Neck Lift (Cervical Lift)

With the advent of new surgical technology, such as small cameras the size of a thin pin, surgeons are now able to perform neck lifts through small incisions placed behind the ear and under the chin. Many patients come in with subtle jowling and slight banding of the neck. This indicates relaxation of the facial muscles as well as a hemiation of the neck muscle called the platysma muscle. If a patient has minimal jowling and neck bands with good skin elasticity, then they do not require a "full face lift". These patients are excellent candidates for the new endoscopic neck procedure.

Before	After

The Procedure

The benefit of performing an endoscopic neck hit or cervical lift is that the patient is spared the incisions in front of the ear, yielding less bruising and less swelling. Dr. Roche utilizes a fine laser beam through the tiny incisions. This once again ensures minimal bruising, minimal swelling, and a faster return to work for the patient. If a patient has extensive jowling and neck banding, then they are better suited for a full face lift procedure. The determination whether you are a candidate for an endoscopic neck lift versus a face lift is made during your initial consultation. 

The endoscopic neck lift is performed in our outpatient surgical center under either a twilight anesthetic or a general anesthetic. One to two inch incisions are placed in the ear cleft behind the ears in addition to a one-inch incision under the chin. Meticulous dissection is utilized first to elevate the skin off of the underlying fat. Then very small ultrasonic liposuction cannulas or tubes are utilized to remove excess fat in the neck and shrink the skin. The muscle ends of the platysma causing neckbands are first identified and then sewn together in a corset-like fashion. This yields a very smooth neckline, ridding the patient of the banded look in front of the neck or removing the "turkey waddle look". Permanent stitches are then placed from each opposing muscle band to a bone behind the ear to secure the neck muscle for a long period of time. The surgeon then excises any excess skin through the tiny incision placed behind the ear. Finally, very fine stitches are utilized to close these incisions.

Recovery

The healing time for an endoscopic neck lift ranges from five to ten days. The results of an endoscopic neck lift are not only an improved appearance, but also a greater self-confidence born from that appearance.

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