Is the Y Lift Worth It?

Thank you for your question. I understand that you’d like to know if the Y Lift™ is worth it, and I think I’ll be able to help you with this question as I was the first surgeon to be trained by the inventor of the Y Lift™, and have successfully integrated the Y Lift™ into my cosmetic facial rejuvenation practice. I'm also a Board-certified cosmetic surgeon and a Fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, practicing in Manhattan and Long Island for over 20 years.The Y Lift™ is a procedure that addresses volume loss and sagging, which are the primary signs of aging. As we age, we lose bone, muscle, fat, and soft tissue, and the support of the skin—the superficial muscular aponeurotic system or the SMAS—weakens and sags as well. In a younger person, there is more definition and angularity present on the face, which is what traditional surgical facelifts try to achieve with vertical lifting. With the Y Lift™, however, definition is achieved by injecting a long-lasting hyaluronic acid filler, such as Juvederm or Voluma, into the deeper levels of the face. The traditional use of fillers administered by dermatologists and non-surgeons are usually limited to the superficial layers of the skin, whereas with the Y Lift™, the filler is placed almost at the level of the bone and below the muscle.The Y Lift™ method is such an elegant method that using a larger amount of filler can produce significant lifting and definition to the cheeks, the vertical aspect of the jaw, the jawline, the chin, and even the temples, and can make a person look younger and, in some cases, thinner. The results are so impressive that many patients and even some of my colleagues think that these are actual surgical facelifts being represented as something with filler—which I can personally tell you is not true, as I do perform this procedure routinely.Many people are taken aback by the amount of filler placed in the face, but when you consider where and how it is being placed, you will realize that it is actually not so extreme. The traditional way of placing fillers puts about 2-4 syringes in the superficial layers of the skin, which tends to sag, especially if the skin is already sagging to begin with. With the Y Lift™, fillers are placed near the bone structure, which provides a stronger support frame for the filler. An additional point that makes this procedure so effective is that it is performed by physicians with surgical backgrounds and training, and thus are executed by professionals who consistently work with and understand that space very well. Personally, it was a very natural transition for me to learn this technique of using filler in an artistic way to restore structure.That said, I do think that this procedure is very much worth it. The Y Lift™ fills a void that many people fall into—people who don’t have enough skin or skin elasticity to warrant a surgical lifting procedure, but wants to develop more angularity, volume and definition. The Y Lift™ is wonderful for women in their 40s-60s, depending on their facial structure. The fact that the results can also last over two years makes it a very good investment, though like with any other procedure, there are some exceptions to this.I think what’s important for you, at this point, is to see if this procedure is right for you. Meet with a qualified Y Lift™ provider, and it’s important that you do your research on this, as there are only a handful of Y Lift™ providers in the country who have been trained by the inventor himself. This method is very specific and requires very specific training and experience to perform properly. In addition to this, keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to have the whole procedure done. If there are only particular areas that need enhancement, the procedure can be done on those areas alone. The Y Lift™ method is not a cookie-cutter procedure—it is all about customization and artistry.So I hope that was helpful and I wish you the best of luck!This personalized video answer to your question is posted on RealSelf and on YouTube. To provide you with a personal and expert response, we use the image(s) you submitted on RealSelf in the video, but with respect to your privacy, we only show the body feature in question so you are not personally identifiable. If you prefer not to have your video question visible on YouTube, please contact us.

Hello,Very good feedback from the panel members.  We agree that "branding" a technique is not really anything new or better.  With that said, we have not heard of the "Y Lift."   We believe that there are good, achievable options using injection treatments such as Botox, Dysport, and dermal filler treatments.  Being a skeptic will serve one well when researching cosmetic options, and yes - ask to see before and after photos of actual patients well beyond the initial swelling produced from the treatment.

Many different techniques exist for facelifts. Any technique that involves no sutures, no incisions, and no anesthesia is likely to also yield no results. The reason traditional facelift techniques are so popular and have been around so long is that they work well. The techniques have evolved over time, but the basic principle has remained mostly unchanged over the last several decades.Be sure to discuss all of your concerns with a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon specializing in facial aesthetics.All the best,