About the QuickLift™
The QuickLift™ was developed by Dominic Brandy, MD, and is performed by a number of doctors who have been personally trained by him. The QuickLift is an improved version of the S-Lift, which has been performed since the late 1990s with limited results. The QuickLift provides an overall lower to mid face lift and also improves the appearance of the upper neck, offering significant age-diminishing effects with minimal downtime and lasting results.
The QuickLift is designed for men and women between the ages of 40 and 65+ who want to stay ahead of the aging process. At this age, most individuals lose elasticity in their skin and develop varying degrees of looseness along the jaw line and beneath the chin.
Unlike procedures with similar names and most mini facelifts that tighten only skin, the QuickLift permanently suspends the underlying structures of the lower face (SMAS) offering men and women the benefit of a more youthful appearance for years to come. Although the QuickLift can produce significant aesthetic improvement for most people, it is important to remember that after any facial procedure, the normal aging process resumes. Lifestyle choices, bone structure, skin type, sun exposure and heredity all play a part in determining how long the desired result will last.
The Procedure
The QuickLift is an outpatient mid face lift procedure that usually takes one to two hours to perform, depending on the surgeon, the age of the patient and the degree of correction desired. Oral pre-medication is generally suggested to help relax the patient.
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A small, relaxed "S" shaped incision is made beginning along the sideburn, extending along the tragus of the ear, around the earlobe and up to the hairline toward the nape. Meticulous attention is given to the placement of the incision line to promote an inconspicuous scar. The underlying connective tissue and facial musculature is gently lifted and tightened using a double purse-string suture technique, which immediately enhances the appearance of the jaw line and upper neck, and makes the improvement long lasting. The redundant skin is then tailored and the incision is carefully closed under magnification using a suturing technique designed to reduce tension and minimize any visible scarring.
In some cases, a submental tuck, which further addresses the upper neck, or liposuction of the neck and jowl area may performed in conjunction with the QuickLift for optimal aesthetic results.
Recovery
The QuickLift is often called a "weekend facelift" because some people have the procedure performed on a Friday, return to the office on Saturday for a quick follow-up appointment, and return to work on Monday or Tuesday. Although this may be true for some patients depending on their occupations — the downtime associated with the QuickLift will vary from patient to patient.
Although a prescription for pain medication is provided, most patients say over-the-counter Tylenol is all they need to alleviate any discomfort. Some people may experience temporary bruising, which can be camouflaged with makeup after three days. To minimize swelling, patients are encouraged to sleep with their head elevated for the first week and to apply cold compresses the first 48 hours.
Results
As illustrated in the QuickLift Photo Gallery, the results of the procedure vary with each person. Generally, the results obtained with the QuickLift are predictable and quite dramatic, sometimes erasing 5, 10 even 15 years from one's appearance.
Unlike the conventional facelift that results in a "pulled back" appearance, the QuickLift offers very natural-looking results. Patients enjoy an overall firming of the lower facial area, noticeable jaw line definition and a more elegant neckline. Unlike some "mini-lifts" that tighten only skin, the QuickLift involves tightening the connective tissue layer below the skin (called the "superficial musculoaponeurotic system, or SMAS), making the results long lasting.
It is important to keep in mind; however, after any facial procedure, the normal aging process resumes. Lifestyle choices, bone structure, skin type, sun exposure and heredity all play a part in determining how long the desired improvement will last.
Cost
The QuickLift is more affordable than a traditional full or mid face lift, making it accessible to a wide range of men and women who are looking to stay ahead of the aging process.
Risks
As with any type of surgery, there are inherent risks, which can include post-operative swelling, bleeding and visible scarring. However, refraining from smoking and carefully following the pre- and post-operative surgical instructions reduces the likelihood of these complications.
Patients are encouraged to ask questions and discuss their concerns about the procedure with their doctor during the evaluation process.
