It is possible to perform almost all the conventional plastic surgery procedures such as facelift, rhinoplasty, liposuction, and breast lift in varying degrees. The choice of a procedure depends on the needs of a particular case. There are patients who need only a minimal change, so any plastic surgery procedure will be performed only in a minimal degree. On the other hand, if a patient has lost 200 pounds following a gastric bypass surgery and is left with excess loose skin, a minor procedure is not going to help.
Laser is a major alternative available for some traditional plastic surgery procedures. Several large laser manufacturers try to convince plastic surgeons to opt for laser solutions instead of the traditional surgical methods. However, it must be noted that laser solutions are useful only in specific situations, and cannot be a substitute for all plastic surgery procedures.
In fact, many experienced plastic surgeons do not prefer to use laser alternatives over the traditional surgical methods. Lasers tend to contract the skin by burning it very slightly. Even though it does not make a burn scar or show a burn effect, the principle remains the same. Therefore, if the laser burns the skin enough for it to contract, a scar is bound to occur. On the other hand, if the laser does not burn the skin enough, the required skin contraction will not occur anyway. Therefore, a good result with lasers is not possible without an accompanying bad result.
Almost all experienced plastic surgeons have used laser surgery alternatives at one time or the other. But a majority of them have realized that traditional plastic surgery procedures continue to be more useful and effective for patients.
Back to facelift home page