Factual Comparison of Lifestyle Lift and mini lift

Hello in Chattanooga,

Having performed hundreds of Lifestyle Lifts and mini-lifts in the past I hope I can answer your question in a clear and factual manner.

"Mini-lift" on the whole implies a surgical procedure meant to address mild aging changes seen in the lower third of the face.  The tag "mini" refers to the use of smaller incisions (ie. in front of the ear only, along the sideburn only or in back of the ear only ) as well as its application to address "mini"mal signs of aging. 

It can be an effective procedure for patients with very specific aging concerns, those who are younger and have early signs of aging or those who have had a previous facelift and need a little extra lift.  The "mini-lifts" do not go deeper than the SMAS/muscle layer and do involve removing skin.

The Lifestyle Lift is also meant to address aging changes in the lower third of the face but involves a classic facelift incision that extends from the sideburn along the front of the ear and along the back of the ear. 

Due to the greater exposure gained from the larger incision, it can address aging changes that are more advanced than seen in those who are candidates for a "mini-lift".  Like "mini-lifts" the Lifestyle Lifts do not go deeper than the SMAS/muscle layer and do involve removing skin.

Hope this helps!

Lifestyle lift is the latest incarnation of the original skin-only facelift, first performed in 1904. This technique was abandoned shortly thereafter because it caused unsatisfactory scarring, ear displacement and short-lived results.

The latest technique is no different except that those performing the technique should know better.

The mini-lift suggests some fraction of a full facelift. This is great because not everyone needs a full facelift with the resultant swelling. However, regardless of the degree of treatment, all true surgical lifts include pulling the SMAS (muscle, fat and fascia) and replacing it back where it came from.

The Lifestyle lift website never shows patients 1 or 2 years out from surgery. The patients almost always have hair covering their ears, and in the few that you can see their ears - they are displaced.

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Hi!  I like Dr. Freund's answer about the Lifestyle Lift.  It is an embarrassing gimmick.

A "mini lift" can mean several different things, but, at best, it will give you partial, short term improvement.  I don't do it.

Today, we have several good ways of making people look younger and fresher without surgery (Botox, fillers, Thermage, lasers, etc.). 

When you get to the point when only surgery will help, then I recommend a REAL facelift (which can be done with a short scar).  What I mean by a real operation, is one that will lift the deeper sagging tissues (fat, muscle, fascia) and will leave you looking younger for a long time without looking pulled.

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A lifetstyle lift is a brand name given to a limited scar facelift and a small excision of tissue below the skin.

A minilift is similar but not necessarily the same operation.  Mini-lift usually refers to a limited scar face lift and isolated treatment of the lower 1/3 of the face( jowls) and/or neck. 

Remember, it is the quality of the surgeon and not the quality of the name of the operation which gives the quality result.  This operation is usually indicated for younger patients without a lot of skin laxity.

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