“Dear Dr. Seckel, Local television stations have been promoting a lower face lift procedure called the lifestyle lift which they claim produces little bruising, a same day return to work, and is done under local anesthesia. Is this procedure safe and/or effective?” –Mary Jean, Atkinson NH
Dear Mary Jean,
I do not know the details of the lifestyle lift.
I have however been a plastic surgeon for 25 years and am very experienced at face lift surgery. In many cases a face lift can be done under local anesthesia and procedures done under local anesthesia generally are easier to recover from than those done under general anesthesia. However any face lift which involves actual surgical incisions on the face is to say the least a traumatic experience for the patient and returning to work the same day of a procedure may be possible for some, it is not something I would recommend. Following even a minor face lift under general anesthesia I recommend that my patients go home and rest with their head elevated for several days. Over activity of any kind following a face lift can cause bleeding and other complications.
My sincere recommendation to anyone considering a face lift or other surgical rejuvenation procedure is that they consult an experienced board certified plastic surgeon and let the surgeon recommend the procedure which will best correct the facial aging change that is of concern to the patient, whether it is a face lift, mini lift or possibly a skin tightening procedure which is one of the new non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures.
Radio and TV ads, internet ads, etc., are marketing efforts and cannot replace the consultation and advice of an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.
The consumer needs to be very cautious. As I say in my book Save Your Face “If it sounds too good to be true it usually is”.
Always seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. To find a board certified plastic surgeon call The American Board of Plastic Surgery – 215-587-9322 or visit their website .
Please read chapter 10 in Save Your Face – The Truth About Facial Aging, Its Prevention and Cure entitled “Don’t Let Just Anyone Touch Your Face”.
If you would like further information about the facelift or other facial rejuvenation questions visit my Boston Plastic Surgery Practice, contact me or read Save Your Face.
Boston, Massachusetts
Peabody, Massachusetts