The Surgeon
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Leaf graduated Alpha Omega Alpha Honors from the University of Chicago School of Medicine. After his surgical internship at the Stanford Medical Center focusing on reconstructive surgery for babies born with congenital deformities, he returned to the University of Chicago where he served his general residency, his fellowship in Microsurgery Research, and his graduate training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Currently Dr. Leaf is an Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at UCLA Medical Center, where he actively participates in the training of residents. He is on the staff of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Leaf is proud to serve as the Medical Director of IRAQ STAR, a national non-profit foundation dedicated to providing reconstructive surgeries to wounded Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans helping them return to their pre-war lives.
What we do...
Who we are...
About the "L.A. Lift"
Advertisements and infomercials for "quick-fix" facelifts seem to be popping up everywhere these days. This is not a new procedure...what is new is an agressive marketing campaign with glowing testimonials about a simple procedure that Dr. Leaf has been performing on select patients for more than 25 years. Also new are the increasingly misguided attempts to use this procedure on patients who are simply not suited for it. This type of facelift is considered "minimal incision" or a "short scar" procedure and is performed under a local anesthetic (meaning the patient is awake, but feels no pain).Procedure Time
The advertisements will tout how quickly the procedure can be done. An operation that only takes an hour or two implies that it will be less complicated, and although that comforts many patients, it is misleading. Patients considering any cosmetic surgery should not base a serious decision on how quickly a procedure can be done. In the court of public opinion, quality of outcome easily trumps quickness. Dr. Leaf typically performs this type of procedure in about 2 hours, compared to a full face-lift which typically takes 5-6 hours.
(actual patient of Dr. Leaf, procedure performed 2010)
Recovery Time
Recovery times will vary from patient to patient as we are all unique. Viewers of these ads are led to believe that they will look perfectly normal within a few days. This is very unlikely. Patients may require one, two or three weeks before looking reasonably good. The surgeon's skill is a key factor in the recovery process, more so than the speed or simplicity of the procedure. Allow at least two weeks for recovery, by then most patients feel and look "ready for primetime". Factors such as age, existing scar tissue, and skin health all contribute to healing times.
Fees
These mass-market lifts offer greatly reduced prices. It is important to realize that often you are not selecting the surgeon, you are selecting the procedure. Some companies will assign a surgeon to your case based on availability, not skill. Patients may not have the opportunity to meet and consult with their surgeon in advance, or know their qualifications or board certifications.
All of Dr. Leaf's patients meet personally with him and receive the same pre and post operative care and attention as full face-lift patients. The mass market lifts range anywhere from $4,500-$8,500 across the nation. Dr. Leaf's fees are straightforward for this type of lift, $10,000 inclusive. The fees are lower than complete/full face lifts as they do not involve additional expense of anesthesia or longer operating room time.
What to know...
- PROS
- Minimal Incision: this is a "short scar" procedure. Incisions are placed in front of and hidden inside the ear. This type of incision provides adequate exposure for the surgeon to work with minimal cutting. Usually some liposuction under the chin is included.
- Lower Fees: Procedure is performed under a local anesthetic, which provides substantial savings on costs from both a reduction in operating room time and eliminating the need for an anesthesiologist.
- CONS
- Patient Selection: Not everyone who wants this procedure is a good candidate for it. The fee may be attractive, but it is designed for younger (usually under 50) patients with beginning looseness in the cheeks and jowls, and slight fullness and relaxation under the chin.
- How to book...
- The first step is to send in a good photo (front and profile with a plain solid background if possible) by email to Dr. Leaf's Patient Coordinator, Caroline (caroline@leafmd.com). After Dr. Leaf reviews the photographs, Caroline will follow up with a call to the patient. If a candidate appears to have good potential, we will ask you to come in for a consultation and go from there.
- Actual Patient Image: Dr. Leaf's patient in this photo was an excellent candidate and received the "L.A. Lift". The patient also opted to have her upper and lower eyelids done and elected to have general anesthesia. In each case, Dr. Leaf will advise what procedures he recommends in order to deliver the results the patient is looking for. Patients are welcome to opt for or against additional procedures and costs.