Answering Top Questions About the MyEllevate Minimally-Invasive Neck Lift
As you age, your skin gradually loses elasticity—and the more delicate skin of your neck will likely show visible signs of aging before they become apparent on your face. Some people are also genetically predisposed to having weaker, less defined contours along their neck and jawline. MyEllevate® neck lift is minimally-invasive and has emerged as a highly-effective solution, offering a near-permanent way to quickly rejuvenate the neck without invasive surgery.
Here, facial plastic surgery expert and double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor answers 7 MyEllevate FAQs to help men and women in the Bryn Mawr and Main Line areas make informed decisions about how they can achieve a confident, more sculpted neck appearance.
What is MyEllevate?
MyEllevate is a minimally-invasive neck lift procedure designed to tighten and lift neck skin to increase definition in your neck and jawline and thus achieve a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance. MyEllevate uses an ICLED® light-guided suture system which allows the surgeon to precisely place permanent sutures at specific pivot points underneath the skin to lift and anchor neck tissues for optimal results personalized for your unique anatomy.
The minimally-invasive approach is considered non-surgical—the sutures are placed without the need for general anesthesia using tiny, virtually invisible punctures only 2mm long. MyEllevate does not require skin excision and achieves natural-looking, long-lasting results that are ideal for younger patients who do not yet need a full facelift or neck lift.
How does MyEllevate treatment work?
Once you are completely numb using a local anesthetic and resting comfortably, a thin needle-like device with an illuminated tip is inserted beneath your skin to help determine the ideal depth for suture placement to redefine your neck contours.
Eight tiny entry points are made to serve as anchor sites to keep the neck tissue suspended in a naturally tighter position—two of these entry points are located in the dense tissue behind the ear for optimal support, and the other six entry points are located along the neck and the chin to allow the continuous passing of the suture.
Once each suture is in place, they create a “sling” to evenly lift and support your neck tissues to create a smoother, more defined neck and jawline contour.
How much does MyEllevate cost?
The cost of MyEllevate will depend on the level of treatment needed to achieve your aesthetic preferences. Some patients might require a combination of procedures in their treatment plan to achieve their desired outcomes; those with excess skin may require some skin removal, while those with stubborn fat deposits under the chin may benefit from SmartLipo® to eliminate it.
Convenient financing options help patients address all the factors preventing them from looking and feeling their best with affordable payment plans.
How long does MyEllevate last?
The sutures placed during the procedure are permanent, and MyEllevate’s effects can last for several years. Over time, the aging process will impact the results—just as they would with any procedure.
Your age at the time of your procedure, skin elasticity, and lifestyle habits will contribute to the number of years you enjoy the effects of a MyEllevate neck lift.
Maintaining a consistent skincare regimen, wearing SPF, and supporting your results with other non-surgical treatments can help you experience optimal results for longer.
Is the MyEllevate procedure painful?
One of the advantages of a minimally-invasive neck lift is that it is performed in our office using only local anesthesia yet achieves immediate and dramatic results. You’ll be numb but awake and able to communicate throughout the process, typically an hour or less. Some patients report a mild tugging sensation or slight pressure during their procedure; however, most patients describe the short procedure as easily tolerable and feel their results were well-worth any temporary discomfort. We have additional sedation options for patients who wish to increase their comfort; MyEllevate is also safe to combine with procedures that require general anesthesia.
What is the recovery process like after MyEllevate?
After your procedure, you’ll be fitted with a chin strap to help support the newly repositioned tissue and limit swelling. You will then go home to take it easy, and be able to see your results at your post-operative check-up the following day!
Post-procedure care is relatively minimal as there are no linear incisions to care for—you’ll be able to shower the day after your minimally-invasive neck lift. Most patients experience only minimal bruising or swelling and often return to work and other daily errands within a day or two with hardly any visible signs of just having a procedure.
You may feel mild tension behind your ears at the anchor points; however, this sensation quickly dissipates after a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help minimize any post-procedure discomfort.
In sum, there are few restrictions after a MyEllevate neck lift—you’ll simply be asked to delay strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for a couple weeks to avoid increased swelling.
What is the difference between MyEllevate and neck lift surgery?
The primary difference between MyEllevate and a traditional neck lift is the level of invasiveness with each procedure.
MyEllevate is considered minimally-invasive and can safely and comfortably be performed under local anesthesia—an attractive alternative for patients with only mild skin laxity who do not require extensive correction to achieve their aesthetic goals. MyEllevate’s subtle, natural-looking results improve the neck’s appearance without the need for a surgical procedure and a longer recovery period.
In contrast, a traditional neck lift is a comprehensive surgical procedure involving incisions, excess skin removal, and tightening of the underlying muscles to achieve a more contoured silhouette. The recovery time of a neck lift is about two weeks, and this more invasive approach carries some risk, as is expected of all surgical procedures. Patients with significant skin laxity see stronger rejuvenation effects and longer-lasting results with a surgical neck lift.
It’s essential to consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in a range of facial rejuvenation techniques to determine which procedure best suits your individual needs and goals.
“The whole experience was fantastic! The results exceeded my expectations! I look and feel 10 years younger. Dr. Claytor and his staff made me feel so at ease and comforting. He is an excellent surgeon with a wonderful bedside manner and personality. It is one of the best decisions I ever made. I would highly recommend Dr. Claytor; in fact my neighbor has an appointment with him next month.”
Dr. R. Brannon Claytor
Dr. Claytor is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and holds over 20 years of experience as a cosmetic plastic surgeon. An innovator and teacher in the field of plastic surgery, he uses advanced techniques like the drain-free tummy tuck and deep plane facelift to streamline recovery and provide natural-looking, durable results.
Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor at Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery has over 20 years of experience performing a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures and has established himself as the premier choice in the Main Line and Bryn Mawr, PA areas for face and neck rejuvenation. To learn more about MyEllevate neck lift or any of our other safe and transformative procedures, please call our practice at (610) 527-4833 or fill out our online form.
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Do you have a location in Ontario?
Hi Laura, Dr. Claytor’s plastic surgery center is located near Philadelphia, PA, but a number of his patients fly in from out of town to see him. If you’re willing to travel, Dr. Claytor would love to meet with you at his office!