your skin’s health and vitality:
- Apply sunscreen daily to protect against UV damage.
- Avoid smoking, which accelerates collagen breakdown and aging.
- Limit alcohol consumption to help maintain hydration and skin elasticity.
- Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that supports skin renewal.
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Exercise regularly to promote circulation and a healthy glow.
- Follow a consistent skincare regimen tailored to your skin type.
Of course, even the most diligent skincare and lifestyle routine can’t stop time entirely—eventually, more advanced treatments may be needed to restore a youthful look.
Your Treatment Options
No matter how well you take care of your skin, the signs of aging can still appear. Laser resurfacing and facelift surgery can effectively address your skin concerns. However, these 2 treatments are not equal, so candidates for one procedure may not be right for the other.
Laser Resurfacing
We offer TotalFX™ facial laser treatments here at Houston Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. TotalFX uses advanced fractional CO2 lasers to target both the surface and the deeper layers of the skin to remove dead skin cells and stimulate collagen growth. This results in firmer skin and reduced wrinkles and superficial scarring.
Treatment Details: Laser treatments are performed at our office. Once your skin is prepared, one of our experts will move the laser handpiece across your skin, delivering short bursts of energy precisely where you need it.
Recovery: In the days following your treatment, your skin may look and feel as if it’s sunburned. This is normal and should resolve on its own. Until then, it is especially important to avoid unnecessary sun exposure.
Facelift Surgery
If you have more noticeable facial aging, nonsurgical options may not adequately accomplish your cosmetic goals. A facelift can provide more dramatic results. Candidates for this procedure have one or more of the following qualities:
- Laxity on the jawline or chin
- Wrinkles, lines, or folds around the nose and mouth
- Loss of volume in the cheeks
- Sagging skin in the midface
Surgery Details: We perform all facelift procedures in our fully accredited surgical suite. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. One of our surgeons will first make your incisions, then lift and reposition the tissue and muscles beneath the skin. They will remove the excess skin and finally close the incision with sutures.
Recovery: Facelift surgery requires more downtime than laser resurfacing and other nonsurgical options. Typically, patients can return to work within a week or 2 after surgery. If your job requires manual labor or vigorous activity, you may not be able to return to work as quickly. We will give you more specific advice during your consultation.
Results: Facelift results can be maintained for years to come with good skincare habits and regularly scheduled filler treatments.
Combining Laser Treatment and Facelift Surgery
For some patients, the best results come from combining procedures. Laser resurfacing can enhance facelift outcomes by improving skin texture and tone once deeper tissues have been lifted. Learn more about how to decide which procedures to combine to achieve your most comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Individualized Treatment
When you come in for a consultation, we will help you decide between laser resurfacing and facelift surgery, and we will also create a customized treatment plan that will help you look and feel your very best. We can recommend complementary treatments or procedures that fit your unique needs.
If you want to discuss your options, request a consultation online or call our office at (281) 282-9555.
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