What is the Biltmore Plastic Surgery Compare to Traditional Facelift?

Simply put, the Biltmore Lift is a face and neck lift performed at Biltmore Plastic Surgery in Asheville, NC by Dr. David Harley. Over the years, I have performed several thousand face and neck lifts using a variety of techniques, including SMAS plication, lateral SMASectomy, and the deep plane facelift technique. I have been performing mostly deep plane facelifts recently. Most of these include platysmaplasty with some sculpting and removal of fat from along the jawline and neck. The common ingredient for all of my lifts has been the use of local anesthesia and oral sedation. Patients are thus able to walk in and walk out of the office, and also they enjoy the benefit of reduced costs and practically zero anesthetic downtime. So from an anesthesia standpoint, I would describe this as minimally invasive. However, I have learned that while patients desire minimally invasive procedures, most do not usually want mini results. Therefore, I have employed what I feel is the most sophisticated face and neck lift technique available today, known as the deep plane face and neck lift. This procedure offers optimal results, both natural and long-lasting, while being done under local anesthesia. Clearly, patients agree and often travel across the country and around the world for the procedures we provide. Many times their friends and family travel the same distances after seeing their loved one’s new look.

Thank you for your question. There are many branded "lifts" on the market, so this can be very confusing.  some can refer to minimally invasive facelift techniques such as a mini lift.  These techniques are best suited to patients with mild aging changes. Moderate to severe aging changes would more likely benefit from a more traditional facelift. I would recommend consultation with a facial plastic surgeon to discuss what option is best for you."This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Branded face lifts such as Lifestyle, Quick lift, and hundreds of lesser known ones are nothing but attempts at surgeons and organizations marketing themselves.

Seldom do people marketing a particular procedure give all the details of the procedure.  I would not be as concerned about the name, but ask specifically what is the procedure going to entail, how far they going to undermine, or dissect, and if they are going to repair the muscle or SMAS.  Are they going to do any liposuction, and how far is the incision going to extend.  Also, ask if they will repair any platysma bands in the neck, and how.  Consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and ask them what you need, and what procedure they will be doing.

My advice to anyone considering facial rejuvenation: be very skeptical about the numerous branded "fantasy" lifts currently marketed today.  I don't specifically know what a "Biltmore" lift is, but I can assure you that it does not represent any thing new, anything safer, or more effective than current techniques. The fact is that most Surgeons individualize their Facelifts based on experience and their patient population, so a prospective patient will receive a different result based on who he/she chooses to perform the procedure.

Many physicians create their own names for a facelift, such as this example, it is usually nothing more than a marketing tactic.
 

Branded facelifts are an interesting phenomenon of facial plastic surgery.  There are many positive and negative comments for these types of lifts from both patients and doctors.  Why do you think there is so much controversy?

One reason why is that anytime there is change, you will always find resistance, and this situation is no different.

A branded facelift is like a tool: it is neither good nor bad, it all depends on how it is used.  Just like any other tool, a hammer can be used to hurt someone or to build something of fantastic value.

A branded facelift is a tool that is used to help patients identify with and understand the profound personal transformation they can experience with these procedures.

In all areas of life, you will always find things being done for good or bad reasons.  This is the case in the financial industry, education, politics, healthcare, and even plastic surgery.

Some say if you are good about what you do you don’t need to advertise.  You may counter that if you are really good at what you do, you should tell the whole world and let even more people know.

Either way, when you consult for a cosmetic procedure, the process is still the same.  Choose your doctor based on credentials, track record, specialization in the procedure you desire, the ability to perform the procedure without general anesthesia or IV sedation if you desire, reputation, procedure longevity, and patient results and satisfaction.

If someone downplays a branded facelift, ask if they drive a branded car, wear branded designer label clothes, eat at branded restaurants, drink a branded drink, watch Disney movies, talk on a branded cell phone, or wear a branded watch.  Yes, they might even trust their lives to a branded cholesterol or blood pressure medicine.

The truth is we live in a world of brands, and these brands can help us to distinguish between the multitude of confusing choices that are out there.  Best of luck in your choosing to move forward, and please let us know if you have any additional questions!

I have never heard of the Biltmore facelift. I don't know if it's named after the Biltmore Hotel or after Dr. Biltmore if there is one. It sounds to me like the doctor is trying to impress you with a fancy name. Most facelifts are essentially the same in that they involve incisions around the ears and in the hairline and the lifting and tightening of the underlying muscle and skin. You are better off making your selection based on the skill and experience of the particular surgeon based on your knowledge of their previous work either through photos or word of mouth. It is the individual plastic surgeon that makes the biggest difference in terms of the quality of the result you will get not what the procedure is called.

Again nothing wrong with what this North Carolina surgeon is proposing.  Mini and limited facelifts come in all varieties and forms.  Associating one's name or a name with one's technique can suggest that there is something special about the particular approach and that it standard marketing fare.  Nothing particularly unique about the surgical approach.  I must say that this surgeon does have great prices compared to the major cities.  However, before you commit yourself to a particular surgeon especially if you have to travel, can I get back to see this surgeon if there is an issue?  Who will take care of me if I am having a problem after surgery and it is not possible to travel?

Surgeon techniques differ, as do results, bedside manner, and experience That said, look for someone who is board certified in plastic surgery; meet with a PS and find someone with whom you are comfortable. Please don't get lost in the specifics of a procedure. Many of my colleagues cannot agree on a specific way to address issues. Your interest should be the final result. How you get there is the partnership between you and your plastic surgeon.