Is A Laserlift Or A Facelift Better For Me?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I wanted to know which its a better choice between a facelift or laserlift. My concern is since my face is thin and non-fat, its more sagging skin around my jaw line and a little on my neck. I don’t know if the laser will really tighten my skin or cutting it will produce a better result.

A: While I don’t know what your face looks like and the degree of jowl and neck sagging that is present, it is fair to say that any form of a so called ‘laserlift’ pales in comparison to what a real surgical facelift can do. All so-called non-surgical ‘facelift’ technique only produce a mild amount of skin tightening that is very temporary at best. Regardless of the device used, its results are extremely modest and are best reserved for those patients whose skin laxity issues are so slight that the consideration of any form of a facelift is premature. Think of non-surgical facelift methods as a delaying tactic to push back by a few years the need for surgical improvement. In short, non-surgical facelifts are not a substitute for even the most minor form of a surgical procedure. Be aware that facelifts today have evolved so that they are done in minor to major forms depending upon the amount of jowl and neck work needed. They range from simple jowl lift procedures to more extended neck-jowl lifts. Often the debate between non-surgical vs surgical facelifts comes down to a decision between non-surgical skin tightening and a jowl lift. (level 1 facelift) For the economic investment and duration of effect, the far better value is almost always the surgical facelift hands down.