QuickLift: What You Need to Know

Pros

• This cosmetic surgery procedure can address tough-to-treat concerns like jowls and excess skin under the chin and along the upper neck.
• Most RealSelf members say that their QuickLift was Worth It, giving it one of the highest ratings of any procedure on the site. 
• The downtime is less than that of a traditional facelift surgery, making it ideal for someone with a busy lifestyle.
• It's an outpatient procedure and only requires twilight sedation at most.
• Side effects such as swelling and temporary bruising tend to be minimal.
• Results can last for up to a decade because the procedure lifts both the skin and the underlying muscles.

Cons

• While it may deliver the desired results, the aging process continues and may call for further facial rejuvenation down the road.
• As with any surgical procedure, there's a risk of complications or infections (particularly if you don't follow all of your surgeon's aftercare instructions).
• Some dissatisfied RealSelf members have rated it Not Worth It, citing disappointing results like asymmetry or the skin’s being pulled too tight.

• Average Cost:
• $8,650

• Range:
• $11,000 - $19,710

The cost of your QuickLift will depend on the experience level of your surgeon, their practice location, the type of anesthesia involved, and if any other procedure (like liposuction) is done at the same time.

You can finance your treatment with CareCredit.

The QuickLift photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

QuickLift is a marketing term for a mid- to lower-face mini lift. “QuickLift is a branded name for a particular type of mini facelift, a procedure that typically addresses early signs of facial and neck aging,” explains Dr. Anthony Corrado, a facial plastic surgeon in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

While the QuickLift face lift is considered a mini lift, not all mini lifts are the same, explains Dr. Hessler. "Mini lifts can be performed using many different techniques, while the QuickLift is a standard technique that always addresses the muscles and skin for a natural result. The QuickLift procedure can be extended to treat the neck as well.”

Dr. Larry Nichter, a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, California, offers this advice: “Mini lifts may be tough to choose from because of all the brand names. In many cases, there are more similarities than differences between these procedures. They share the use of smaller incisions and quicker recoveries. They’re often done under local anesthesia with oral sedation, so general anesthetic is not needed." 

The biggest differences are usually related to the surgeon’s experience and technique, says Dr. Nichter. "Remember, it’s the skill and experience of the plastic surgeon that counts," not how the procedure is marketed.   

RealSelf Tip: For the best results, find an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Someone who calls themselves a cosmetic surgeon probably doesn't have the same level of training. Learn more about the difference. 

A QuickLift is usually performed in a doctor’s office or surgical center and typically takes one to three hours. Most patients opt for local anesthesia with twilight sedation. 

Your surgeon starts by making an incision along the hairline at the temples, in front of the ear, and around the earlobe. 

The surgeon gently lifts and tightens the underlying connective tissue and muscles (doctors call this the SMAS, short for superficial muscular aponeurotic system) before redraping and removing excess skin on the lower face and neck. 

The incision is then closed with small sutures. 

RealSelf Tip: Some people also have chin liposuction prior to their lift, to remove excess chin fat and create a more defined jawline. 

Most people take a week of downtime before they return to their normal activities. (It's much more convenient than the two weeks of downtime you'd probably need after a traditional facelift.)

You can expect to have some swelling and soreness, and possibly some bruising. You can help the swelling go down by gently applying ice packs. 

Your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication, though some patients can get by with over-the-counter options.