The SmartLipo^™ laser facelift is a new treatment for facial enhancement. It is gentler, less invasive and offers less downtime than a traditional, surgical facelift. The SmartLipo^™ laser facelift is a safe and effective treatment for the reduction in appearance of “turkey neck”, sagging jowls, lower eyelid bags, mouth lines (nasolabial folds), “lipstick lines”, “laugh lines”, sagging eyebrows and forehead lines.

How does the SmartLipo^™ laser facelift work?

Laser technology is a cutting-edge, highly effective method to significantly improve the safety and efficiency of many surgical techniques. Routinely used in dental procedures, Lasik eye surgery, reconstructive work and cosmetic treatments – including liposuction – laser technology is what sets the SmartLipo^™ laser facelift apart from other facelift procedures. Under local anesthetic, a highly calibrated laser fiber as thin as angel-hair pasta is inserted under the skin. Using treatment protocols that are specific for heating the skin, the laser fiber is gently guided back and forth while the surface temperature is closely monitored. At fifty degrees Celsius there is initial tightening of the collagen tissue. There is subsequent generation of new collagen resulting in ongoing tightening and lifting over three to six months.

How does the SmartLipo^™ laser facelift compare to a traditional, surgical facelift?

The SmartLipo^™ laser facelift is much less traumatic than a traditional, surgical facelift. There are no large incisions. The entry points for the laser fiber are smaller than a quarter-inch and are closed with only a single ultra-fine stitch. Consequently, the SmartLipo^™ laser facelift is performed safely under local anesthetic. With the SmartLipo^™ laser facelift, there is not the risk and discomfort of general anesthesia.

The treatment takes less time than a traditional facelift– usually lasting less than two hours. The longevity of the results is expected to be similar to a traditional facelift– between five and ten years.

Is there a recovery period?

Downtime is very brief. You can expect some discomfort for forty-eight hours and minor swelling and bruising for approximately one week; however, most clients can return to work and social events after a couple of days. In contrast, a traditional facelift often necessitates several weeks of recovery.

More specifically, recovery starts the moment Dr. Bair turns off the SmartLipo^™ laser. The client is then escorted to the lobby, where the local anesthetic can begin to wear off. The SmartLipo^™ laser facelift recovery does not involve the nauseating, disorienting recovery that general anesthesia typically brings about– which many people consider the most difficult element of the immediate recovery from a traditional facelift surgery. In fact, clients are usually sent home within one hour of the SmartLipo^™ laser facelift’s completion.

Dr. Bair will give you specific instructions on how to take care of yourself during recovery after the SmartLipo^™ laser facelift, and he may give you a prescription for minor pain medication. Cool compresses applied during the first twenty-four hours will help control swelling and bruising. You may be required to wear a compression garment if a neck treatment is performed. You will need to wear this for thee or four days to reduce swelling and aid healing.

The SmartLipo^™ laser facelift recovery is made up of several stages. Initial discomfort and areas of numbness (from the local anesthetic) resolve within forty-eight hours. The tiny stitches are removed in two to four days. Minor bruising and swelling resolve in approximately one week. Thereafter, the results improve over the course of three to six months with tighter skin and lifted, more youthful facial features.

How many treatments are required?

Typically only one treatment is required. Although many clients see some improvement after a week or two, continued improvements in the result are expected over three to six months.

Am I a candidate?

The SmartLipo^™ laser facelift is indicated for people with mild to moderate laxity and sagging of their facial features. Excessive laxity and sagging may only respond to a traditional, surgical facelift.

Additionally, you should have realistic expectations about the treatment’s capabilities; and while the SmartLipo^™ laser facelift can improve your appearance and self-confidence, it won’t necessarily match your mental ideal, nor cause other people to act differently toward you. Dr. Bair will review the benefits and risks of the SmartLipo^™ laser facelift with you during your complimentary consultation visit, and he will also clarify what the SmartLipo^™ laser facelift can do for you. Before you decide to have the SmartLipo^™ laser facelift, think carefully about your expectations and review them with Dr. Bair.

Complete facial rejuvenation may be achieved by complementing the SmartLipo^™ laser facelift with the Matrix RF^™ fractional skin resurfacing treatment and the facial filling treatment. The Matrix RF^™ treatment uses fractional sublative rejuvenation to smooth wrinkles and lines and tighten the skin from the surface down. The facial filling treatment can re-establish lost volume and further smooth deeper folds. The result of these combined treatments can take the appearance of years off your face. These options can also be discussed with you during your complimentary consultation.

• SmartLipo™ Laser Facelift