113 of 115 people found the following review helpful:
Lifestyle lift provider: Not specified
Not only was the surgery done and feeling every moment of the scapel, I came out looking like Scissorhands had done the surgery. The scar behind one ear is pleated, that is right, pleated, and oh so obvious. I am humiliated in public, embarrassed to be around anyone. If you are in an intimate relationship, just imagine your husband touching these keloid scars, your self esteem shattered. You are violated, humiliated, an scarred forever. I begged for more medication, the Dr, without saying a word just kept cutting, and cauterizing, smelling the stench of my own skin burning, feeling the burn of the cauterizing insturment, hot and painful. Continuing trying to numb me, one needle after another.
Ear was shortened, stitched to face, scarred and draped
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Lifestyle lift reviews by RealSelf.com users
Avg cost $5,320
41% say Lifestyle lift was worth it
59% say Lifestyle lift was not worth it
12/22/07
Oh, my goodness! I don't even know what to say about this. All I can do is reach out to try to give you a virtual hug and tell you that you are a beautiful person because you are willing to share your experience with others and give from the heart.
I wish I were a doctor to give you knowledgeable advice, but I am going to guess that the scars will get better and you will not be disfigured as you think you are now.
Please try to have a happy holiday.
1/1/08
Are lifestyle lift scars always in front of the ears. That would make it impossible to hide even after it heals wouldn't it? Having such a bad scar as a result is the main reason I feel research/interviewing doctors/interviewing past patients of the doctor you are interested in and making sure your doctor goes over everything with you BEFORE the surgery is so crucial to a good result.
to GwiI too hope like the poster above that your scars heal well and become almost invisible. (There are some creams and treated coverings you can buy now online that are made specifically to help scars heal better.)
1/11/08
The doctor should have addressed your pain (and apparently tried, with the comment that he continually tried to numb you.) It's sad that he couldn't do more to take the pain away while you were under the knife, but general anesthesia is never given in the case of lifestyle lifts, from what I gather (and I'm no expert.)
However, scars pictured within a week after surgery are BOUND to look bad. That isnt really a big shock or surprise, especially since you shot them at an extreme closeup. They are going to look bad for a while until the sutures are out.....and for several weeks afterward.
Those pictures did not deter me from the procedure. It always surprises me when people expect to have a surgical procedure but get upset when there is any downtime or surgical scarring whatsoever. This is life folks.....nothing is painless, quick or simple. Especially not procedures designed to change the way you look.
I would be more interested in seeing pictures at a proper angle of the before and after neck and lower face. Also, I'd like to see them taken a month after surgery, not a week. Maybe then we could see if the improvement was worth it.
Good luck to you. This may wind up better than you think after all.
1/12/08
Hmm- No doctor should have operated on you to begin with - not because of your face... because of your mental state. Please go get some psychological help.
1/14/08
You sound as though you might be an employee of the LifeStyle team. Where you one of the commission salespeople who I came in contact with. Very defensive aren't you? Why not stick to the objective facts, your feelings are getting in the way. BTW, why are you on here?
1/14/08
The point in showing this angle was missed, Let me point out the reason, again, for this angle. The scar was supposed to follow the ear, THAT IS WHAT I WAS TOLD! Also, suturing was done with a pleating effect. There is no symmetry. One earlobe is significantly reduced. You would not be able to tell this if the pictures were taken face shot. In addition, close up or not the story is the same.
General anesthesia or not, when one undergoes surgery... they are supposed to be NUMB! No excuses.
My dissatisfaction is not primarly based on 'DOWNTIME", it is just another factor that was misleading. Unlike commercials state. I believe 30 days is a far cry from a few days. Did not say did not expect scars, said... did not expect THESE scars!
If you are happy, great... I am not, and the pictures give the reason.
1/21/08
Oh my God. I am so glad I read your post. I was thinking about the Lifestyle lift, but after seeing your photos, there is no way on this earth I would even consider it. Thank you for sharing your story, as sad as it is, at least you are helping people see the truth about this surgery, and the potential long-term damage. I hope and pray that your condition improves, and that you will have peace again.
1/26/08
With the non-pre-opt procedures in the Lifestyle offices, I feel lucky to have lived thru the surgery. If you noticed, if they have problems during the procedures, they call 911 and you are on your own. The scars on this post, are really bad, mine do not show, also my results were gone as soon as the swelling was gone. Save your money.
1/31/08
Your incisions are very fresh in the pic, they should heal up better and flatten out in time. Also, your incisions look like all the LL ones I've seen, in front of the tragus, other face lifts are also that way, depends on the what Drs. prefer, and the shape of the patients tragus. And, then again, to be fair, some people swell more, skin reacts differently.
And true, he should have tried to get you numbed better, anxiety can be one reason it is harder for some to get as numb as they should be. Also, fact is more and more face lifts are being done this way now, not just the LL. It is getting to be more popular.
I also agree, the time for many, many questions about any plastic surgery is BEFOREHAND.
Have you gone back for your 4 week visit? If so, what did he have to say about your concerns? Many times there can be scar revisions, and cortisone injections into the scars. Not an unusual thing in scarring from incisions.
2/6/08
The lady is speaking about an experience, that was obvisouly horrific in nature, you on the other hand are calling her crazy. That I am having a difficult time rationalizing coming from you. Why are you saying this patinet is crazy, what do you have to earn by saying that.. what is your purpose. If you are happy about your procedure, shouldn't you be on a site that is sending allcolades, rather than this one which smeems to be women who have had bad experiences just sharing their experience. Truethfullly, if I were happy, would never spend my time signing on.. just out celebrating my surgery... this is voice you disdain.. not your glee,
2/8/08
After reading this I will save my money and pay 2-3 times as much if needed for a board certified plastic surgeon. I just saw an ad for this on T.V. and decided to search on internet. Thank you for posting. Hope your scars heal to your satisfaction and if I were you I would go to a plastic surgeon for any revisions you may want done. (No, I am not with a plastic surgeons office!).
2/8/08
I saw this LL procedure on an infomercial. It sounded so good. New it had to be too good to be true. What the real problem here is because these plastic surgery procedures are even available, like face lifts, this LL, all the rest.... Well, it's because we have plastic surgery available that so many women feel the need to go under the knife. Since so many get it done and the woman next to you is falsely looking younger than you because of surgey, you in turn feel older than her! But, guess what you're not! She's the same damn age as you... It's a viscous cycle. If this crappy 'FAKE' profession did not exist no one would be having these crazy surgeries done and everyone would grow old gracefully. It's the pressure we as women are put under that we feel compelled to do this! And, men have ALOT to do with it. They are always wanting the younger woman. The old farts that make women feel this way need to be hung. It's such B/S! And, I know it's the way it is, it will never change, and just more and more people will continue get these things done. It's really pathetic. I hate to sound so angry here but what I see on this forum and other stories, all these woman trying to find youth but end up destroying their otherwise nice faces and health. It's very sad what this world is like. The human race we are....
2/11/08
I've read your story, seen the pro comments and watched the commercials. You have given me very valid reasons to do more research and given me information about questions that I will need to ask at my consultation. The consultation will not lock me into anything but I WILL ask a lot of questions and keep my eyes open for bullcrap.
2/13/08
Many of these Drs. ARE board certified plastic surgeons; many are under the impression that they aren't.
2/24/08
HM1122-- I basically agree with you but I was considering Lifestyle Lift to feel better about myself, NOT to attract some old fart juiced up on Viagra! I am 55 and sometimes when I look in the mirror, I honestly don't recognize myself. I used to be very attractive, some said beautiful, but now I'm just another over the hill old(ish) lady, and, quite frankly, no matter how I try to philospohize about growing old gracefully, I hate every minute of it. I don't like feeling this way; I've accomplished wonderful, truly amazing things, in my life and I should be content regardless of how many bags and wrinkles, but I'm not. So there you have it. But one thing's for sure, after reading the posts on this blog, Life Style Lift is OUT. Thanks to all who shared.
3/2/08
OMG...I can not beleive what I am seeing. I am looking at the commercial thinking that maybe I can get it done for my mother who's 66. But, after seeing these horror stories I think maybe not! You could definately sue...you were abused and disfigured and I am SOO VERY SORRY this happened to you...I hope some how, some way, you can recover from this and that this wont ruin the rest of your life...OH GOD BLESS YOU! I am so sad to see this :-(
3/9/08
Thanks so much for sharing your story here. I hope that time will heal your scars, keep the faith. One thing that I wanted to point out to everyone is all of the people on the LLL TV add had their makeup put on profesionally by make up artists. Makeup is a very powerful tool and a good artist knows how to cover up blemishs/scars very well. I think I will just live with my sagging skin and grow old gracefully with hopefully a positive attitude. After all I am still the same person regardless of how I look and proud of my accomplishments in life and the wonderful friends that I have. I hope things will get much better for you in time.
3/16/08
I had the Lifestyle lift in 2004 along with having my upper and lower lids done. I was 53 at the time.
The surgeon did not remove enough fat from under my eyes so they were redone (at no charge).
My eyes are still fine now but the sagging neck is back with a vengance. Also, my ears were reconnected crooked. Nothing anyone else can tell but dangle earrings don't hang right.
I would NOT do this again as I expected the results to last longer. Probably should have done the eyes only and waited for the rest.
3/19/08
The photo above is scary-I am a physicians assistant and I've seen lots of plastic surgeries post op etc. I have to say the skin in front of the stitches looks very good like a baby's bottom. I would like to see the photos of the area in three months? I was in a car accident a few years ago and a truck hit me-my nose broke and metal tore the left nostral completely off-a plastic surgeon sewed my nose back on actually and it looked real bad at first with stitches and redness but now you can't even see it at all. I am having the lift done-and as a medical professional I am not giving out advice but with my years of training I know that it takes pains to make gains...I pray for you bobbi that you heal, that you feel better.
3/24/08
Thanks for a thoughtful, honest post. I'm a guy, a bit older than you, who shares your feelings. It's okay to want to look your best. That's why I try to exercise every day. It's not to attract a younger woman. It's to look my best for my lovely (and older) wife. My best to you.
3/24/08
Had a consultation scheduled for tomorrow after work -- and I just want to thank ALL of you for sharing your stories. Canceled the consult, and I feel lucky to have found you.... Thanks.
3/25/08
There is a doctor in NY that specializes in scar revision. His name is Dr. Jacono and his website is newyorkfacialplasticsurgery.com if anyone is interested in having this disgusting procedure reversed, to a large extent, and then done right.
I saw him and he performed a mircle on me and fixed this LSL nightmare. It is appalling to me that with all of these posts, mostly negative, women still ask about this disgusting procedure.
3/25/08
You were very lucky Vicky. God bless...
3/25/08
OMG Don't do this. I will send you photos of my scar revision after this disgusting procedure. It cost me $16,500 to fix LSL. How can you entertain this at a 55% disatisfaction rate? Your a med professional. You need to heed the warnigs here girl.
3/26/08
Thank God I read this post. I just called the 800# for Lifestyle Lift and when the lady on the other end of the phone mentioned that Lifestyle Lift was getting over 15,000 calls a week with fantastic reviews....I got skeptical. The other thing that bothered me and caused me to procrastinate in calling the 800# was the infomercial never really showed HOW the Lifestyle Lift was actually performed.
I just read this post and I cannot believe the procedure! OMG! No way am I going to get these jowls lifted that way.
Take care and I hope that you find continued healing. Cindy
3/28/08
I agree about society and feeling you always have to compete with the younger crowd. I am 47 and have been suffering from chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia for several years. Some of the meds have made me to gain weight and I have been trying to lose. I look in the mirror and don't recognize myself either. I have always been told I am beautiful and was admired for figure. My daughter is getting married at the end of April and I was looking into LL for the wedding as I felt embarrassed about the way I look to myself. I am constantly being told that I look way too young to have a daughter getting marrried. Getting old is frustrating and disheartening at times. After reading the postings on this site, the LL is out for me. Best wishes to all that have been hurt and disappointed the procedure. This is why I have never wanted to go through full plastic surgery, coming out of it worse then you went in. Best of luck to all.
3/30/08
I called the Lifestyle Lift 800 number this VERY morning. I watched their infomercial and was convinced that this was the procedure for me. Oh my, what wonderful happy stories and results they ALL had!
Well, OH MY GOODNESS!! I can only say that I am very thankful that I have learned through the years just how important it is for each of us to thoroughly check out product and service reviews for opinions and experiences such as yours.
Guess you know...THE DEAL IS OFF!
Thanks so much for sharing you experience. God Bless!
5/28/08
Your pictures were the icing on the cake for me - regarding this procedure - I am so sorry you had this terrible experience and thank you (hug hug) for sharing. I definitely WILL NOT pursue LifeStyle Lift. I'll save my money and go to the traditional face lift. Thanks again.
5/29/08
HOW in the world you can expect no pain with any surgery is
my question you can't even get your teeth cleaned with a little pain. The photos look like you had surgery and yes it has to have time to heal and I would like to see photos of the results after a year. No I am not a Dr or Nurse but I have had other surgeries and have enough brains to know you have to take time to heal.
5/30/08
Hello, I am sorry to see what happened, but I do think time will correct some of these "scars".
I was interested in the LSL, and went to a Board Certified PS.
He told me that he pays LSL to have patients come to him but does NOT perform the procedure as described by them. He said, "I do a facelift, and believe it is the best way to do what a patient wants done." His reputation is on MY face! I had a lower lift with lypo under chin, and a brow lift on 4/17/08. I was happily "sedated". Can't imagine ever having anything done semi-awake while cutting into my face. My stitches are behind my ears and not visible with my haircut. Even the brow lift was done with sutures past my hairline so they don't show if I sweep my bangs back.
So far, I am happy and was told 6 mos. is normal for everything to "settle down" and see the true results.
I think too many people think LSL is the answer for what they want to see on themselves; they are foolish to ever think going to a guy who took a course for a week isn't going to have complications with patients.
I think those that are happy with LSL probably went to a great surgeon. Not all surgeons are good just because they went to Med. school. It pays to do your homework, investigate the surgeon and not be convinced by an infomercial.....
6/1/08
hooray for you not being with a 27yo. Too many older men are with young women.
6/4/08
It has been one year since I had the LSL done. My current pictures look exactly like my "before" pictures. I told Dr. Westine of Ft. Lauderdale how unhappy I was with the results, and he asked me if I was taking my antidepressant medication!
I did not receive the results I was told. Is there a law suit pending somewhere? There should be.
6/4/08
It has been one year since I had the LSL done. My current pictures look exactly like my "before" pictures. I told Dr. Westine of Ft. Lauderdale how unhappy I was with the results, and he asked me if I was taking my antidepressant medication!
I did not receive the results I was told. Is there a law suit pending somewhere? There should be.
7/23/08
What a creepy comment; sounds like a doctor or sales rep.
Thank you for sharing your story and remember to ignore the ignorant.
10/2/08
OMG! I was under the impression that LSL was
non-invasive. Why would anyone with prior
knowledge put themselves through this?
LSL is diffently out of the question.
10/10/08
Iam
Did the Dr totally make you look right? Have your scars minimized& what did he do to fix it? I can't find anyone in Chgo that will help me. Please send after revision pics