Dear Dr. Seckel, I am in my early 50’s with sun damaged, lax skin. After reading through the topics on this forum, I believe my choices are a facelift with some Erbium laser resurfacing or a deeper CO2 laser peel. I have heard that a facelift “generally” has a shelf life between 5-15 years. What is unclear is how long does deep laser resurfacing results generally last? Is it common to have the facelift & laser resurfacing done at the same time? And once I have a younger looking face, I worry because I also have sun-damaged skin from my elbows to my hands. Is there any treatment for this area so they will blend in? Thanks, Ivy Jones San Diego, CA
Dear Ivy,
A properly performed face lift done by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon should last 10-15 years. There are many short cuts, mini face lift etc marketed today which will disappoint you so see 2 or 3 board certified plastic surgeons for a consult and follow the instructions in Chapter 10 of my book Save Your Face entitled “Don’t Let Just Anyone Touch Your Face”. This is a very important decision for you and you must be thoroughly informed and choose the best doctor. Please read Chapter 10 of my book.
The CO2 laser is the “Gold Standard” for laser resurfacing, laser peel, and laser skin rejuvenation to remove facial aging changes. I have patients who had CO2 Laser Resurfacing 11 years ago and they still look wonderful-the key is wearing sun block and taking good care of your skin after the laser procedure. The changes in the skin caused by the laser resurfacing or laser peel are permanent but continued sun damage can start the aging process over again.
However you cannot do a deep CO2 Laser Peel at the same time as a face lift but you can do a modified superficial CO2 laser Peel or superficial erbium laser peel in conjunction with a less extensive face lift.
What is best for you will depend on the needs of your unique face. If you have a lot of skin laxity and need an extensive face lift and neck lift then you should have the proper face lift first and wait 6 months to have your laser peel-that is the safest way.
There is a new, very exciting LaserLyte Peel™ using a new CO2 laser made by Lumenis called the Active FX laser. The ActiveFX laser skin peel is a much gentler laser skin rejuvenation procedure but of course it does not produce the same results as the old CO2unless you do a series of 2 or 3 peels over 6 months. However it is safer to do in conjunction with a modified face lift than a full face traditional deep CO2 Laser Resurfacing.
For my patients I do a series of 2-3 LaserLyte Peels™ to get about the same result I would get with the old deep CO2 peel—a much safer way to remove surface damage with far fewer potential complications and speedier recovery—4-6 days as opposed to 3-4 weeks. The machine is new and not widely available yet. You can read about the peel by clicking here.
If you would like to send me your photos I can give you a more informed opinion of what would work best for you.
As to your pigment removal on your arms and hands, the best therapy today is IPL or Intense Pulsed Light also called photo facial. I use the LuxGreen made by Palomar but there are many good IPL machines out there. IPL is safe to use on the hands and arms when done by qualified people in a physician’s office.
For more information on lasers, face lifts and non-surgical facial rejuvenation read Save Your Face or contact me.
Thank you for your question.
Boston, Massachusetts
Dear Dr. Seckel, Thank you for your timely response (I have attached a copy of my letter & your response below). This is a very big decision and I would love your input. I am attaching three photos. In one of the photos I am actually simulating what I hope a face-lift or laser resurfacing will do for me by holding back the lax skin, I lead a very active outdoorsy lifestyle that lead to basal cell skin cancer on
my face in my late 30’s. Since that time I have practiced good sun protection along with a healthy diet. I also have recurring actinic keratoses and moderate lipstick lines though I have never smoked. My mother tells me that my father’s ancestors wrinkled early, which feeds my fear that my DNA dooms me. The LaserLyte Peel™ sounds very exciting and I would love to find out more and see before and after photos. I also plan or reading your book. Heartfelt thanks for your time and advice. Ivy
Dear Ivy,
Thank you for sending me your photos. Your skin looks excellent and you do not need laser resurfacing. I do not think you need to worry about your DNA—your skin does not look like the type of skin that will age badly.
From your photos and your questions I believe a well-done face-lift will give you the correction you desire.
Please be sure to read Chapter 10 of my book and see two board certified plastic surgeons and ask the questions I recommend. Remember to also trust your “gut feelings”.
After you have a face-lift if you want your facial skin to be “freshened” then a LaserLyte Peel would be appropriate and should not lighten the skin if done properly at low settings.
If you would like to come to Boston to see me please call Michele at 617-262-2208 or check my clinical website.
Thank you,
Dr Seckel