Cervical Lift (Neck Lift)

With the advent of 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 present with subtle jowling and slight banding of the neck. This represents relaxation of the facial muscles as well as a herniation of the neck muscle call 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.

Dr. Chernoff and his associates teach this procedure to surgeons worldwide. The endoscopic neck lift is performed in our outpatient surgery surgical center under either a twilight anesthetic or under a general anesthetic. One to two inch incisions are placed in the ear cleft behind the ear as well as a one-inch incision under the chin. Meticulous dissection is utilized first to elevate the skin off of the underlying fat. Very small liposuction cannulas or tubes are utilized first to remove excess fat in the neck. The muscle ends of the platysma causing neckbands are first identified and sewn together in a corset type of fashion. This yields a very smooth neckline ridding the patient of the banded look in front of the neck or ridding the patient of the "turkey waddle look". Permanent stitches are then placed from each opposing muscle band to a bone behind the ear to secure the neck for a long period of time.

The surgeon then excised any excess skin through the tiny incision placed behind the ear. Very fine stitches are then utilized to close these incisions.

The benefit of performing an endoscopic neck lift or cervical lift is that the patient is spared the incisions in front of the ear yielding less bruising and less swelling. Dr. Chernoff utilizes a fine laser beam through the tiny television camera which the Chernoff Center helps to develop. 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 will be determined during your initial consultation. The healing time for an endoscopic neck lift ranges from five to ten days. The results of an endoscopic neck life once again yield a greater self-confidence with less attention being drawn to the aged neck.

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