What is a Refresher Face Lift?

The goal of a facelift is for the face to look younger and refreshed.  There are many names for different types of facelifts:  the most important factor is the surgeon.

Hello, this is a great question! Unfortunately, there is a lot of variation in facelift terminology and trademarked names. This is very confusing for patients. It is also confusing for surgeons, as we are not entirely consistent as a specialty in when we refer to facelift procedures. The facelift procedure is the definitive procedure in facial rejuvenation. It usually involves involves some degree of elevation of the skin in front of and behind the ear and some form of tightening of the underlying support layer, the SMAS. There are also more limited incision facelifts of various types, commonly referred to as “mini-lifts”. Theoretically, these procedures may require less recovery as less tissue is manipulated. The downside is that they can leave your face looking “unfinished”. If you require a neck lift, you also have aging changes in your mid-face that may benefit from surgery to achieve balance. I any case, I don’t think that the recovery is necessarily significantly better than with a full face. It is possible to be out and about in public in a week or so after a facelift. I would consult with an experienced facelift surgeon to go over the options.

A “Refresher” facelift is more of a marketing term. You are either going to have a facelift or not. Many of these are marketing terms and gimmicks and have no correlation to operative procedures.

 There are many marketing names of face lifts. Most are mini lifts that produce mini results. See an experienced facelift surgeon to guide you through deciding which is best for YOU.  This is your face.

Dear OliveinCT
Refresher Face Lift does not refer to a specific facelift technique. It is a type of proprietary name used to catch the imagination of the consumer in marketing materials.
So, surgeons using this name combine standard facelift methods with face transfer at the time of surgery a means to distinguish their service in the mind of the consumer. Facelift continues to be the most important and powerful cosmetic surgery procedure we perform.
In selecting a facelift surgeon the it is not enough to find a board certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon. You need some one with appropriate credentials and fellowship training in cosmetic surgery. Review the surgeons before and after pictures. If you don't see results that appeal to you, don't assume that your results will be any better. It pays to do your homework.
Dr. Steinsapir

A refresher facelift sounds like a nice marketing tool name.  Perhaps there is a limited incision and limited deep work?

Hello Olive,
That is a good question -- I haven't been able to find any specifics about the procedure -- based on their website, it would seem to be a short scar facelift type procedure or based on it. There is no information as to how the SMAS is lifted up (the SMAS is the durable layer of tissue under the skin--all facelift procedures need to address this layer in one way or another in order to improve the lower third of the face).
Best advice I can give is that if this is a procedure that interests you, you get a clear explanation of how it is done and why it would be appropriate for your specific anatomy and desired results, how many facelifts and type of facelifts your Surgeon has done (and not just Refresher Lifts) and ask to speak to patients of your Surgeon who have had the procedure at least 6 months to one year ago so you can learn about their experiences directly (remember that everyone is unique but it is helpful to get as much perspective as possible).
Anyone out there know any more info? It is important that with all the facelift branding going on that there be as much transparency as possible among the surgical as well as patient communities.
Take care!

"Refresher " is not a medical term, but rather an indiviual surgeon's marketing term. Only that person knows what is done during the procedure. First ask him or her about the surgery and what are normal expectations. It sounds like a tuck or mini lift. I strongly suggest getting a second opinion from a qualified facelift surgeon.