Also try: Lifestyle lift
I am scheduled to have the Lifestyle Lift performed at the end of the month
I have heard varying opinions as to whether this is a viable procedure. I am concerned about results ( a visable lifting of the loose skin in my lower/mid face, a softening of my "marionette lines") and the resulting scar. Can anyone address my concerns? Any input in VERY much appreciated!
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5/9/07
Cancel appt ASAP and schedule consult with Board Cert. plastic surgeon!!!
I had this proc in dec05, my face is almost back to the way it looked prior to surg. Results do not last any where near as long as they say and its also alot, and I do mean ALOT more painful than they tell you. Believe me when I say the entire Lifestyle Lift is a marketing scheme. The person you have consult with gets commission (like $150.00-$200.00)for every surgery booked so they really down play what its really like. Service is less than what you get at a fast food chain, actually Wendy's has pretty good service so I won't insult them with comparing LL to them but the pics are also touched up. I learned this after the fact from a girl who used to work at office. The people they hire don't stick around long. I had to have over 8 appts after surg and it was always with someone different. The sutures they talk about do resurface for almost every one, not just the 1 in 3000 they tell you in consent form, by the way did you ask to see that? Be careful who you take advice from on these boards, LL has alot of people working PS boards to brag about procedure and put down people who complain about it. Even if consult cost alittle, its much better to get real surgeon opinion on this, you'll hear the truth about it, be prepared for alot of pain from injections, like 30 in each ear, that was the worst!!! I wouldn't mind if results held but when I had they promoted it lasted 10 years but so many people complained about their false advertising that now they say it last 3 years if your lucky. The entire "LL chain" is a scam, only a matter of time before its shut down. The Dr. who did my surg won't do them any more for that office cos of all the complains about them misrepresenting the procedure. He had to stay on for awhile to fullfill contract but he bailed, didn't want his rep ruined by Lifestyle Lift's reputation.
5/9/07
Almost forgot to answer your actual question about scaring, its very visible even after yr and half, and my surgeon actually did good job in that area but you can really see the ones behind ear, its ugly and globby. They tell you it smooths out but only alittle. I almost fainted after I had done and looked and cuts behind and in front of ears, its alot more than the pics they show you. I can cover with makeup but in summer if swimming everyone can see them. As far mid face sagging, you may look better for first month while face is swollen and really tight, and I do mean really tight that you cna't even laugh right but that only last a few months. Once swelling is gone you'll be dissappointed that theres not really much difference. Don't mean to be so negative but I really do not wish what I went through on anyone.
3/11/08
Hi Lynn, I see you had this done in Detroit, or Troy, if I am correct. I am scheduled for the lift, but decided to cancel after finding this website, and reading comments for days. I called, but was talked out of canceling at least the doctor consult next week. I just want my $400 back as I already know I can't go through with this right now. I was upset when she talked me into setting up a temporary new surgery date and still seeing the doctor. Can you tell me anything about your experience and the doctors in Detroit? Thanks Lynn.
Kathy
3/11/08
I am scheduled to have this procedure at the end of April, after reading this I am scared to death! Is there any good input on this or shall I just cancel?
3/15/08
Hi Kim, I finally just canceled the other day. Since I was always put on hold so much whenever I tried to call, I sent a fax and also certified letter. The consult woman also called me back when she got the fax. I told her not to try and talk me into it again. I have read that people are having a hard time getting their deposits back, and I hope it's not that way for me! I have two other consults planned with doctors that I have gone to for other things, but I may just do the lasers for not until winter again. I think this is one case where I would feel more comfortable in a smaller opertion and not like on an assembly line. Good luck with whatever you decide! KM
3/23/08
Hi Kim, I too an having second thoughts about this procedure. In fact I called to cancel but a few days later was contacted by the manager of the office to convience me to keep my appointment. Now I am confused about what I should do. I like you, am also considering the laser procedure instead. I realize everyone's outcome is different but I can't get past the horror stories I've read. I would appreciate any of your thoughts....
KN
3/23/08
Hi..I'm scheduled to have the LL on April 3rd. It is with Dr. Khoury. Could you please tell me anything about him? I was scheduled last year, but chickened out.
What is this laser procedure you talk about....maybe I would opt for that...thanks for anything you can tell me
KB
3/23/08
Hi Lynne....could you please tell me your opinion of Dr Khoury. I am scheduled to have the LL on April 3rd...and I'm wondering if I should cancel...Please help me with anyting you can....thanks, KB
3/23/08
Hi, I also was talked into not canceling at first, but then read some more scary things, and sent them a canceling fax and certified letter the next day as they are bad about putting you on hold. Then she called me when she got the fax. I still have not received my refund. I have had a micro laser peel, the one that goes quite deep and takes weeks to heal. It does improve the skin a lot. I went for a paid consult with the doctor where I get my laser the other day. He is a board certified ENT and plastic facial surgery. I know his reputation as the best. I admitted to him what I had went through with LSL, and he laughed because he had worked with them for a couple of weeks once. He said you are like a 3 on an assembly line, and knew the whole routine I went through. I am so glad I talked to him as I knew he would be the one I went to for anything I have done now. He took pictures of my face, and told me he would like to do Sculptra injections. He thinks I will be very happy with the results even though they take some time to show. Then maybe some juva derm around the lip area. I am all for something to avoid the knife right now! I will continue getting certain laser treatments with a deeper one in the winter. Truthfully, I am convinced that LSL people are all there for the money. The woman who I consulted with gets a percentage of everyone she signs.
Whatever you decide, I hope you think hard and do your research. This is one procedure that I believe a smaller place where you are not a # is the best. Kathy
3/24/08
Hi Karen, Wow! Your LSL is pretty soon then! Dr. Khoury was to be my surgeon also. My doctor I saw the other day knew him, as I mentioned, and it's not like he is in competition because his specialty is more than facelifts. But he did assure me, through his brief time with LSL, that it is basically an assembly line. Another thing he pointed out was that most places offer all kinds of asthetic treatments like fillers, lasers, etc., because they all work together and we usually do more than just one thing. Once they have your money and do the lift, they are done with you. That is why I decided to go to someone I trust, and will be honest and decide what would be best for me. He told me I really didn't need a facelift right now, and other options would save me from the knife! Laser resurfacing can go all the way to the dermis. Anything deeper than I had before would require me to be put asleep. But your skin, after it heals, is like new skin! Fine lines and wrinkles are gone, and skin is blushing and like new. I had to hide out for a week as you need to keep ointment on the face so it don't scab. Then it is red for a couple of weeks, but some make-up can cover. You need to stay out of the sun or wear sunscreen. I definitely will have it done again later this year after summer. I went 50 microns deep, and the laser did hurt, but I had two vicodin in me and that numbing Rx they use on the face for two hours before. I am looking forward to getting my first Sculptra filler injections soon also. Dr. showed me pictures of what this can improve, and also a different filler for around the lips. One thing I liked is that my consult was $150, and it was worth much more than that for the time and honesty I received. I feel completely safe with this place, and their reputation is great. I had my sinus surgery there two years ago, and go there for allergy tests. The doctors are both double Board certified in the field I can't pronouce that starts with O. The are ENT doctors and surgeons, and board plasic surgeons. My doctor does facelifts all the time along with fillers and laser treatments.
I called LSL last week to see when I would get my refund back. They said it went out, but still no check! I sure wish you luck whatever you do. I am 56, and my main thing is lower face and around the mouth. I am really sure I am doing the best thing with the new filler that produces collegen. Let me know what you do please! Kathy
3/24/08
Hi Kim, Believe me, I am so relieved that I finally canceled my LSL, especially after my consult with another doctor last week. The place I went last week is an ENT/Allergy office with two doctors Board certified in both Otolarg...., and plastic facial surgery. I can't spell the one speciality about the ears! I have been there for lasers and a complete facial micro laser peel also. I had sinus surgery there also. This doctor I consulted with for $150 (well worth it), happened to work with the doctors at LSL for a few weeks awhile back! What a coincidence! When I told my story and how they tried to talk me out of canceling, he knew the whole routine. He said the girl you first see gets a commission on each one of us she signs up. I actually thought I would see the doctor at first! After I starting reading RealSelf experiences, I felt like I was walking into an assembly line of facelifts. My doctor last week told me that is basically what it is at LSL. In fact, I still have not got my refund back. I am opting for not going under the knife at the suggestion of my doctor. Instead he thinks that Sculptra, the new filler, is just wonderful and I would love the results. Also Juve-Derm for around the lips. I will also consider more laser treatments and another resurfacing. I went through a deep facial resurface laser over a year ago, and the healing time is several weeks, but it does wonders! Next time I may elect to go even deeper and be put asleep. The pain with the last one was bad, but tolerable with all the lidocaine and vicadin. Afterward I had to keep ointment on for a week to avoid scabbing. Lasers produce new skin, stimulate collagen, and fillers plump the face. A LSL addresses none of these issues, and that is all they do there, then your out. Dr. {edited} was to be my surgeon at LSL, and he seems to have the credentials, but I am truly not comfortable with being a # with so many going through the place each day. And I know there are many cosmetic options that will improve my face without having to worry about a scar!
I certainly wish you luck in whatever you decide to do. With all the research I have done for two years, I can't believe I got caught up in such an operation! I know now that smaller is better when it comes to myself. I am truly at ease with where I go now. Let me know what you do please. Kathy
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10/8/08
Can you email me w/ the Dr you went to? The one you describe that worked for LSL?
I am desperate for help& to understand what they did to me.{contact information removed}
THANKS!
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