An Investigation of the Lifestyle Lift (Mini Facelift)

The New York Times ran an excellent article yesterday looking at mass marketed facelifts like the Lifestyle Lift and Quicklift both of which have offices in Dallas. The full article is worth reading and you can find it here. Several key points are worth discussing:

1. The Lifestyle Lift and Quicklift franchises don't offer patients a full range of options for facial rejuvenation. It's more of a one-operation-fits-all thinking. Cosmetic surgery, though is really one of those things that needs to be intensely customized to each patient. Your face isn't exactly like anyone elses and your facelift shouldn't be either.
2. Mini facelifts are procedures with limited results that are suitable only for a limited group of patients. They tend to work if you just barely, sort-of need a facelift. Even then the results can be somewhat subtle and are often short-lived. A basic rule of thumb: If you look in the mirror and think you need a facelift, you probably need a real facelift. I've seen far too many patients who've spent thousands of dollars on minilifts, Laser treatments, Thermage, and suture lifts only to ultimately end up getting a real facelift. Which is what they needed in the first place.
3. The Times article reports facelift franchise consultants may employ high-pressure sales tactics to get you to sign up for surgery -- often before meeting the surgeon. Hard sell does not belong in plastic surgery. If you're ever in a doctor's office and feel you are being pushed to get a facelift, leave. No reputable Dallas plastic surgeon I know employs these kind of tactics.
4. The quality of your facelift (or any cosmetic surgery result) ultimately depends on the skill, judgement, and artistry of your plastic surgeon. You only have one face. Choose carefully.

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