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There are a number of ways to perform neck lift surgery, depending on the objectives of the patient. Liposuction, platysmaplasty and cervicoplasty are available. A neck lift surgery typically includes liposuction for fat removal while the latter procedures focus on excess skin removal and the tightening of neck muscles.
Lower rhytidectomy is also performed in tandem with other facial surgeries, such as an eyelid surgery, brow lift or facelift. Dr. Sheffield is well experienced and he will examine your facial anatomy. The consultation will also focus on your aesthetic objectives. This allows for a fully customized treatment plan to take place.
NECK LIFT UNDER LOCAL ANESTHESIA
Contour issues of the neck are frequently age related but not always. Contributing to blunting of the neck line is usually extra subcutaneous fat, skin laxity and muscle (platysmal) bands.
Blunting of the jawline laterally can also be caused by a lower position of of a salivary gland. Traditionally general anesthesia is used with many neck procedures. Liposuction can be selectively used especially for the younger patient, however, when skin laxity is an issue skin tightening is necessary. This can be accomplished by the traditional neck lift where incisions are placed just in back of the ear and along the hairline. If bands are present a direct approach can be done. Alternatively, there are thermal skin tightening procedures such as the plasma neck lift which offer limited incisions.
Over the years Dr. Sheffield has found local anesthesia to be more accepting to many patients. Choosing the right procedure for each patient is the key to the best outcome.
AM I CANDIDATE FOR THE PROCEDURE?
The top candidates are in good physical and psychological health. They also want to be rid of loose neck skin on their neck and are looking to tighten their jawline.
THE CONSULTATION
During the consultation, Dr. Sheffield will discuss the patient’s goals and expectations. This is how the patient is aligned with the treatment that they need.
Medical history (including any past surgical procedures), allergies, present medical conditions, and medications must be discussed. Patients need to be completely honest with this information because of the medical conditions that can increase their risk factors.
If the patient is determined to be a viable candidate for lower rhytidectomy, Dr. Sheffield explains the side effects and costs associated with your procedure. Selecting Dr. Sheffield is the best choice for patients in search of a board certified surgeon who is held in the highest esteem by his colleagues.
TYPES OF NECK LIFT SURGERY
Lower rhytidectomy utilizes a number of different procedures and techniques, including:
• Platysmaplasty (muscle sheet realignment): this procedure addresses the loose skin that has accumulated at the front of the patient’s neck. Dr. Sheffield makes the necessary incisions under the chin or behind the ears. From there, the neck muscle bands are re-aligned to create a better neck angulation.
Patients who combine the procedure with liposuction should expect a procedure that lasts anywhere between 60 to 90 minutes.
Platysmaplasty relies on the two following techniques:
• Corset Platysmaplasty: Patients who suffer from neck banding or hanging skin rely on this technique.
• Purse String/Hammock Platysmaplasty: this is a technique that male patients tend to rely upon due to the deeper structure of a man’s neck.
Mesh (Alloderm) is used as a “hammock” to keep the neck muscles tight and capture loose skin. When platysma banding occurs, neck muscles are tightened when the surgeon makes a hidden incision below the’s patient’s chin. From there, the edges of each side of the muscle are quilted together to formulate a new and improved neckline.
Other techniques include:
• Cervicoplasty: Excess, sagging neck skin is removed from the neck area so that the neck tissue can be re-positioned of the neck tissue to create a more youthful appearance within the contours of the neck.
• Neck Liposuction: By removing fat, a dramatic effect is had. The neck is re-contoured and this procedure also allows for tissue tightening and volume reduction. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia. A tiny incision is made underneath the chin and a vacuum device is attached to the surgeon’s cannula (thin surgical instrument) as a means of suctioning off excess fat.
Smaller liposuction instruments are used in a micro-liposuction to handle the more detailed contouring concerns that take place in certain neck areas.
• Laser Assisted Liposuction: Neck fat is removed with lasers and the patient is left with a far more defined jawline silhouette. Patients are injected with a tumescent solution during this procedure. This mixture of epinephrine and local anesthesia reduces bleeding and minimizes pain.
The fat becomes swollen and firm, making for a much easier removal. A CO2 laser is utilized to treat the back surface or interior of the neck musculature and skin and musculature. Fat cells are permanently destroyed by the laser’s thermal heat.
• Cervical Lipectomy: A tiny incision is made underneath the neck and patients looking to remove fatty tissue from the central neck region are assisted. This technique tends to be performed in tandem with platysmaplasty or neck liposuction.
• Submentoplasty: Patients who do not possess the desired amount amount of neck skin laxity rely on this procedure. Cervical lipectomy, neck liposuction and platysmaplasty are combined. The T-shaped incision that takes place underneath the chin is well concealed.
