Published on 5 January, 2021 All of Dr Sharp’s facelift patients receive Fraxel non ablative laser resurfacing treatment, included as part of their facelift procedure. This is because facelift surgery reduces excess skin and lifts the underlying facial structure, but it does not improve skin quality in the way that a laser treatment does!We offer our facelift patients Fraxel resurfacing to reduce pigmentation, stimulate collagen production and aid postoperative scarring, for a truly holistic result – both above and below the skin.How does Fraxel improve pigmentation?Sun exposure, hormones and pregnancy can leave us with unwanted pigmentation, especially in Queensland, where our skin experiences high UV exposure. Pigmentation occurs when the body overproduces melanin, causing dark spots on the face and body. Fraxel laser resurfacing helps to lift off the pigmentation and age spots that can give the skin a prematurely aged appearance. Deep pigmentation can require multiple treatments, and if this is the case, we usually start with the complimentary full face Fraxel laser after facelift surgery initially, and then perform some small, spot-treatments on the pigmented areas about 12 weeks later, for any stubborn pigmentation.How does Fraxel laser change post operative scarring?Scars take about 24 months in total to reach full maturity, and scars will always be visible – but an early and proactive approach to your scar healing can significantly reduce the scar’s appearance and accelerate the maturation process. Fraxel is a powerful tool in the remodelling of scarring; when performed in the early scar healing period (explained here), it optimises the way in which the body lays down collagen in the scar itself, helping to make the scar smoother, lighter and less visible.Wherever possible, Dr Sharp places his facelift scars in the best position to be concealed by the natural ear fold or hairline. Fraxel can be especially beneficial for patients who like to wear their hair up – or those with thin hair, who are concerned about the visibility of facelift scarring around their ears and the hairline.How does Fraxel reduce fine lines and wrinkles?Facelift surgery will help to smooth out and tighten your skin in a way that no laser can – but you will still have fine lines and wrinkles on your face afterwards. It also won’t reduce the precancerous skin growths that we accumulate through sun exposure.That’s where Fraxel comes in, removing the upper layer of skin using strategic micro laser beams, stimulating collagen and elastic production, which helps to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. As our skin continues to age, and the Queensland sun accelerates our skin ageing due to solar damage, maintenance treatments every 1-2 years are recommended, so you continue to see results long into the future.All procedures carry benefits, risks and recovery. To learn more visit the Fraxel page on our website or book a complimentary consultation with our clinicians. View our clinician’s credentials on our About pages.
