Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Probably just like you, I have heard both positive and negative comments about the LifeStyle Lift®. Both good and bad feedback from patients who have had it and usually bad feedback from surgeons who do not perform it. Of course the ones who do perform it are all positive about the technique. I haven’t had this procedure so I cannot tell you from personal experience what I feel about it. But I can analyze it and take technique (if I can get a straight answer about surgical technique) into account when considering the procedure for myslf.

Although I do not need a face or neck lift as of yet, I am sure there will be better techniques by the time I do. Or have we hit a surgical plateau and all we can do is improve upon wound healing and “age prevention”? One thing is for certain though; I’ll be making an appointment to do something when my time comes! I fully intend on fighting the effects of aging until they put me into the ground.

The LifeStyle Lift® is a bit of a phenomenon. It has an incredible amount of momentum from Lifestyle Lift Holding, Incorporated’s massive marketing campaign that it has become a household name of sorts. This procedure was also once called the Lunchtime Lift, if you remember. You’ve seen it on billboards across L.A., infomercials, radio commercials, plus it’s all over the Internet. There are also tons of jubilant testimonials, as well as “plants” (fake patients designed to garner patients). There are even surgical offshoots such as the Finesse Lift® designed by surgeons who at one point performed the LifeStyle Lift®, and then chose to tweak/improve its technique and call it their own.

What Exactly is the LifeStyle Lift?

The LifeStyle Lift® is a procedure created, coined and trademarked by Lifestyle Lift Holding, Inc. and only performed in LifeStyle Lift® Centers. The best way to describe this procedure is that it uses a less invasive approach to facial and neck lifting. Call it a mini-lift if you will. However, finding the exact specifics on how this procedure performed is like finding the Holy Grail. It is apparently a closely guarded secret; breaking into Fort Knox would be easier.

Although there are procedures which mimic this one, or are based upon similar techniques, the LifeStyle Lift® is a specific technique which incorporates small incisions in front and behind the ears, a small incision under the chin, and commonly submental liposuction (however this is extra). The procedure is performed in about an hour without the use of General Anesthesia (usually only local and a mild sedative such as an oral Valium are given). Although, some patients I have spoken to have used an intravenous sedative. I must report that the patients I have interviewed advised that they had numerous injections of local anesthetic. Although I have had procedures while completely awake, not many newbie patients can handle the sounds and smells of surgery. Take this into account if considering any procedure that is performed while you are awake.

Being a less invasive procedure, the results are not as dramatic or long lasting as a deeper, traditional face lift. Although the LifeStyle Lift® may be “ideal” for younger patients, mature patients needing more extensive lifting techniques would probably not benefit as greatly from the LSL as they would a traditional lift.

While the procedures is touted to be so less invasive that you can go immediately out in public, patients have advised the bulky pressure dressings they were instructed to wear for 72 hours would definitely keep them out of sight. Swelling is still an issue. Where there is injury, there is swelling. It is the body’s natural mechanism in healing itself. You can’t get around it. Not many people, I would think, can actually go back to work in a few days after this procedure. At least not the ones I have spoken to. You also must adhere to the same “no physical activity standards” as many other types of plastic surgery procedures. This is still surgery.

The cost is about $4,200 USD and up. A 1/3 of the price of a standard face lift. But, remember, this is a mini-face lift, not a deep plane face lift.

Would I Get The LifeStyle Lift?

No, I would not. Plain and simple. I have heard too many negative stories from the patients who have had it regarding their aftercare. Plus, the dissatisfaction of the many patients I have spoken to is enough to scare me away. Having had less invasive procedures and too-invasive-for-what-I-needed surgeries in the past, I have a good opinion of what I need to get the job done. And for me, this isn’t it.

This is not to say there have not been happy patients on the various forums I have rad. I just can’t imagine undergoing such a procedure without having first hand knowledge of patients who I know personally who can share their experiences with me. I also want to know the full specifics of the surgical technique. I want to know why the procedure only takes a little over an hour. I just don’t feel procedures should be rushed. Call me a skeptic, and I’ll be glad to accept it, but why, why, why?

Let me know what you think about this procedure. If you’ve had it, let me know! I want to hear about your experience—good or bad. Post some pics if you can. I know many of you may feel that the Internet may afford you some much-needed privacy, but showing photos lends more credibility on both ends of the scale.  Credibility is something which is invaluable with a procedure of such controversy and global marketing efforts. I welcome your comments, especially if you had this procedure and want to share your experience!