PROCEDURE OF THE WEEK: Necklift

The necklift is used to treat laxity in the neck and submental area. It is especially helpful in treating the turkey gobbler neck and the deep cords or unsightly bands which often form in the neck. These are due to laxity of the platysma muscle. In the endoscopic necklift, a small incision approximately 1/2 inch is made in a small skin crease hidden under the chin. Incisions are also made in the crease behind the ear so no incisions are visible. Using a tumescent technique similar to that of body liposuction anesthetic solution is injected into the area of the neck and the submental region. Liposuction utilizing small canulas, smaller in size than a pencil are used to perform liposuction to remove excess adipose tissue in the submental area. Following this, the carbon dioxide laser is used to separate the redundant skin and muscle. Utilizing the endoscopes, sutures are placed to support the platysma muscle back into its normal position. The sutures are supported in the dense tissue overlying the bone in the post-auricular or mastoid area. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures and a small stockinet dressing is applied. Individuals apply cold compresses for approximately 48 hours. They are usually able to resume social and work activities within 3-4 days and normal physical activities without restrictions at seven days. While the necklift is not a replacement for the facelift, in many cases 80 percent of the improvement that a facelift would provide to this area can be achieved with a necklift but with the ability to avoid any visible external incisions and a much reduced convalescence or healing time. This technique is especially beneficial in men who want to avoid the pre-auricular incision that is necessary in a male facelift, yet are concerned over laxity of tissue in the neck area.

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