DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to know if anyone in the area has had the Lifestyle Lift and their opinion of it. I would like to have an idea of the price also.

I’m going to go down and inquire about it, fairly soon — the nearest center is in Massachusetts. I would appreciate any information on this. Thanks for any help. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots had never heard of Lifestyle Lift, so she ventured online to see what she could find. Turns out that Lifestyle Lift is a company with a specific technique for facelifts.

The primary difference between a Lifestyle Lift and a traditional facelift appears to be that it is done under local rather than general anesthetic, which can be dangerous for some people. It also appears to focus on the lower half of the face and neck (think jowls and turkey neck).

One of the big controversies with the company is false customer testimonials online, which have now been withdrawn. Complications have also been reported, although the company says that rate is less than half of one percent.

There is a lengthy entry on the company on Wikipedia, which includes information about lawsuits, both with unhappy customers and over false advertising.

There are also several reviews online. Check out:

* www.realself.com/Lifestyle-lift/reviews: Real Self was sued by Lifestyle Lift for trademark infringement; the case was settled.

* www.consumeraffairs.com/doctors/dr_lifestyle_lift.html

* www.cbs8.com/story/24068234/the-secrets-behind-the-lifestyle-lift: Lifestyle Lift advertises on this station, and the video reflects that fact as a mostly positive review.

CBS in Atlanta did an eight-part series on the company in 2008, some of which can be viewed on YouTube. One negative segment is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7ePKnhSycI.

A more recent positive segment from the same channel in 2011 is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i17nH48eQNA. Note: At the end of this piece, it says that the results last about a year. Doesn’t seem long enough to Sun Spots, who is not a fan of going under the knife.

As for the price, there were a whole lot of caveats about possible additional costs, but Sun Spots found some quotes of $4,000, $6,500 and up.

Readers, have you had a Lifestyle Lift? Write and tell Sun Spots about it. She will gladly withhold your name.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Very recently you had a letter from a person who would take invalid aids like wheelchairs, walkers, etc., and put them to good use. Of course, I didn’t keep that issue of the paper. Would you please publish his or her name and contact again? We have several items that should be utilized by someone. — Joyce via email

ANSWER: Global Home Care Services is at 145 Lisbon St., Suite 503, Lewiston ME 04240, 207-376-3060. They do not pick up or deliver. Also, call before you drop items off. There is some medical equipment that cannot be reused because it cannot be properly sterilized.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.