Face-lifts plastic surgery article from Plastic Surgery of Southern Connecticut

Member of American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Member - American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities

Home > In the Media > Face-lifts Without the Scalpel?

Face-lifts without the scalpel?

Light and radio waves may be another option

Traditional treatments to lift sagging skin and smooth wrinkles have relied on surgery lasers and chemical peels — all of which require days or weeks of healing and, often, hiding.

But dermatologists and other doctors who specialize in cosmetic or laser surgery say they are rapidly developing methods to beautify the body without as much as a needle or a knife.

These procedures, loosely referred to as non-ablative therapies (meaning no cutting is involved), are already making their way into the marketplace in major cities.

Unlike more common treatments, which alter the top layers of skin by damaging them, the noninvasive methods focus on tissue beneath the skin. Using special frequencies of light or radio waves, the techniques trigger cellular changes that produce gradual benefits over a period of months. These "rejuvenation" procedures don't produce the dramatic effect that traditional therapies provide, but they also don't require seclusion.

Dr. Jeffrey Rosenthal, chief of plastic surgery at Bridgeport Hospital, says he does not use these techniques, but notes that they have "good theoretical potential."

"They all need more studies and long term follow-ups," he says, adding that not enough is known yet about the risks of these procedures. "If indeed they work, they don't have a long track record."

"At this point, it doesn't replace good [plastic] surgery," Rosenthal says.

Westport plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph B. O'Connell agrees.

"The jury is still out on non-ablative therapies," he says, but adds that they have "great promise for the future."

The new treatment, which are typically less expensive than surgery, are best suited for people in their late 30s and 40s, when skin usually begins to show signs of aging.

Face-lifts plastic surgery excerpt featured in The Los Angeles Times, by Shari Roan.

Related plastic surgery articles and procedures

To contact Connecticut plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph B. O'Connell about any cosmetic surgery procedures, please fill out our contact form or call us at (203) 454-0044.

Plastic Surgery of Southern Connecticut
208 Post Road West • Westport, CT 06680
Phone: 203-454-0044 • Email: jbomd@aol.com