This is a difficult question to answer because there are so many variables.
For one, each plastic surgeon has his own opinion of what a mini-lift entails. For some, it is a limited scar. For others it implies limited skin undermining. For others, a mini-facelift is a skin only operation and for others the deep tissues (SMAS) are lifted.
It is my understanding that the Lifestyle lift doctors all do their own variation of the procedure as well. I only know one of these physicians personally. He is plastic surgery trained (not ENT) and he has told me that he generally does a modified MACS lift which involves SMAS elevation and plication sutures. He told me that he extends the scar a little further posteriorly in most patients than a "standard" MACS lift. He has chosen what he feels is the best mini-facelift surgery in his hands and this has evolved over the years. This leads me to believe that many other Lifestyle lift doctors have strayed from the "Lifestyle lift" and there may not be enough consistency in the procedure to intellectually compare a LSL to a mini-facelift.
What seems to be consistent is the marketing scheme (heavy TV advertising), business models, and that the procedure is done relatively quickly with local anesthetic.
