How Is The Lifestyle Lift Performed?

Basics

A Lifestyle Lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is less invasive than a standard face-lift but produces similar results, report doctors at Lifestyle Lift, creators of the minimalist procedure, patented by Dr. David Kent. Doctors at other clinics and cosmetic-surgery practices have been trained in the procedure since its inception in 2001. As of 2009, there were more than 80 surgeons trained to do Lifestyle Lifts in clinics around the country.

Procedure

It takes about one hour in the doctor's office to receive a Lifestyle Lift. Patients receive a sedative prior to the surgery. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area being worked on. Loose facial tissues are repositioned and sutured in the hairline and behind the ears. At the same time, the muscles are tightened up, pulling the neck and facial skin taut. Excess skin is cut off and small sutures are used to repair the incisions.

Results

Doctors at Lifestyle Lift say that the procedure can help to define the jaw line, remove excess fat in the face and neck, lessen the appearance of wrinkles and tighten areas on the face that are drooping. The Lifestyle Lift is designed to be performed on the face and neck and is reported to be long-lasting. Doctors at Cosmetic Enhancement Online report that swelling and bruising will be present for a day or two, but should be relieved with ice compresses. Many people return to work the day after receiving a Lifestyle Lift, though most prefer to rest for a couple days until all the swelling has subsided.

Limitations

Since the surgery is minimally invasive, the skin is not pulled back for the surgeon to perform extensive reconstruction. People with very heavy necks often see little improvement. The Lifestyle Lift does not change the position or droopiness of the cheeks, nor does it remove or alter deep ruts beside the nose.

Candidates

Candidates for a Lifestyle Lift are those people typically over the age of 40 who are showing signs of aging in the face. People who have had dramatic weight loss also can benefit from a Lifestyle Lift to clean up the sagging skin that used to be filled with fat.