As people age, their skin begins to lose its elasticity and starts to sag, especially along the jaw line and under the chin. An individual’s bone structure, heredity, and lifestyle choices, including exposure to sun and other elements, can accelerate normal facial aging.
The Lifestyle Lift and the Quick Lift are two different procedures designed to tighten sagging skin and remove wrinkles and frown lines. Both procedures manipulate the sub-muscular aponeurotic system, SMAS – the thin layer of connective tissue covering the face and neck.
Although the procedures are similar, there are some differences.
Quick Lift
The Quick Lift is a procedure that tightens and eliminates saggy skin on the face. It is a minimally invasive procedure that offers a quick recovery time, unlike traditional face lifts.
This type of lift is performed by elevating the SMAS with a particular type of suture. The sutures are attached to the deep tissues in front of the upper portion of the ear. In this way, the underlying structures of the face are raised, rather than just pulling the skin tighter. The result is a natural looking, more youthful appearance.
Lifestyle Lift
The Lifestyle Lift is also a procedure that is designed to tighten and eliminate sagging skin on the face. Like the Quick Lift, it is a minimally invasive procedure.
When performing a Lifestyle Lift, the physician folds the SMAS over itself in strategic locations, depending on the desired result, and permanently sutures it in place.
Similarities between the Lifestyle Lift and the Quick Lift
Both the Lifestyle Lift and the Quick Lift are performed by making an incision from the front of the ear that extends under the earlobe and behind the ear. Once the incision is made, the excess skin is removed, and the incision is sutured closed. The patient is given a mild sedative or local anesthesia before the procedure is performed.
It takes approximately one and a half to two hours to perform the procedures. The recovery time is typically less than a traditional face lift and there is less bruising and swelling.
Differences between the Lifestyle Lift and Quick Lift
The main difference between these two procedures is the way that the SMAS is sutured. The Lifestyle Lift sutures the SMAS together, while the Quick Lift sutures the SMAS to the deeper tissues in the face. The lifestyle lift also did not consider the placement of the incision. Dr Berkowitz is meticulous in hiding this incision so that even your hair dresser will have difficulty finding it once fully healed.
Cosmetic surgery has gained popularity over the years as a way of fighting the appearance of aging. Before the advent of the Lifestyle and Quick Lifts, face lifts were the most popular option. Lifestyle and Quick Lifts are considerably less expensive than face lifts, are minimally invasive, and offer a faster recovery time.
Not everyone is a good candidate for a lift. Before undergoing either procedure, a physician will examine the individual’s facial anatomy and develop a plan based on the person’s needs and desires. Before undergoing any type of surgery, individuals should choose a qualified physician to perform the procedure.
