Is there a nonsurgical alternative to a facelift? At our plastic surgery practice in Chicago, it’s a question we hear a lot. While nothing can quite compare to the results a surgical facelift achieves, PrecisionTx laser skin tightening may be one of the most effective alternatives yet. This minimally invasive treatment addresses laxity on the lower face and neck without surgery and with only minor downtime.
Read on to learn more about the laser facelift approach and whether it may be a worthwhile option for you.
What is the PrecisionTx laser facelift?
The PrecisionTx laser facelift, or laser skin tightening, is a minimally invasive treatment that rejuvenates the lower face, jawline, jowls, and neck by simultaneously slimming the area and firming the overlying skin. Using heat energy to reduce fat deposits and stimulate collagen production in the skin, it delivers a multifaceted approach to contouring with results that ideal candidates have found very gratifying.
What is the PrecisionTx treatment experience like?
PrecisionTx requires only a local anesthetic and takes just 45 to 60 minutes. At the beginning of the procedure, we’ll make 3 small incisions, 1 behind each ear and 1 under your chin. These incisions are so small they don’t require any stitches and aren’t visible once healed.
We use these incisions to insert a small cannula that contains a laser fiber. This laser heats the skin, fat, and connective tissue in precisely targeted areas, causing the fat to melt and the skin to contract. The excess fat is safely suctioned away, leaving behind a more sculpted and younger-looking lower face and neck.
How long is the recovery process after PrecisionTx?
Because the procedure doesn’t require a general anesthetic or stitches, recovery is fairly quick. Most people are back to work in 2 or 3 days. You’ll wear bandages for 36 hours and a chin strap at night for the first few days to minimize swelling and encourage a smooth result. During this time, you may experience some swelling and soreness with very minor bruising.
While you’ll likely see a difference early on, your results will continue to develop for the next few months as collagen rebuilding takes place, and your skin becomes firmer and tauter.
Who is a good candidate for laser skin tightening vs. a surgical facelift or neck lift?
Laser skin tightening is best for those with mild to moderate skin laxity and fat deposits, such as those who may be considering a mini-facelift. It can work well as a pre-emptive facelift alternative for those who are seeking facial rejuvenation but aren’t yet ready for a full facelift. (Learn more about pre-emptive facelifts in this related blog post.)
A surgical facelift is typically a better investment for people with more significant signs of aging. Though it’s more invasive and involves a longer recovery process, a surgical facelift allows for more dramatic results and long-lasting improvements.
To see examples of the results you can expect after a laser facelift with PrecisionTx, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.
If you would like to learn more about surgical and nonsurgical facelift options in Chicago, please contact us online or call (312) 788-2560.
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