Laser Facelift

Laser Facelift Bellevue & Kirkland

Between the ages of 30 and 50 people often begin to see more pronounced signs of aging. From wrinkles to sun damage to descending facial structures, rejuvenation often becomes more important during these two decades. However, many patients may want a longer lasting solution that BOTOX, fillers, and medical esthetics can offer. Since most people between those ages are not yet candidates for a facelift, it may seem like they are out of luck. Thankfully, laser technology now offers a solution. Dr. Khezri at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery performs the best laser facelift Bellevue and Kirkland offers,

Laser Facelift: How It Works

A laser facelift utilizes an ablative CO2 laser to improve the quality of and tighten the skin. Using a combination of heat and light, the laser beams penetrate the upper and lower layers of skin. It creates controlled damage that specifically targets damaged, dead, and lax skin. The body will treat this like any other wound and dispose of the damaged cells and increase collagen production to replace them.

Collagen is a vital protein to the skin. It is responsible for keeping the skin healthy, supple, and smooth. After about the age of 25, collagen production naturally and gradually begins to decrease. This makes the skin more susceptible to damage from free radicals and reduces the skin’s support system which leads to saggy, thinner skin.

The laser promotes and increases collagen production. This treats a variety of signs of aging and even some skin conditions. As healing commences, the renewed skin should be of better quality.

Laser Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift

When comparing the laser facelift and the traditional facelift, it is important to remember that they tend to have a different patient profile. Laser facelift patients tend to be younger than the average facelift age and have only mild to moderate signs of aging. They may also be generally more concerned with the quality, thickness, or health of their skin than sagging skin.

A facelift surgery patient is likely to be over 50, have significant sagging along their lower face and neck, and have moderate to severe signs of aging. While laser resurfacing may benefit their skin, it would not provide adequate skin tightening results. Therefore, in this case, a combined facelift and laser resurfacing surgery may be recommended.

A surgical facelift tends to provide longer lasting, more dramatic results. For patients without the necessary sagging to correct, a laser facelift can deter skin sagging, increase collagen production, and tighten the skin.

History Of Facelifts

Facial plastic surgery goes back centuries with early versions of the rhinoplasty appearing in ancient times. The facelift, however, did not see its modern precursor until the early 20th century. The first true facelift was said to be performed in 1916 by a German surgeon and sculptor, Erich Lexor. 

Skin tightening procedures and failed facelift attempts had occurred before Lexor’s successful facelift, but it was Lexor who truly pushed the procedure forward. Surgeons continued to replicate his techniques for decades. While his facelift technique was innovative at the time, it resulted in a windswept look that patients and surgeons alike no longer favored.

Throughout the 20th century, the facelift continued to be perfected. The SMAS and deep plane facelifts emerged towards the mid to end of the century. Around the same time, laser technology advanced and was used for skin tightening as well as in conjunction with facelift surgery. Eventually, practitioners began using lasers to tighten the skin of younger patients to treat the earlier signs of aging.

Benefits

A laser facelift comes with many benefits for ideal candidates. The procedure provides better results than non-ablative laser treatment, but does not come with the recovery or downtime of traditional surgical laser skin resurfacing procedures. Among some of the other benefits of a laser facelift include:

• Tighter, more youthful skin
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Treat sun damage and hyperpigmentation
• May improve mild to moderate skin sagging
• Contribute to thicker, more supple skin
• Increase collagen production
• Improve the look of jawline and neck
• May prolong the need for a surgical facelift
• Less downtime and recovery than surgical facelift or laser resurfacing
• Performed under local anesthesia; reducing risk and side effects
• Low risk surgery
• No incisions
• Less surgical time

Laser Facelift: From Start To Finish

Consultation

Before undergoing a laser facelift in Bellevue, you will meet with Dr. Khezri. During this initial consultation, he will determine if you are an ideal candidate, describe the surgery, and give you an idea of the aftercare. 

First, Dr. Khezri will want to know what you specifically want to treat and correct with a laser facelift. He may then ask about aspects of your medical history and lifestyle. Finally, he may physically examine your skin. Following this discussion and brief examination, Dr. Khezri can determine if you are a good candidate for a Bellevue laser facelift.

Procedure

The laser facelift is performed in our state-of-the-art clinic environment. After checking in and undergoing the necessary preliminary screenings, you will come back to the clinic room. Dr. Khezri will start by administering local anesthesia. This may include injections of lidocaine, topical numbing agents, or a combination of both. Occasionally, an oral sedative may also be prescribed.

Once properly anesthetized, Dr. Khezri will cover your eyes. He will then adjust the settings of the laser to account for your skin type and tone. Dr. Khezri will begin your laser facelift at this point. This involves gently moving the laser across your skin. You should feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.

Depending on the treatment areas and other specifics of your procedure, the treatment can take anywhere from about 45 minutes to an hour and a half. The average time is about an hour.

Recovery

Since the laser facelift uses an ablative laser that removes the top layer of skin, patients should take about 24 to 48 hours of downtime. Typically this involves avoiding exercise, sun exposure, and social outings. Your skin may appear pinkish or red, so you will need to use caution during the first few days of your recovery.

You may need to temporarily discontinue aspects of your skincare routine such as cleansing, retinol, or exfoliation treatments. Moisturizing can usually continue and makeup can be applied after the initial period of downtime. Dr. Khezri may give more personalized instructions based on your specific laser facelift in Kirkland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does A Laser Facelift Last?

On average, results from a laser facelift last around three years under optimal conditions. Patients may choose to undergo the procedure on a yearly or semi-yearly basis to continue to treat new signs of aging and damage. When it comes to non-surgical facelift options, the laser facelift tends to last the longest.

Upon healing from your laser facelift, you can also undergo dermal filler injections or even a liquid facelift. This can further enhance your results. If you are interested in an injection procedure, discuss this with Dr. Khezri as he can evaluate if you are a good candidate and create a customized facial rejuvenation treatment plan for you.

Will It Hurt?

Dr. Khezri administers local anesthesia before treatment. He will continue to monitor you throughout the procedure to make sure you remain as comfortable as possible. You may feel some minor heat or what feels like rubberband snaps against the skin. This is generally the most pain patients feel. If you are particularly anxious about the potential discomfort, you can discuss using an oral sedative to keep you relaxed.

Is A Laser Facelift Safe For All Skin Tones And Types?

Yes, the settings of the fractionated CO2 laser used for the laser facelift can be adjusted to treat any skin tone or type. For patients with darker skin, the laser is placed on a lower setting and a higher setting for lighter skin tones. The same principles apply to skin type. Dr. Khezri will adjust the settings based on if you have sensitive skin, oily skin, and so on.

Can I Have It Under General Anesthesia Instead?

Potentially, although, Dr. Khezri may refer you to Dr. Jonov for this. You can discuss this during your consultation and determine the right anesthesia type for your Kirkland laser facelift.

How Much Is A Laser Facelift?

The cost of a laser facelift depends on the number of treatment areas and how many sessions you purchase upfront. The prices are as follows:

• Single Session (Face Only): $1500
• Single Session (Face & Neck): $2500
• Three Sessions (Face Only): $4000
• Three Sessions (Face & Neck): $6000

Fill out the form below to schedule a free consultation or ask any questions you may have.

The Best Laser Facelift In Bellevue And Kirkland With Dr. Khezri

Dr. Khezri is an aesthetic medicine physician with a background in BOTOX, fillers, laser skin resurfacing, and anesthesia. He has decades of experience providing non-surgical or local anesthesia cosmetic procedures to improve skin quality, improve facial symmetry, and treat aging. Dr. Khezri frequently enhances the faces of our patients based on their unique goals, whether it be with lasers, fillers, or BOTOX. Dr. Khezri provides the best laser facelift Bellevue and Kirkland have to offer.

The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery is located at the end of I-405, making it a convenient and easy to reach location for those on the Eastside. Featuring a cozy clinic environment, you can expect to remain perfectly comfortable during your visit to The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery. To schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator®.