Upland Doctors

Will Full Face Lift Require General Anesthesia Which May Displace Front Teeth Dental Work?

55 y/o F considering full face lift vs lifestyle lift...the lifestyle lift was a consideration because i worry about displacing/destroying fragile dental work involving two front upper teeth if i have general anesthesia...still in research mode, please advise. Thanks. I do understand that full face lift with general anesthesia allows deeper/greater repair.

Experienced anesthesiologists are very skilled at intubating patients without causing any damage to the teeth. I have done a lot of cases under general anesthetic and I can't recall ever seeing a tooth being compromised.

Facelift procedures are amenable to a variety of general anesthetic options. Standard intubation with an endotracheal tube is one option, use of an LMA is a second options, and conscious sedation without airway support using IV sedation medications is a third option. It is possible to do a detaied and thorough lower facelift and neck lift under local anesthetic. It is very difficult to address mid-face aging and aging in the brow under local.

I would do multiple consultations and find the opinion that you are most comfortable with. I would not let the fear of damage to your teeth be a deciding factor. The risk is minimal and you may regret it. Good luck!

Todd C. Miller, MD

Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon

What is the Lifestyle Lift? Is It As Good As a Mini Facelift?

I am wondering if the Lifestyle Lift is the same thing as a mini lift or a verticle lift, just much more advertising.

A mini facelift results in mini results. There is a big push form minimally invasive surgery which, in many instances is very appropriate. The concept of a mini facelift is great advertising but it frequently yields disappointing results.

A lifestyle lift is a lower third facelift that addresses jowling and neck laxity (turkey neck).  Most surgeons use a smas plication or imbrication technique which is a method of anchoring the muscle in a more elevated position. The lift involves an incision around the ear and into the hairline as well as a small incision under the chin. This is one of the most traditional facelift techniques available. It is not revolutionary and it is not a "mini" lift.

There are a lot of private practice plastic and facial plastic surgeons who are capable of giving you a much better experience and much more tailored procedure that meet your unique needs. I would visit with at least three other qualified and experience surgeons and go with the surgeon who you trust will get you the results you are looking for and a great experience. Good Luck!

Todd C. Miller, MD

Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon

How Long Bruising and Swelling Lasts after Lifestyle Lift?

I'm scheduled to have eye surgery and LSL soon and I need to know how long the bruising and swelling last? was it painful?

Everybody heals at their own unique pace. I typically advise my patients who are undergoing facial rejuvination surgery that they can expect to be off of work for 10-14 days, depending on the type of work they do. The more strenuous the work, the more time off required. I usually advise that roughly 75% of the visible swelling, bruising, and scarring will resolve in the first 10-14 days. It can take up to several months for all of the swelling and brusing to resolve and the patient may feel firmness in the cheeks and neck for 3-4 months.

I have had patients undergo a face and neck lift with a chin implant, lower eyelid surgery, and fat transfer who were ready for post-operative pictures after 3 weeks. I have had other patients who have taken 2-3 months before we have a good idea of what the final result will be. The most important point to focus on is that the surgeon needs to be able to do a detailed, thorough procedure in order to give you the most longevity. If that requires a little more healing time it is worth it.

Todd C. Miller, MD

Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon