“Nonsurgical” skin tightening and fat dissolution are two of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures being performed today. Everyone wants little down time with noticeable results! Dr. Manuel Peña, board-certified plastic surgeon, advises his patients that by themselves, they’re all somewhat limited and the results are usually not comparable to standard cosmetic surgical results, especially as far as neck rejuvenation is concerned. Setting the surgical neck lift results as the standard for rejuvenation of the neck is a good step toward meeting the challenge of using minimally invasive technologies while achieving the results we want and our patients expect. Finding non-surgical procedures or a combination of procedures that employ technologies which achieve predictable results while optimizing results and minimizing downtime is the goal at Peña Plastic Surgery.
“I recently turned seventy. My wonderful younger brother had just died. I was feeling my mortality and I wanted to see me not a sagging neck when I saw myself in a picture. Bless Dr Peña. He heard what I had to say. What I hoped for. And he delivered. He’s an artist. Talented in so many ways. He said “inspire me”… I am so grateful Dr Peña. You and all your caring, supportive staff. You always addressed my cares and concerns. The results are beyond my dreams. You are the very best!” - Rave Review (Vitals Review)Read More Reviews
What is a Minimally Invasive “Instant” Neck Lift?
Injectable RF (THERMItight® and FaceTite), in combination with micro-liposuction has been used extensively over the last four years, but results are often disappointing in the speed which they are obtained and in the final outcome. Injectable RF, micro-Liposuction, and the deployment of PDO barbed sutures are used to obtain an “Instant” Neck Lift.
By themselves, each of these procedures may fall short of achieving the results obtainable by a surgical neck lift. However, in appropriate male and female candidates – those that have a bit of excess sub-mental/sub-mandibular fat along with moderate skin laxity and early central platysmal bands, the “Instant” Neck Lift combination of procedures can be performed with predictable results and a short recovery period with good long-term results which get better with time!
How is an “Instant” Neck Lift Performed?
Carefully choosing the patients that meet the aforementioned criteria and which accept the risks and limitations of this procedure are important. Before and after as well as expected results are discussed in detail.
Local anesthesia is administered through three tiny pin-pricks one in the sub-mental crease and one in each below each ear lobe. The anesthetic infiltration is administered using a blunt cannula to minimize bruising. After the area is numb, micro-Liposuction is performed at and just below the mandibular border and the sub-mental (chin fat) area in the superficial layer.
The next step is employing injectable RF (THERMItight® /FaceTite) where the skin is heated from its under-surface. The skin temperature is being monitored constantly with the infrared camera to ensure the best effect. In the case of FaceTite, the skin is monitored automatically many times a second without the need for the FLIR camera monitoring! The target skin temperature is near 45°C. Ideally the entire area treated will reach a temperature between 42°C and 45°C. When the entire neck has been treated, Absorb-able Barbed Sutures are deployed just below the mandibular border. They cause the definition of the border and lift the sagging skin into position. These sutures form a scaffold that allows the skin to “shrink wrap” around it, thus obtaining a noticeable result that keeps getting better!
A similar approach can be used in the face again using Absorb-able Barbed or ‘coned’ threads’ to set the shape and then radio-frequency to stimulate the shrink-wrapping effect to coincide with the dissolution of the threads.
What Can I Expect During Recovery from an “Instant” Neck Lift?
After the procedure, a compressive dressing is administered for 24 hours and then the patient is asked to use an elastic chin compression aided by a customized foam pad at night for 2-3 weeks. Neck massages are to be avoided for 6 weeks. Normal social activities can resume in 2-3 days and return to the gym in approximately 2 weeks. Maximum “shrink wrapping” occurs in 6 months to a year, but significant apparent results after the procedure make this approach, very attractive to those requesting significant improvement with minimal disruption of their daily routine.*
Because this minimally invasive procedure relies on the ability of the skin to contract when stimulated by the radiofrequency-generated heat, proper selection of patients is paramount to obtaining positive results.
Contact Peña Plastic Surgery today to see if you are a candidate for this minimally invasive “Instant” Neck Lift. Call 239-348-7362 or contact us online today!
*Individual results may vary. Consult with Dr. Peña to see if you are a candidate.