Combined Facial Rejuvenation Using Endoscopic Face Lift and Laser Resurfacing

Kweon, Bong Sik; Cha, Jin Han; Park, Heung Sik

Abstract

Facial aging is a complex process of gravity-induced soft tissue ptosis and photoaging. In the standpoint of ideal rejuvenation, face lifting combined with laser resurfacing offers significant improvement in aesthetic outcome unachievable by either procedure alone and has many advantages. Neverthless, the simultaneous combination has never been popularized due to the non-specific thermal effects of the laser and risks of skin necrosis in Korea. This report documents the safety and effectivness of combined procedures when using systematic consideration and modified techniques in orientals. This study included 26 Fitzpatrick type III, IV orientals who didn't complaint lower face aging. A dramatic rejuvenation in soft tissue reposition and skin quality was produced in combined endoscopic forehead and midface lift with laser resurfacing cases. The standard forehead lift using endoscopic subperiosteal deep plane seldom interfere flap resurfacing. An endoscopic subperiosteal and subcutaneous midface lift repositions the midface tissue effectively without preauricular incision. Newer variable pulse Er:YAG lasers allow precise ablation and coagulation separately. The minimal excessive thermal injury from variable Er:YAG lasers, modified techniques for flap and skin care program would make it possible to safely perform laser resurfacing with surgical facial rejuvenations on non smokers. There were no incidents of persistent erythema or pigmentation abnormality, scar, full thickness flap necrosis. By following the considerations suggested in this report, the combination of controlled skin resurfacing with face lifting may be safe and effective in orientals.