What is a quicklift

Recently, the quicklift has become a popular topic of discussion because of an extensive advertising campaign in our area. We believe much of this campaign to be false and misleading. In an attempt to clear up this confusion we would like to share with you our doctor's response to some frequently asked questions about the quicklift.

What is a quicklift?
This is a limited facelift procedure, limited in that it will improve only the jawline and the results are very subtle in most cases.

Is the quicklift a new procedure?
No, this procedure was originally developed in the early1990's. It was designed for young patients with minimal aging changes along the jawline. Better facelift procedures are more commonly used today to address the jawline, neck, and muscle laxity of the face. These techniques provide a more natural result and longer lasting improvement.

Who is a candidate for a quicklift?
Young patients with minor jawline laxity are candidates. This procedure will not address excess skin laxity and fatty fullness of the neck.

How long with the results from a quicklift last?
Results may last for 1-2 years whereas a true facelift result will typically last for 8-10 years.

What is the difference between a quicklift and a facelift?
The incisions for a facelift and a quicklift are quite similar. With the quicklift very little excess skin is removed and several tightening sutures are used to pull up the jowl area. In a facelift, the redundant skin is removed and the muscle layers are tightened to produce a long lasting improvement. There is nothing quick about closing facelift incisions. Meticulous detail is given to hiding the incision in order to leave an inconspicuous scar.

What are the drawbacks with a quicklift?
Aside from the fact that quicklift results don't last, the most glaring drawback with this procedure is that the neck is not addressed. In many cases tension is placed on the skin giving a stretched appearance. It is very important that patients be advised before the procedure that results are expected to be subtle and will last only a few years.

How long is a quicklift recovery?
The quicklift incisions which are in front of and behind the ears will be red for up to 2-3 months. Patients will also experience swelling and some bruising of the face. This may take up to a week or two to resolve.

Why is a quicklift less expensive than a facelift?
Very little lifting and tightening is done with a quicklift. With a facelift the muscles are generally tightened and excess skin is removed to produce a natural lasting improvement.

Why can a quicklift be done under a local anesthetic?
There is very little tightening and lifting being done with this procedure.

Do the doctors at The Sullivan Centre perform a Quicklift or minifacelift?
Drs. Sullivan thoroughly evaluate each patient's goals and expectations. Our doctors perform many different types of facelifts. We believe every procedure should be customized to the individuals' needs and desires. We don't rely on gimmicks and advertising slogans. We pride ourselves in doing what's right for our patients. There are individuals who only want or need a small amount of changes along the neck and jawline. In these cases a mini or less invasive facelift procedure is done. Often times this procedure is done under local anesthesia. We leave this decision up to our patients. Bruising and swelling is expected to be minimal and our patients are pleased to experience a speedy recovery.

What should I look for when I'm contemplating facial surgery?
Safety should always come first. If you elect to have any kind of cosmetic procedure, only go to a licensed and accredited outpatient surgery center. Second, make sure your surgeon is a facial plastic surgeon. The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery only certify doctors who have undergone extensive training to perform facial surgery. And lastly, make sure your surgeon is performing facial plastic procedures all the time.