"Will the Real Face Lift Please Stand Up"

Life Style lifts are name-branded facial “mini” lifts done by doctors who,"sign up” with the “Lifestyle Lift” national marketing campaign to supplement their income. When you go to one of their “centers” for a consultation, you are seen by a “care consultant” who decides if you are a candidate. You then pay several thousand dollars for an often mediocre “short incision” one operation-fit-all pseudo-face-lift by a doctor who you do not meet until the day of your procedure.

With a “Lifestyle lift” you still have incisions, scars, and healing; what you don’t have is a personalized analysis by an experienced plastic surgeon that performs many “complete” face-lifts and FYI, the longer incisions for a SMAS face-lift are hidden in the hair and behind the ear. Trying to do quality work through just part of an incision that is visible anyway (in front of the ear) seems so unnecessary (? foolish) and limits proper safe visibility for the sake of a “marketing point”.

Are you sure of the doctor’s training, credentials, and experience? Is the surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, or some other board that has nothing to do with plastic surgery? (The “American Board of Cosmetic Surgery” is NOT an American Board Medical Specialties member board!) Board certified plastic surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons must adhere to a specific code of ethics. This code dictates that their members, or any of their affiliated health care providers, must not use or participate in the use of any form of public or private communication containing a false, fraudulent, deceptive or misleading statements or claim which: Is intended or is likely to create false or unjustified expectations of favorable results, or appeals primarily to a layperson’s fears, anxieties, or emotional vulnerabilities.

Recently the state of New York issued a 300,000.00 fine to a face-lift company for posting fake positive reviews of itself: Internal emails discovered in the investigation show specific marching orders to engage in this illegal activity: “Friday is going to be a slow day- I need you to devote the day to doing more postings on the web as a satisfied client.” Lifestyle Lift also created stand-alone websites and blogs made to appear as if they were created by independent, satisfied customers.

Bottom line: ANY kind of “mini” lift gives even MORE “mini” results and the cost savings evaporate when you need a “real” face-lift in a few short years, or even corrective surgery for improperly performed procedures. Realize in this economy there will always be one or more surgeons who are more than happy to give you exactly what you ask for…even if it is not really the best or the most appropriate procedure. Don’t decide on your own that any kind of “mini” lift Lifestyle or otherwise is for you. What is best for you?? Cost is certainly important but should not be the deciding factor. You only have one face and the whole world sees it. Consequently you should do the best research you can to get the most complete and natural looking results. Confirm experience, reputation and board certification of your physician! Remember if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.