The neck is often one of the first areas to sag and show signs of age, often before the face begins to significantly wrinkle, sag or lose volume. A sagging, wrinkled neck can inhibit your confidence and add years to your appearance. The minimally-invasive suture suspension neck lift turns back the clock and provides the contour and definition you want to regain.
What is a suture suspension neck lift?
The suture suspension neck lift is a mini-surgery option, also called suture suspension platysmaplasty, that provides a dramatic improvement in neck contour, without the more significant invasive method of a traditional neck lift that results in large scars behind the ears.
During this procedure, two sutures are used ear-to-ear and tightened until the incision is closed, creating a sling underneath the skin which lifts the tissues and removes the bands around the neck. The suture sling extends from the neck to the area behind the ears in order, which elevates the contours and greatly reduces sagging. At any time in the future, the suture can be tightened or removed.
Benefits of the suture suspension neck lift
- A far shorter recovery period than a traditional neck lift
- Low chance of side effects
- Achieves long-lasting rejuvenation and a more youthful appearance
- Achieves a lifted, contoured, defined neck and jawline
- A simple, safe technique
- Minimal scarring
- Tighter skin and stronger underlying muscles
- Reduction of submental fat, or a double chin
- Reduction of “turkey neck”
- Reduced neck banding
- Improved self-confidence
What happens during a suture suspension neck lift?
A neck suture suspension procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and takes one to two hours.
The surgery starts with very small incisions under the chin. A very small cannula and surgical vacuum are used to remove extra fat under the chin, jaw, and neck. Small incisions are made behind each ear to allow Dr. Mesa to tighten the muscle bands in front of the neck.
He will then run a suture through a tunnel under the skin of the neck up to the incisions behind the ear, where they are secured. The sutures lift the platysmal bands of the neck, creating a firm contour and eliminating sagging skin.
After the proper amount of lift has been achieved by the suture “sling,” the small incisions are closed with absorbable sutures.
Who is a candidate for the suture suspension neck lift procedure?
- Are in generally in good health, non-smoker
- Have no major medical issues or concerns
- Do not have severe neck aging with excessive fat and skin
- Have a double chin and/or a lack of a defined jawline
- Have vertical neck bands (platysma bands)
- Have loose neck skin or “turkey neck”
Results and recovery
After surgery, Dr. Mesa will apply a pressure dressing that wraps around your head and underneath your chin. Keep your head elevated while you sleep, and expect your neck to feel tight and sore and swell for several days. Your dressing will be removed after two days, but you will wear a chinstrap to bed for 2-4 weeks.
You will be able to return to sedentary work and light activities in about five days. Wait for 3-4 weeks before you engage in rigorous exercise.
It will take a few weeks for your final results to settle as the swelling subsides. You will ultimately see a lifted, more youthful jawline and neck contour. Your results will last for years, in some cases up to ten years. This depends on different factors, such as your lifestyle, skin care regimen, and natural rate of aging.
Why choose Dr. Mesa for my suture suspension neck lift?
Dr. John Mesa is a Harvard-trained, triple fellowship-trained plastic surgeon. He specializes in face and neck surgery and is known for his extraordinary surgical techniques and stunning results. His specialty is customized cosmetic plastic surgery for the face, neck, and breasts. He is known for delivering personalized, warmly professional care, and for his consistently beautiful, natural-looking results. He considers it an honor to help his patients look and feel their best, achieving newfound confidence.
