Basics
The Lifestyle Lift is an alternative treatment for aging skin, replacing the traditional face lift. The procedure meant to firm sagging facial skin was developed by a physician in 2001 to offer patients an alternative to invasive surgery. The Lifestyle Lift is done under local anesthesia, is less expensive than radical cosmetic surgery and requires less recovery time. Doctors must be certified to perform a Lifestyle Lift, unlike traditional cosmetic surgery that can be performed by any medical physician. The Lifestyle Lift is designed to tighten the muscles in the neck, jawline and face to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, jowls and loose skin. The Lifestyle Lift is only performed in licensed centers, which can be located at the Lifestyle Lift website. There are about 30 centers open in 22 states.
Procedure
The procedure typically is done in the doctor's office and takes about an hour. Patients lie in a reclined chair, and the physician cuts and removes excess skin, much like a regular face lift. A sedative such as Valium is given to the patients, who will be awake to hear and smell the cutting and sewing. The skin is not peeled all the way back as in a traditional face lift, and there is little or no fat sucking involved. Instead, the muscles are pulled upwards and sutured strategically in places that will hold the muscles up. It is most effective on the jaw line; cosmetic surgeons licensed to perform the Lifestyle Lift usually recommend other cosmetic procedures for eye and brow procedures.
Candidates
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for a Lifestyle Lift. Those with excessive fat in the face should reduce before attempting the minimally invasive procedure because the effects will not be as noticeable. Ideally, patients should consider a Lifestyle Lift at the beginning signs of sagging or premature aging. Most insurance companies do not cover elective surgeries such as face lifts, which can cost upwards of $15,000. The Lifestyle Lift may be more suited to those with limited resources. The costs vary depending on the amount of work but usually range between $3,000 and $5,000.
Aftercare
Swelling and bruising will be apparent following the Lifestyle Lift, but promoters of the procedure say the aftereffects should begin to subside after two or three days, compared with two to three weeks needed for recovery from a major face lift. Cuts should be made behind the ears so that scars will not be visible. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers are usually all that are required. Many patients are up and showered the same day.
The results should last as long as a face lift--about 10 years before needing to be repeated. Equal number of complaints and praises can be found from former Lifestyle Lift patients. Check the credentials of the physician and talk to former patients of a particular clinic for the most reliable referrals.
Tags: Lifestyle Lift, face lift, cosmetic surgery, perform Lifestyle, perform Lifestyle Lift