A sagging neck and developing jowls around the neckline are common signs of aging. MyEllevate® is a new procedure that I now offer in my practice for both men and women. It is the new non-invasive neck lift.
As our production slows down of collagen and elastin (proteins in the skin that keep our skin firm and plump), wrinkles and creases become more common. Sun exposure can accelerate this process, while genetics determines the extent of how pronounced this will be. The thinner, looser skin on the face, particularly around and under the neck, begins to sag along with the muscles in the neck, giving in to gravity.
Neck Lift vs MyEllevate®
The traditional way to fix jowls and sagging skin, commonly called a “turkey neck,” around the jawline has been a neck lift. This is a procedure typically done under sedation, though it can be done under general anesthesia too. A neck lift is usually done in conjunction with a lower face lift and even a full face lift.
All these procedures, which can take two to three hours, involve making incisions to remove excess skin and tighten the muscles, restoring a more well-contoured jawline. During a neck lift, incisions are made under the chin and around the hairline and behind the ears—so you aren’t left with visible scar lines. Downtime after surgery is typically two weeks.
I still do many neck lifts and in some people, this is still the best way to ensure that this sagging skin is fixed for up to ten years. But I’ve found that in younger people, typically in their 30s and 40s or those without a great deal of sagging, a neck lift is not necessary. Also, because a neck lift is more invasive, it’s not always an option for some people. That’s why I’ve embraced MyEllevate® as an alternative option.”
“MyEllevate involves no incisions and needs no sedation or anesthesia. It’s a procedure done under local anesthetic in my office and takes only an hour. The recovery is usually about four days, and the results can last three to five years—with no visible scars.”
Dr. Tracy Pfeifer
Since the MyEllevate procedure stimulates the production of collagen, the results can potentially last even longer.
The Procedure: What You Need to Know
When you arrive at my office, you’ll be injected with a local anesthetic in the area—at least an hour before the procedure. This helps to minimize any discomfort. Then I carefully mark the areas under the chin and around the ears that will be involved.
Following these markings, I use a special tool to make eight tiny holes under the surface in the skin. I then use a special patented ICLED® lighted suture rod to weave a continuous non-absorbable suture through the underlying muscle, called the platysma muscle, and tissue. The platysma muscle is a superficial muscular sheet that surrounds the outside of the entire neck. It’s this muscle that can become distended with aging.
This suturing process is compared to lacing up shoelaces; by gently pulling the sutures as I would a shoelace, I am able to precisely and gently lift and tighten the neck into a higher position by simply pulling the sutures. This is not, however, a thread lift in which the results and the sutures are temporary.
After the surgery, you’ll go home with a special compression neck strap to help the healing and the contouring of the neck and jawline. Once you remove the neck strap, you’ll notice visible results.
Potential side effects immediately after the procedure include discomfort, a feeling of tightness, mild swelling, and bruising—which usually last only a few days. You should avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise for two weeks afterward.
The Best Candidates for MyEllevate
If you are concerned about saggy jowls but don’t want to undergo a more invasive neck lift, this is the procedure I would recommend for you. The best candidates are also in their 30s and 40s with early signs of aging, in overall good health, and are non-smokers. (Smoking can hinder the healing process after any procedure or surgery and cause potential complications.)
If you’re interested in learning more about the MyElevate procedure, contact us online or call us now to schedule your consultation!