Combining fractional carbon-dioxide laser resurfacing with face-lift surgery

The human face ages in three different ways: tissues descend; the skin develops rhytides, dyschromia, and numerous lesions; and facial volume is lost. Face-lift surgery and skin resurfacing are two of the mainstays of facial rejuvenation. Today, carbon-dioxide laser resurfacing is, arguably, the gold standard for resurfacing the skin. This article describes the rationale and application of simultaneous fractional laser resurfacing with face-lift surgery. The discussion includes the author's technique, preoperative and postoperative regimens, and experience.