Monday, February 22, 2010

What does the Lifestyle Lift do and how long has this procedure been performed?

When people reach their 40s, gravity, heredity, sun exposure and the stresses of daily life begin to affect their faces. The jawline grows slack and jowls begin to form. Fatty deposits and loose skin begin to appear in the lower face and neck. Creases form between the nose and mouth.

These changes combine to make people look older than they feel. The Lifestyle Lift can improve these visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles and tightening and smoothing skin on the face and neck. The procedure restores the jawline and neck, quickly removes wrinkles and sagging skin, and dramatically creates a more youthful appearance. Many patients see and feel the improvement before they leave the office!

The Lifestyle Lift can do great things to enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. The procedure can be performed alone or with eyelid tightening procedures (blepharoplasty). These procedures help reduce the signs of aging around the eyes. Together, they can be potent tools to help restore your appearance. Plus, facial/neck procedures are the only ones performed at Lifestyle Lift centers.

In general, facelift procedures have been performed safely for more than 50 years. The Lifestyle Lift was introduced in 2001 as a breakthrough alternative to the traditional, more invasive types of facelifts.

Recently, there has been a trend in all of medicine to move away from extensive, long and involved procedures (such as a traditional facelift) toward simpler, quicker and safer procedures (such as the Lifestyle Lift). By concentrating exclusively on the Lifestyle Lift, our doctors have become the country’s experts with this procedure. They have performed more than 100,000 procedures at Lifestyle Lift centers around the country!

How does the Lifestyle Life differ from other cosmetic procedures?

First of all, it is important to understand that Lifestyle Lift docotrs are NOT cosmetic surgeons. All of our docotrs are general or facial plastic surgeons, and as such must undergo specialization and training. Cosmetic surgeons, on the other hand, can receive certification in a matter of hours and are not qualified to perform the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure. The procedure is designed to be as comfortable as possible, and with as little interruption to your life as possible. Frighteningly enough, doctors in most states are able to legally perform specialized procedures without actually being specialists in that area. That means that some physicians and surgeons with no formal training in plastic surgery are in the operating rooms around the country, performing plastic surgery. The Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure has earned its reputation as one of the safest, most reliable forms of cosmetic enhancement.

Part of the reason for this is the requirement that only specialists who are board certified (or in the process of being board certified) are able to be trained as Lifestyle Lift doctors. Each of our qualified doctors must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery, and/or the American Board of Otolaryngology Facial Plastic Surgery. Doctors not certified (or in the process of) by at least one of these three boards are not eligible to perform the Lifestyle Lift. The Lifestyle Lift organization has developed this policy to ensure that all doctors who perform the procedure practice the high standards established by each of the certifying boards. It also helps ensure that only the world’s most qualified specialists are performing the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure. We encourage all patients to review the biographies and certifications of their Lifestyle Lift doctor before undergoing the facial firming procedure. We also encourage patients to ask questions during their free Lifestyle Lift consultation or at any time before or after the procedure. Through open communication and high standards that far exceed most others in the industry, the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure will continue to stand high above other facial cosmetic enhancement procedures in terms of safety, specialization, and patient experience.

Advice After Lifestyle Lift Procedure

As we age and grow older, certain physical events take place: skin begins to sag, eyes begin to droop, and deep wrinkles begin to develop. These can start to occur at a relatively young age, and many people feel as though they're appearance doesn't accurately reflect how they feel.

That's where Lifestyle Lift comes in. With the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure, these signs of aging can be greatly reduced or eliminated to leave a natural, younger looking you in their place. It is ideal for those in their 40s through 60s who don't need a full, traditional face lift, but who still want to look as young as they feel.

After the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure, there are steps that can be taken to preserve your new youthful appearance. Other options include:

1. Limit Exposure to the Sun

The sun can have damaging effects on your face! Limit your exposure to the sun. And when you have to be in the sun, always be sure to wear a hat or sunblock. Exposure to the sun can cause deep creases and wrinkles, which can be significantly reduced by the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure.

2. Eat Healthy

Believe it or not, your diet can have a considerable effect on your skin and the speed with which you age. Eating a balanced diet can help preserve the new healthy appearance you gain through the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure.

3. Don't Smoke

Beyond the obvious health risks associated with smoking, the habit can also cause smokers to age more quickly and at a faster rate than non-smokers. In order to keep your youthful new look gained by the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure, don't start smoking. And if you smoke now, now is the time to quit!

The Main Lifestyle Lift Complaints

As with any procedure, there will occasionally be those people who voice complaints over their experience. In an effort to ensure that accurate information about Lifestyle Lift is available, we have chosen to specifically address some of the Lifestyle Lift complaints that have been expressed by a handful of alumni. Tens of thousands of Lifestyle Lift clients have experience the remarkable success and results associated with the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure. Occasionally, though, some clients inform us of complaints. The vast majority of these are a result of miscommunication, which is why the Lifestyle Lift team feels it is important to address potential Lifestyle Lift complaints before the procedure.

Many Lifestyle Lift complaints center on the recovery. A few clients occasionally have the misconception that there will be no bruising or swelling associated with the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure. While it's true that the procedure causes less trauma to the face than traditional face lifts, you should still expect a few days of mild bruising and soreness in your face.

If you are not a good candidate for the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure, our doctors will tell you before the procedure if there are any concerns or reservations about your participation in the procedure. When you visit a Lifestyle Lift center for your free consultation, we will go over your medical history and your facial characteristics to help you decide whether or not the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure is a good fit for your individual situation.

By maintaining open lines of communication with the Lifestyle Lift team, you will be able to avoid misunderstandings. Most of the complaints and problems that occur are a result of clients not asking questions and not fully understanding what to expect from their Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure. While the procedure is much less intrusive, much more safe, and requires much less recovery time, it is not a miracle.

Lifestyle Lift Complaint #1: My Face is Swollen

During your consultation, your Lifestyle Lift consultant or doctor will specifically discuss what to expect following the procedure to help reduce this type of complaint. With the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure, swelling will be notably less in most instances than a traditional face lift and other types of facial cosmetic enhancement. Following your doctor's specific aftercare instructions can also help reduce the amount of swelling that you experience following the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure.

Lifestyle Lift Complaint #2: My Doctor Said I'm Not a Good Candidate

Your safety is the top priority of the Lifestyle Lift staff. During your free consultation, our medical team will go over a review of your medical history and address your specific concerns to make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. The vast majority of those individuals who are interested in the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure are excellent candidates for the procedure. However, there may be some medical conditions that can cause your Lifestyle Lift doctor to not recommend the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure for you. While it is an unfortunate Lifestyle Lift complaint, these instances happen only in the best medical interest of the individual.

Lifestyle Lift Complaint #3: My Face is Bruised

Like swelling, some bruising is to be expected with any procedure. Bruising in usually minimal, and can generally be covered with makeup in the days following the procedure. Most bruising will fade considerably in the first few days, and should be completely gone within a week or so after the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure.


Lifestyle Lift Complaint #4: I Have to Wait Too Long for My Appointment

We strive to meet the appointment requests of every person interested in Lifestyle Lift. There is a strong interest in the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure, so some patients may end up waiting a few days or weeks longer than anticipated for their Lifestyle Lift appointment. We suggest contacting us early for a consultation, and should you decide to seek out the Lifestyle Lift facial firming procedure, make your appointment for the procedure while at your free consultation.