Neck lift surgery

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At Edina Plastic Surgery we do two types of neck lifts:

The first type is a standard neck lift, otherwise known as the open neck lift. These usually are done in conjunction with a facelift and can achieve excellent results. The basic goal of neck surgery is to improve the appearance of the neck by re-creating an angle between the jaw line and the front of the neck. This angle is called the cervicomental angle and helps to make the neck look more youthful. As a part of aging, excess lax neck skin can hang down and create a straight line from the bottom of the chin to the lower neck.  The underlying neck muscles can also contribute to the problem.

The open neck lift involves an incision that runs behind the ear, then extends back into the posterior scalp hairline. Often, a submental incision (incision under the chin) is made in conjunction to allow the removal of fat and/or deal with the anterior neck muscles if necessary. With the open neck lift, we typically lift and tighten the platysma muscle in the neck, in addition to lifting the posterior neck skin and removing the excess. People that have substantial skin excess and laxity in the neck will usually require this type of lift.

The second type of neck lift uses the ImplicitGuide® Surgical Suture System (iGuide®). This system delivers results which meet those of traditional, invasive necklift surgeries, while reducing side effects such as swelling and bruising and decreasing recovery times. This procedure is often done in conjunction with liposuction of the neck.

What are the benefits over the traditional open neck lift procedure?

This procedure provides patients with a minimally invasive surgical option that delivers consistent, natural-looking results, while leaving minimal to no swelling or bruising, and reducing the possibility of muscle or nerve damage that can occur with traditional procedures. Additionally it can be performed quickly and in many cases done using local anesthesia alone.

How does it work?

iGuide is packaged in a sterile kit that is comprised of five unique surgical tools which allow surgeons to elevate and define soft tissue areas by weaving a suture trampoline® This is achieved through a series of needle punctures with one continuous thread, instead of cutting and repositioning muscles and soft tissue that can cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels of the neck. Using these unique tools, the system creates a trampoline-like structure that provides dynamic low tension support, elevating the skin, muscle and soft tissue as one unit.

What is the average recovery time?

Recovery times with iGuide are short. Generally, patients are able to return to work within a few days and can resume physical exercise in a week or two. Your physician will be able to give you a clear idea of how short your recovery time will be.

Who is eligible for the procedure?

iGuide is excellent as a stand-alone technology to reshape the neck. It also makes a perfect complement to help improve results if you are having a facelift. The system was designed to help surgeons improve a sagging neckline, face or brow due to aging or genetics without all the cutting. iGuide® has provided positive results with the following patient groups:

What are the possible side effects?

iGuide is the first and only minimally invasive neck technology that delivers results that match those of traditional, invasive necklift surgeries, while reducing side effects like swelling, bruising and risk of nerve and muscle damage, and decreasing recovery times. Adverse effects associated with the use of this device include wound dehiscence, infection, minimal inflammatory tissue reaction, bleeding, nerve injury and transitory local irritation at the wound site.

Click here to see a video explaining the procedure.

Click here to see a video of patient testimonials.

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