Facelift/Minilift – CAQ

Posted by drgross on May 26, 2010 in Commonly Asked Questions | 0 comments

How will a Minilift or Facelift help me?
This procedure will improve sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, and redraping facial and neck skin. We mostly perform this procedure on men and women 40 and above.

How long will a Minilift take?
Dr. Gross generallycompletes the procedure in approximately 31/2 hours, although this varies depending on individual anatomy and complexity.

What type of anesthesia is needed for a Minilift or Facelift?
We require general anesthesia for this procedure.

Do you tighten the facial muscles in a Minilift? Yes, Dr. Gross plicates (tightens) the SMAS muscle of the cheeks and neck for longer lasting and better cosmetic results. The neck area may also require muscle tightening, which is a Necklift or platysmaplasty. “Properly addressing the muscle layer is critical to successful outcomes in facial surgery and may be overlooked or not well understood by inexperienced surgeons,” says Dr. Gross.

Are there any drains used?

Yes. We use a patented drain system from Porex, the TLS Drain. This speeds healing by removing fluid under the skin and minimizing bruising. These are removed in office on the 2nd day following your procedure.

What is the difference in a Minilft and Facelift?

The main difference is the length of the incision and degree of undermining, or skin lifting. The Facelift requires more time, skin elevation, and a longer incision than the Minilft. It is generally required for older patients with more sagging in the cheeks and neck, or after a great deal of weight loss. However, both procedures address all the different tissue levels, including the underlying muscle called the SMAS.

What is the difference between a Minilift and a Lifestyle Lift?

There are many differences between our procedure and the Lifestyle Lift. We take the appropriate amount of time to complete each persons’ surgery, which is typically about 3 hours– not a “facelift in about an hour” as Lifestytle Lift claims. Dr. Gross and other board-certified plastic surgeons do not feel that speed should be a factor when performing facial surgery and do not operate on quotas or run mills, as is done at Lifestyle Lift. Also, our surgical treatment involves elevating, tightening, and re-positioning the SMAS muscle of the face and neck. Re-positioning and tightening the muscles of the face, taking the time to close the tissue planes in multiple layers, and tailoring the procedure to each individual’s needs, results in a superior and long-lasting and better outcome. “Simply pulling the skin, placing thick whip stitches (which leads to noticeable and often times disfiguring scarring), and applying a one-size fits-all approach as is done in the Lifestyle Lift leads to unhappy patients,” says Dr. Gross. Our carefully performed methods lead to superior cosmetic results which stand the test of time, look natural, and is what our patients are seeking. We also comply with state regulations regarding ambulatory surgery and have an Anesthetist monitoring the patient at all times- Lifestyle Lift does not. Our facility has all necessary emergency equipment, crash cart, and is accredited by the AAAASF - Lifestyle Lift does not . Our patients are seen in a comprehensive Consultation by a Doctor, using a Computer Imager–Lifestyle Lift does not. Typically, a salesperson with no medical training will attempt to sign up patients for Lifestyle Lift using pressure tactics and deceptive photos. There is no substitute for meeting your surgeon and asking questions about results and risks, adds Dr. Gross. ”I frequently hear that patients do not meet the doctor until the day of surgery at Lifestyle Lift,” says Dr. Gross, which may explain their high (42%) dissatisfaction rate . In contrast, we take an individualized approach to each patients’ care and provide the experience and support of a board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and a dedicated team. “Don’t cut corners when it comes to your face”, says Dr. Gross. It’s a decision many patients (from Lifestyle Lift) have deeply regretted. From your initial visit, to your surgical result, on through to post op care–you will have a completely different and elevated experience at Primera.

Is the Minilift or Facelift/ Necklift an inpatient or outpatient procedure?
Both of these are outpatient procedures at Primera Surgery Center. Hospitalization is not necessary.

Where are the incisions placed for the Minilift or Facelift?

Dr. Gross conceals the incisions behind the ear crease and in the front of the ear crease. Attention to detail in the planning, placement , and closure of these incisions is key to a nice result.

What are the common side effects?
Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin; tight feeling.

What are the risks of surgery?
Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles or feeling (usually temporary but may be permanent). Infection, bleeding. Poor healing; excessive scarring. Asymmetry or change in hairline (uncommon).

How long is the recovery time after a Minilift?
Sutures out: 1 week. Back to work: 10 to 14 days. More strenuous activity: 2- 3 weeks or more. Bruising:1- 2 weeks. Must limit exposure to sun for several months. Note: Depending on the condition of the face and neck prior to surgery, 6-8% of cases may require a second procedure.

How long will I enjoy my results?
Usually 10 years. Sometimes permanent.

Is financing available for surgery?

Yes. Financing can be arranged through CareCredit.

I have heard about problems and complaints with Lifestyle Lift in Orlando. What should I know?

You should know the Attorney General of New York fined Lifestyle Lift for false and deceptive advertising and that the Florida Attorney General has also opened an investigation into the business practices of Lifestyle Lift in our state. There have also been several deaths from Lifestyle Lift reported around the country. View this CBS investigation video link on YouTube to get the bigger picture. Lifestyle Lift/CBS.

Lifestyle Lift exposed: CBS Investigates