I want to know the difference btw lifestyle lift and facelift surgery. Is the recovery the same? Do the results last the same? Is the pain the same? I want to do the most efficient and lasting procedure. Thanks.
The lifestyle lift is a marketed procedure not necessarily performed by a plastic surgeon. It is basically a limited scar facelift with either a soft tissue plication or soft tissue removal and reapproxmation with sutures.
I think your best bet is to find a qualified plastic surgeon to see for consultation to go over your options.
I agree that all the terminology and marketing names surrounding Facelifts these days is very confusing - for Patients and Physicians alike!
Having performed the Lifestyle Lift in the past as well as all hundreds of "traditional" Facelifts I think it is important to clarify all the terms so Patients can fully understand the procedures for what they technically are and not what the marketing wants you to believe they are.
Some key terms: Plication means the SMAS is folded onto itself and stitched in place in a higher location. SMASectomy means that a portion of the SMAS is cut out and then the cut ends are sutured together. Cranial Suspension means that a purse-string or loop suture is used to suspend a large area of the SMAS by anchoring it to the underlying bone.
Mini-Lifts: these facelifts employ minimal incisions and the underlying SMAS/Muscle may or may not be tightened. Typically indicated for patients with mild/early signs of aging, those undergoing a "touchup" or second facelift and those who have very specific concerns. Recovery is 5-10 days.
S-Lift: this facelift features an incision that goes from the front of the ear to just behind the earlobe - hence the name as the incision resembles a "lazy S". The underlying SMAS/Muscle is tightened either via plication or SMASectomy. May be a primary or secondary procedure in patients with mild to moderate aging signs. Recovery is 5-10days.
Lifestyle Lift: the incision starts at the front of the ear and goes all the way around the back of the ear and may extend into the hairline. The SMAS/Muscle layer is plicated only. Is a primary facelift procedure suited for patients with mild to mild/moderate signs of aging. Recovery is 7 days-2 weeks.(sorry but you will not go back to work the next day!)
Short Scar Facelfit/MACS: minimal access cranial suspension that features an incision along the front of the ear ending at the earlobe. No incision is made behind the ear. The SMAS/Muscle layer is elevated vertically and is very securely suspended to the strong tissues covering the cranial bones in front of the ear. Indicated for mild to moderate signs of aging and in experienced hands can be extended or combined with necklift to address moderate-severe signs of aging. Recovery is 1-2 weeks.
"Traditional Facelift": the incisions begin in the hairline above the ear and follow the curves of the ear around to the back of the ear. May or may not extend into hairline. The SMAS/Muscle layer is always addressed either by plication or SMASectomy or even both. May be used for mild to moderate severe signs of aging. Recovery is 10-14 days.
Deep Plane/Composite Facelift: has features similar to the above but also in specific areas the SMAS/Muscle layer is lifted up off the Facial bones and moved as a whole unit. Addresses moderate to moderate/advanced signs of aging. Recovery is 2-3 weeks.
As far as how log the procedures last, as a general rule the deeper the dissection the longer the results: Deep Plane>Cranial Suspension>SMASectomy>Plication. Other factors like inherent anatomy, genetics and smoking/sun exposure do factor in as well.
The best option for you is best arrived at in consultation with an experienced and Board certified Surgeon who is comfortable offering and performing the procedures appropriate for you based on your goals, health and anatomy.
Good Luck, Dr. J
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