It is unfortunate that so much mystery and heavy marketing surrounds the Lifestyle Lift since that only confuses patients and prevents sound medical discussions and decision making.
The Lifestyle Lift is a facelift procedure that has incisions both in the front and the back of the ear. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and mild sedation if requested.
It is not a purse string suture or suspension procedure. It is a plication procedure. This means that the SMAS/muscle layer is pulled up and folded onto itself and sutured into place (much like folding a pant leg onto itself to make a cuff). Extra skin is then removed and sutures are placed to close the skin.
As for duration, many surgeons argue that the plication procedure does not provide long lasting results and should not be done. Others feel it is worthwhile but are sure to point out that you need to select the right patients for it. I have met many patients that had results last less than 6 months and others over a year.
The "wing tunnel" should be avoided in all types of facelifts by using proper technique.
Nothing new or revolutionary here, this is a standard facelift technique that has been around since the 1970's.
Hope this helped answer your questions.
