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LOOK at my Lifestyle Lift NIGHTMARE! Unhappy with Scars and Results

ORIGINAL POST

I went with a friend for the consult. The mrg...

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Morgon
$5,300

I went with a friend for the consult. The mrg walked in the room and introduced herself as a Lifestyle Lift Professional Medical Consultant. She told me that she needed us to watch a film about LSL. Which we did, and were impressed at the credentials they claimed.

The mgr came in the room after the film and ask me to stand before a mirror. She proceeded to stand behind me and take my face and pull it back while we both looked in the mirror. She stated that this is what you will look like after procedure. She also stated that depending on what I have done they can take, 10 and up to 20 years off patients faces with this minimal invasive procedure. The mgr reminded me that they have a 95% success rate, and that this is done under local anesthesia, so I would not be put under. This was a plus to me as from having a medical background I am aware of the danger of general anesthesia.

I ask about pain, and was told most people don't even have pain and sleep during procedure. I ask about scars and she told me they would be hidden and minimal. I was told that if I signed up today I would save $1200. I paid almost half down that day and paid rest in full at day of procedure in cash. I was also that day taken into a plush waiting room offered cookies, juice, coffee, etc. This will make a point later on to readers.

The day of the procedure I was taken to the back room and given a 10mg valium. Later as they were waiting for the valium to take effect a woman came in the room and ask me to sign a consent form. I have no idea what I signed. Then the Dr. came in the room. I had not met this Dr. before the day of surgery. The mgr came in the room and said I am going to hold your hand. I was told this was like being at the dentist. I was also told that it will be quick like 45 minutes to an hour. I was also told Dr. C is quick so it may not take that long.

Then Dr. began to inject my face starting with chin with extremely painful injections -- there were so many I lost count. The shots were horrible. I was told at this point that this was the worst part. I began to shake and the valium was not effective at all.

Dr. C then cut under my chin. I thought "Hey nobody told me about this!" Then he stuck a metal rod in my chin, I wanted to scream as this rod ran against my jaw bone and down the front of my neck. I yelled I feel this! Dr. C said you are doing well and that he has had to stop surgeries before because some people pass out. He then injected my face with more needles. I felt a warm wetness between my breast and realized later that it was my blood that was going down my blouse, even with the drape they had on me. My thought at this point was my God! What are they doing! This is not going to be a one hour lunch time procedure and not minor at all!

The Dr. told me to be still as he turned my head and begin to cut into my face. Blood filled my ears I couldn't hear on that side, they kept using something to clean my ears, but as soon as they did the blood would fill my ear up again. The smell was horrifying! It was the smell of my flesh and hair burning. I still get sick to my stomach when I think about it. I wanted to run! scream! something! The Dr. gave me no comfort, he began to state how in his private office he gives what is called a twilight sleep.

At the end of the procedure I was weak and shaking uncontrollably, the MA or whatever she was kept asking me if I was ok. No! I was not ok, I was sick, I was terrified, I felt like I was going to faint. The girl gave a juice drink after my face was wrapped, and a RX of Vicoden ES 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours, and a RX for ambien to help me sleep. Then I was quickly wisked out the back door.

Later that evening the medication wore off and I was in horrible pain. I have had 3 major back surgeries two C-sections and a shoulder surgery in my past and this was incredible. My face bleed through the bandages and covered my pillow with blood. I sat up in the bed and rocked back and forth thinking my God I should be in the hospital or something! "This can't be right."

Needless to say I called the office with no return calls the next day. It was if I had dropped off the planet earth once they got my money. Before I had the surgery they called constantly, now I couldn't even get a call back. I insisted to talk to someone. When I did I was told this is normal.

I went back to have my stitches removed and was told everything was fine, even though I had these knots all over my jowl and neck area with swelling, and oozing stiches. (I was never told about any knots or oozing before I decided to have this procedure.) Nor did I see a Dr. that day. I ask the tech are you sure these stitches can come out, she said yes they have to or you will scar. She then told me to message my neck and the lumps would go away and to start using a scar cream. She gave me a mirror and my husband was with me when the sutures were removed and she said how do you like it. I didn't have time to answer when my husband interrupted and said she was beautiful before and what have you done to my wife!

My husband was in such disbelief day one of surgery when I came home he took a picture. The next day when bandages came off he gasp and said "My God what have they done to my wife!" He was mortified. I assured him it will get better. (Hey they promised me it would) I heard him from my bed on the phone with his mother and others saying they butchered her. (Some things in life you never want to hear and that was one of them.)

It didn't get better only worse. I have been called Frankenhead, scarface, etc. I don't go out unless I have to. I don't go to my husbands work functions or social places anymore. I am ashamed. I have an infection that at this point no one knows what is causing it, and am told I will probably end up in hospital on IV therapy. Antibiotics start to lessen the swelling then full force it comes back. Last time I saw Dr. C 7/09 I said fix this, he said I can't I don't even know what this infection is.

Note: My last visit was almost 4 months post op. There were many people in the office waiting for the procedure. They would not let me in the waiting room. They quickly wisked me into another room. Then quickly out the back door after seeing Dr and office Mgr.

The Mgr said oh it is not that bad. My reply was, well if it is not that bad let me go in the waiting room and show my face and see how many people out there decide to stay. She said no not all people heal the same, and you are the only one with a complaint. I reminded her that I have had surgeries before and pulled my pants down in the back area surgical site and showed her my back scar which you can barely see. Then I said next excuse.

I wish I had went to that waiting room, I wish I could have saved all those innocent people from the lies. I requested my pictures ASAP or I was going to come & sit in their waiting room until I got them. They sent my pictures, all dark and hard to see and I am still waiting on my medical records!

I plan to pursue this with all my heart, soul, and mind. I want to join with others who have went through this living hell, as they must be stopped. Realself, thank you for being here and allowing us to be able to warn other women of what can happen to you if you choose this procedure. God Bless.

Morgon's provider

Jeffrey Colton, MD (retired)

Jeffrey Colton, MD (retired)

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Morgon

Morgon rating for Dr. Colton:

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Replies (257)

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August 8, 2009
Hello Morgan, I am so sorry for your negative experience. I too have had an aggressive and negative surgery. Mine on my upper/lower eye lids,changing my appearance from soft and pleasant( pretty) to hardened and hollow, unattractive. I too rarely go out in public when I return to my home state, to visit family. It changed me so much,that I have walked past old class mates,and old friends,I knew for years. They don't even recognise me. It raped me of my genetic appearance as well. I don't resemble my family members anymore. They still have the almond eyes,where mine are wide, round and hollowed. It is hard to deal with emotionally. So are the after affects. I live out of my home state now, and it helps. No one knows me here, and the depression of people not recognize me doesn't hurt. Once you manipulate tissue in one area, other areas can change in us too. For me the loss of facial fat. I know volume is lost with age, but this surgery also added to that. My surgery was 7 years ago and I still become depressed at times. Like you, I wish I'd of done more homework on the procedure and surgeon. Sometimes I wish I'd of never done it all.I am on this web-sight now in the hopes of finding some revision. Unfortunately, not much has improved in my area except costs have risen. I've also wrote a review and warned others of the Plastic Surgeon that performed mine. I'm not sure how much good it does. You will find some people have had positive results from your same surgery.I know this plastic surgeon ruined my looks, life and self esteem. Depression, regret and mad at myself for believing all surgeons know what they were doing. Unfortunately, until I found this Web-sight, there wasn't much out there for those of us with negative results. My surgeon is still in full practice, and her Web page shows before and after pictures. Others will have her perform surgery. She maybe good at some procedures, but eyes wasn't one of them. Nothing like hindsight. Legally? There isn't much you can do, unless your grossly disfigured. Juries don't have much sympathy for a vain woman, that "elected" to have plastic surgery. The emotional,and depression it causes, isn't important to them, or they figure it's what we get for vanity.I know, I checked on this as well. With all the hype to get a nip and tuck now a days .More woman and men have plastic surgery done annually.More now than ever before. However, it is still a "hush hush" deal, and if it doesn't go well,there isn't many options.Counseling is something that many of us could have used,still needed, instead of dealing with this alone. Not to mention the costs. If you come from modest means to begin with, and the cost of your first surgery took everything you'd saved for along time, don't even try to find away to pay for reversions. At my age, it would be like taking out a mortgage, and I don't have another 30 years to pay it back. The lesson I try to give, is do your homework. Don't assume if the surgeon is board certified it means they are expert on all procedures. If they don't keep up on new procedures,or don't have allot of experience with them, your going to pay,and pay.Board certified doesn't always mean they have extra training,or required to take it.My surgeon would never suggest anything after my negative results. Except tell me to "give it time". I knew time wouldn't fix this mess. She would never admit to any error on her behave,when I told her my eyes don't stay closed during sleep. Or how it changed my appearance to the negative.She had her money,and when she got tired of my calling her office,she simply became unavailable. But not to those in the waiting room. I wish you luck in your pursuit. I hope you can stop other woman from using this doctor, or getting his procedure. Most of the surgeons on this sight are against any mini or lifetime lift. I also hope there is something you can have done to reverse your outcome, but that's easier said than done. Be careful with that as well. Stay well
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August 8, 2009
Vickie -- Did you have a LSL?
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August 8, 2009
Hi Chrysal. What is an LSL? Vickisue
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August 9, 2009
LSL = Lifestyle Lift. Did you have a Lifestyle Lift or another type of lift?
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August 18, 2009
Hello again. No I did not have LSL. However, I have been searching for reversions on my eye lid surgery and help in my hollowed/sunken appearance. A face lift or mid cheek lift has been suggested. LSL is another suggested procedure. Although my surgery occurred 7 years ago, the hollowed sunken appearance it caused has only been enhanced with age and face losing volume,sagging. I found this sight in the hopes of getting good advise on what I can personally do for my situation,but also on those that have had similar or suggested surgeries. I have found it very helpful, but also very frightening.For anyone to go into a surgery without checking out the doctor from head to toe, or being rushed,offered this same day coupon type of deal is foolish. This is"a surgery" no matter how you slice it and can leave you DEFORMED!!! Even the best of surgeons can run into problems. Get one that doesn't know what they are doing, have an "in and out",or "NEXT" policy, and you will pay for the rest of your life. I do not know if there is help for me or my eyes. I've been told I will NEVER have my old eyes back. Once tissue is cut away, and too much fat removed, there is little that can be done successfully.I have yet to read one positive review on reversion of eyes or face-lifts. Almost like they don't exist.As sad as this makes me,I may never find a fix. Eye's are a sensitive area, thin skinned, and the thought of more invasive procedures terrifies me. I could end up worse looking or blind. I only wish I would of held this doctor more accountable,since the medical profession won't.I should of continuously made office visits.Even though I had lost all faith in her abilities, and did not want her touching me. She was lost in what to do next,and advised me to give it time, plus would never admit she did any thing wrong or took out to much fat and tissue. Her life has gone on, and gone on in pleasure. Elective surgery is also hard to get any legal justice from as well. It leaves you devastated,depressed,guilty feeling,sad,reclusive,and raped of what god gave you naturally. Plus your genetic identity. I no longer resemble my family or children. That is torture in itself. If I find a good reversion surgeon, I will get the message and his name out there. I will post pictures and let others know there is help. Unfortunately, for now all I can do is let others know how sorry I am for there misfortune. "Scream" how important it is to know the doctor you will be letting cut on you, remove tissue,and stitch you back up. Board certified doesn't mean much, if your surgeon isn't skilled in that area.Beware of aggressive surgeons and there are many. Check on Rate a Doctor and other web sights that voice consumers stories. I was surprised to find my surgeon has many complaints. Comes little to late for me.Ask lots of questions,how many times has he performed this surgery, look at pictures and ask to see the ones he doesn't post on web sight or office. I'll bet my "before and after" aren't posted anywhere for consumers to see. By law they are required to keep for 7-8 years. Never give up or lose faith. It isn't wrong to want to enhance, beautify,and brighten what age can steal away.Just be smart and aware. Do your homework and then do more. If you have a good, skilled, experienced and knowledgeable surgeon, you will find out.Keep these forum open for new information and please let me know how things work out. Time will help, but never heal.
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August 18, 2009
Vickie, this is an awful story and I feel really bad for you. It is a horrid thing that has been done to you. I hope that you find someone that can help you. Have you visited the Question and Answer board here at realself and posed the question to doctors here? I feel your pain in the way you describe what has been done to you and I wish that the pain that you feel could be taken away. I also suffered an awful eye surgery at the hands of what was supposed to be a very qualified surgeon. And I did check his qualifications. What I could not check though due to the "fake site postings" were the results of the LSL itself. I am so sorry that you have had such a horrible experience and hope that someone in the Medical field can help you. Best to you, Chrystal Eckes.
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October 3, 2009
Well some good news all. I am temporally out of hospital. I had tubes stuck down my nose witout medication, nor was I warned there would not be any anesthsia. Biopsies of my stomach and throat were done. Unable to swallow or eat the whole time. I had my stomach extended with ballons, and botox shots in my trachea. I am very weak with extreme stomach and arm, and shoulder pain. I have 24/7 Home care company now coming to my house. As for the News program that has contacted me, I will gladly give you and interview and all you need to stop this evil. I will contact you Monday. We can't give up ever! no matter the cost. I fear sometimes this will cost my life, and I had to make arrangements with my lawyer for my family to cover in case I die. Sad I have had to do this. The surgery they may do on me which right now I refuse is my chest cavity opened and 5 puncture marks made in my stomach. I can eat soft food and drink for now, but know that I am on a time clock with every day I wake up I hope and pray I can eat that day. I dream I wake up and can't swollow again. I am having problems again worse everyday. I have given up all meat etc. I will opt for the balloons again, but they have a risk of bursting your stomach tubes. My sons have been wonderful, and one is a paramedic, going to med school. The other is an artist and is willing at what ever cost in his life to take care of me. He has sent supplements and wants to drive me to Chicago. I can't drive now, I am much to sick. Yet I don't want him to do this for me because he has to have a life as well fisish college, yet I love him so much for the beautiful heart he has. My husband has been by my side all the way but he must feed us and pay bills. We are in a tight place right now. Yet I trust God and know he will take care of this, and Dr. Kent will pay for his money gaining operations. He has even set pawns on here so be careful. If it does not sound, feel, or look right. Then follow your gut. Hey bless all my friends and wonderful people I have met through here. Bless Crystal, and Bless you so much realself! I am so greatful for you, any anything I can do to be there for you in any way please just ask, and it will be given.
October 30, 2009
Lifestyle lift wasn't even around 7 years ago was it? I just can't believe anyone wouldn't do a background check on someone who was going to cut their face and change their appearance PERMANENTLY. It strikes me as almost childlike. Why didn't you sue? Why aren't you naming him and putting up photos until he's either forced through his malpractice insurance or out of pocket to fix your face, you can't reverse anything with surgery all you can do is go to a maxio-facial surgeon who specializes in repairing bad surgery. I find it odd your life was ruined but you don't warn people about the surgeon who did this to you, he can't sue you if he ruined your face but might be forced to pay for his mistake and you can go to someone professional. I am sorry you feel your life is ruined but you have options to work through this one way or another and reclaim you life.
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November 10, 2009

Dear interested, check the facts of a persons situation before you judge their decision. I waited and watched LSL for two years before making the decision to have procedure. As a medical professional I am aware of doing your homework. However when you are lied to, when workers post false stories, well basically all the reasons behind the class action law suit. The Ny Attorney General did not come out with the judgement against them till 4 months after my surgery. Had I known the information and stories were all lies, I never, never would of had this procedure done. The surgeon who did my surgery is a Plastic Surgeon and I was told the best they had. I was told he teaches the procedures to all dr.s. Bottom line what happened to me and many others is not our fault! Read the NY Attorney General judgement. Oh an my life is not ruined, so don't assume I laid down and died. The pictures you looked at were mine. If you read these complaints you will see I not only named my Dr. I named the place here in Troy Michigan the main office. Law suits are going on but maybe we don't feel it of your concern to name our Lawyers or go any deeper into the subject. Have a great day, and do homeworker before making judgements on what others should and should not do.

June 22, 2011
I just wonder if you got the infection from your fingernails. To think that you are a medical professional and don't even clean your fingernails makes me wonder if you are incompetent. I would have at least cleaned my fingernails before having pictures posted on a public website. Clean hands and fingernails are basic cleanliness and important to preventing and spreading infections. Hopefully, if you are a medical professional I will never need your assistance. I would not want anyone touching me with those hands.
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June 24, 2011
Observant, what in the world are you talking about... what is your thinking here? Are you possibly insinuating that by her profession that she stitched up her own face thereby causing her own infection??? This seems to be another slam by another uneducated person slandering and spewing of words without intelligence. You are not as smart as you think, nor do you know what you are talking about. It could also be inferred that maybe the Dr.s hands were dirty??? Maybe the surgical suite was not properly sterilized, maybe you were in the room??? Lots of maybes here. But for you to slam her and indicate that it was her fault, get a life and go pick on someone else. Chrystal Eckes
July 18, 2011

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July 18, 2011

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August 9, 2011
You are an idiot for speaking this nonsense to a woman who has gone through such drama and pain.
September 23, 2011

I saw those dirty fingernails too...like wth. Anytime you touch an area that has had sugery you should always wash your hands before and after.

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August 8, 2009
Hello to you both. I have had a Botox disaster (see my review) and feel the same despair and depression that you both do. Not only is my appearance dramatically changed for the worse, so has my personality. I was happy and outgoing person and now I am quiet and withdrawn. Aside from work, I stay home as much as possible. However, I have hope that it will not be permanent. Your stories made me cry. I wish you both the best of luck. I
September 23, 2011
Where did you have your BOTEX done.
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August 8, 2009
Morgan, I am so very sorry that you have had to suffer this kind of torture. There is absolutely no excuse for what has happened to you. I hope that you start to heal soon and that your face gets better. You certainly have something to complain about. Thank goodness for realself. I hope other women take heed and read these posts and think twice and get a 2nd opinion before even considering going in to have a consult. For women considering this procedure, please get a 2nd opinion. Compare apples to apples and read the doctors Q&A section here. I know the slick tactics used when you go in, the hard sale, you'll save this much if you sign today and pushing papers in front of you when you have already been medicated. I wish you well. Please keep us informed and let us know what happens. Best, Chrystal Eckes.
May 15, 2011
chrystal I really feel terrible of your experince I have a friend that is considering this procedure with life style. I am hoping to change her mind with your comments.. I had a full face life done by a Doctor in Monterray Mex. Absolutely no problema. Unfortunally it is now a dangergous place to go for a face lift. I do find you info. very rewarding and my friend changes her mind. Good luck and God bless you and again thanks for the info. Irma
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May 17, 2011
Even if your friend decides to go to LSL after seeing these photos, why not get her to go and see a private practice board certified plastic surgeon and compare apples to apples. Just how much money would she be saving doing a LSL if she had it done by a private surgeon? I think she would be amazed at the price difference. Another point to make to her is that it is always a good idea to get a 2nd opinion on "SURGERY"! I do hope that no matter what she chooses to do that she has good results. You only have one face and it is really scary to look in the mirror and wonder who is looking back. Best, Chrystal.
August 8, 2009
I thank you one and all, because I had a appointment and something in the back of my mind told me not to rush into this. You won't believe how often they kept calling for me to reschedule. However I decided to do a online search for complaints and I'm glade I did. You've saved me from rushing into this operation. God Bless you all Sincerely JoAnn
August 9, 2009
Morgan, I am sorry to read your experience with LSL. Your trial is horrible. I had a Lift done by a reknown P/S who told me that he gets customers through LSL but "Doesn't do what they say they do." He does it right. I opted for a general anesthesia because I am a "pain baby". I could'nt imagine going through the surgery being awake. It was worth the $1,200 extra. What troubles me most is that your doctor isn't with you,on your face, to tell you what is happening and what he can do for you to make it better. Please keep this site updated. Go back and "[RS bleep]" to them that your not happy, you feel terrible, and THEY HAVE TO MAKE YOU HAPPY! I'm serious, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. If they don't respond, tell them outright that unless they don't make you happy, you will take it to another level. In otherwords, become empowered because one voice can make a difference. Please keep us updated. You are a beautiful woman and you deserve to feel you are, no matter what.
August 24, 2011

Mamamia - Can you post the name and location of your plastic surgeon. I feel the best way to find a qualified surgeon is through happy patients with positive outcomes.