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Neck Lift

A graceful neck is defined as having a sharp angle between the jaw and neck, smooth skin, and no muscular bands showing. However, genetics predetermines in youth the overall shape of everyone’s neck. Some of us have a very high and tucked voice box, which showcases the thin, long neck. Others have a fuller, shorter neck with a voice box that is low-slung and forward.

Surgery cannot correct the shape of the neck that you were born with; however, Dr. Edward Szachowicz can address aging of the neck with cosmetic surgery. If you are interested in a neck rejuvenation procedure such as a neck lift in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, Dr.  Szachowicz can answer any questions you may have. A double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Szachowicz has many years of experience performing face and neck rejuvenation procedures at his Edina plastic surgery practice.

 

Neck Rejuvenation Procedures

The neck is a unique structure that shows aging in the following 3 ways:

• Fat accumulates
• Muscles relax
• Skin loosens and sags

Facial liposuction can selectively remove fat from the neck. The i-Guide suture-suspension system can add support to the muscles of the neck, and an open procedure is necessary when the aging of the neck is more advanced. An isolated neck lift is indicated only for early signs of aging or when a previous facelift has already been performed.

Facial Liposuction

In young people, there may be early relaxation of the supporting structures of the neck combined with fatty accumulation. Very frequently, the chin prominence may be weak. Facial liposuction alone may be of benefit, and the minimal excess of skin created will retract. This result should maintain for several years and may be even more enduring if a chin implant is added if needed. Facial liposuction is minimally invasive, in that it can be performed through small stab incisions made behind the earlobes and under the chin.

Swelling and bruising are usually minimal. An elastic garment is used for the first several days to keep the skin tight against the jaw and give the best curvature possible. Facial liposuction is also an adjunctive procedure frequently performed during a facelift to remove isolated pockets of excess fat.

i-Guide Suture-Suspension Neck Lift

The i-Guide Surgical Suture System is an FDA-approved system which adds structural support under the neck using permanent sutures. This unique system allows Dr. Szachowicz to elevate and define the contour of the neck by weaving a criss-cross suture beneath the jawline. The system works through small puncture wounds through which a trampoline-like structure is woven to provide a low-tension support to the neck, elevating the skin and muscle as one unit.

The system works to replace the weakening of the support system of the front of the neck. The procedure is combined with facial liposuction, and is performed under local anesthesia. Swelling resolves within a week and has much less downtime than a traditional open neck procedure. This procedure works best in people who have lost the contour in the neck but still have good skin elasticity.

Open Neck Lift with Tightening of the Muscles

The best candidates for an open neck lift are those whose thinner necks are showing the earliest signs of aging and muscle banding. Also, people who have had a previous facelift and only see age-related changes in the neck may opt for an open neck lift. The goal of this procedure is to tighten the neck bands together in the front of the neck, and then pull the muscle tight behind the ears where excess skin can be removed. This is not a procedure for when there is jowling or relaxation in the face, as this will accentuate the facial relaxation.

The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia as follows:

• An incision is made below the chin, and the skin is separated off the underlying muscles (platysma muscles)
• The fronts of the muscle-bands are sutured together, tighter under the chin, to create a “hammock-like” tightening effect
• Then incisions are made starting at the earlobes, going behind the ear and then along the hairline at the back of the neck
• The skin is then elevated and connected to the front part of the neck to re-drape the skin over the muscles of the neck
• Excess skin is removed from behind the ear as the wound is closed

An elastic garment is worn for one week to maintain the contour of the neck. Swelling is usually resolved in a week, and remaining bruising can easily be camouflaged with makeup. The incisions do not alter the hairline. As with any open procedure, the risks are of blood collecting under the skin, infection, and (rarely) damage to sensory or motor nerves.

Dr. Edward Szachowicz

(Sack-o-which)

Your face can reflect the way you feel inside through a facelift or another surgical procedure by Dr. Szachowicz.

Meet Dr. Szachowicz

Direct Neck Lift (Z-Plasty of the Neck)

A direct neck-lift or Z-plasty is a procedure reserved for the most advanced excesses of skin and muscle, called a “turkey gobbler.” This usually occurs in those of advanced age who are not the best candidates for a more involved facelift. The procedure involves direct excision of the excess skin from the front of the neck and tightening of the muscles of the neck before the skin is closed. A visible scar is unavoidable after the surgery, but is much preferred to the hanging excess skin.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia as follows:

• Excess skin is marked when the patient is standing.
• Excess skin is removed and the underlying muscle is tightened to form a muscular supportive sling.
• The incision is closed in a zigzag fashion to align in the creases of the neck.

A supporting garment is worn for a week. A series of Fraxel laser resurfacing treatments are performed to optimize the healing of the visible scar. The risks of damage to nerves are lessened with this procedure. In older individuals the wounds may take longer to heal.

“Dr. S is an excellent plastic surgeon and a top doctor in the Twin Cities. I would recommend him highly for your plastic surgery needs.” —Linda W., actual patient

Your Consultation

Your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Szachowicz is your personal time to discuss your goals and to receive information on those procedures he may recommend to achieve your desired goals. As part of this discussion, Dr. Szachowicz utilizes a state-of-the-art computerized image simulation system to illustrate possible outcomes for the rejuvenated YOU!

Please bring pictures of yourself when younger – knowing more about your aging journey helps Dr. Szachowicz customize your procedure(s).