Neck Lift Indianapolis | Neck Lift Surgery

Dr. Kimberly Short, a board certified plastic surgeon performs facial rejuvenation procedures with a goal to shape and contour the facial area by providing a refreshed facial appearance, not an unnatural appearance. Dr. Kimberly Short was able to be exposed to many techniques which were on the cutting edge of technology. Dr. Short completed a six-month fellowship in Oculoplastic Surgery and Aesthetic Facial Surgery. Dr. Kimberly Short also completed a three-month fellowship in Facial Rejuvenation in Miami, Florida. Dr. Kimberly Short has adopted the “Coleman” technique, the most widely used technique and instrumentation in the United States for structural fat grafting. Dr. Kimberly Short trained with Dr. Sydney Coleman and has used this opportunity to perfect this technique for her patients. Structural fat grafting is a procedure used to restore fullness and provide softer angles, fewer square angles for females. Fat grafting is an all natural option for facial re-shaping that produces permanent results, creating soft, natural contour changes.

The Gillian Institute’s approach for the lower facial rejuvenation for female patients is accentuating the feminine anatomy and understanding females desire an understated, enhanced result. Our doctors enjoy facial restoration by using a combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments determined by the patient’s recovery and desired outcome. Our attention to detail combined with our artistic dedication gives her the reputation of maintaining delicate female features. The Gillian Institutes’s female patients appreciate our feminine eye for producing desired feminine outcomes. Our doctors understand the anatomy and the balance of harmony between the upper, mid, and lower facial regions when approaching the lower face for rejuvenation options. Our surgeons are able to visualize the female patient from a three-dimensional view, a learned visualization while performing her advanced aesthetic fellowships.

When to Consider Chin Contouring & a Neck Lift

Weak jawline and chin profile.
Localized fatty tissue/fullness under the chin/neck.
Sagging skin under the skin and neck area.
Loss of the neck angle as a result of aging process.

Neck Rejuvenation Treatment Options

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under light or general anesthesia. The procedure will typically take 1.5-3.5 hours, depending on the actual procedure and if combined with fat grafting.

The following options are performed to restore a more youthful appearance by reduction in neck fullness and tightening of the skin resulting in a natural return to a 90 angle of the neck line. Options are listed from less invasive, less expensive, less recovery time to more invasive, more expensive, and more recovery time.

MESOTHERAPY OR LIPODISSOLVE

Reduce localized area of fullness to the neck with mild skin contraction by a series of painless injections containing phosphatidylcholine (PCC) with a weekend recovery period of swelling. A neck wrap is recommended for the first 3-5 days to reduce swelling with intermittent external ultrasound massage. The procedure is performed in the office under topical cream and driving is not restricted. This procedure provides long-lasting results. The desired results may require more than one treatment depending on the fullness to the neck.

LIPOSUCTION

A more significant reduction of fatty tissue and for improved skin contraction to restore a 90-degree neck angle.

A small incision (1-2 cm) is placed under the chin and the earlobe creases to insert a small facial neck cannula into the fatty tissue layer to use suction technology for removal of fatty tissue cells. A cross hatch pattern is used with the liposuction technique for optimal results and to prevent skin irregularities. The external ultrasound technique is used to promote skin contraction. This procedure is performed under anesthesia as an outpatient surgery and takes approximately 1.5-2.0 hours. The recovery period is 5-7 days, anticipating swelling and bruising for the first 1 week. A compression neck garment is required for the first 5-7 days, 24 hours a day, then for the second week, only in the evening for optimal resolution in swelling. A topi-foam compression pad is placed under the garment for the first week to improve skin contraction, skin molding, and reduction in swelling.

SUBMENTAL (UNDER THE CHIN) NECK LIFT

The use of liposuction for reduction in the fatty tissue above the neck muscle for contouring improvements in combination with making an incision in the chin area to remove the fatty tissue located behind the neck muscles (platysma muscles) and includes tightening of the neck (platysma) muscles with a permanent suture. This approach will reduce the fatty tissue located above and below the neck muscles and will re-contour the neck by tightening the neck muscles to restore the desired neck angle with permanent results. This procedure is performed under anesthesia as an outpatient surgery and takes approximately 2.0-3.0 hours. The recovery period is 7-10 days, anticipating swelling and bruising for the first 1 week. A compression neck garment is required for the first 7-10 days, 24 hours a day, then for an additional week in the evening for optimal resolution in swelling. Skin glue adhesive and steri-strips are placed to the incisions for the first 1 week and scar treatment is recommended at 2 weeks post-operative. A small drain is used if necessary and is removed in the office within 1-2 days.

VERTICAL NECK LIFT

The use of conservative liposuction for the reduction in the fatty tissue above the neck muscle for contouring improvements in combination with making an incision in the chin area to remove the fatty tissue located behind the neck muscles (platysma muscles) and includes tightening of the neck (platysma) muscles with a permanent suture. This approach will reduce the fatty tissue located above and below the neck muscles and will re-contour the neck by tightening the neck muscles to restore the desired neck angle with permanent results. But the incision is also extended form the chin area downward using a Z-plasty technique to remove excess skin in the vertical vector and prevent a full neck lift procedure. This procedure is performed under anesthesia as an outpatient surgery and takes approximately 2.0-3 hours. The recovery period is 7-10 days, anticipating swelling and bruising for the first 1 week. A compression neck garment is required for the first 7-10 days, 24 hours a day, then for an additional week in the evening for optimal resolution in swelling. Skin glue adhesive and steri-strips are placed to the incisions for the first 1 week and scar treatment is recommended at 2 weeks post-operative. A small drain is used if necessary and is removed in the office within 1-2 days.

FULL NECK LIFT

The use of liposuction for reduction in the fatty tissue above the neck muscle for contouring improvements in combination with making an incision in the chin area to remove the fatty tissue located behind the neck muscles (platysma muscles) and includes tightening of the neck (platysma) muscles with a permanent suture; in addition to incisions placed behind the ear for skin removal. The additional incisions behind the ear are required to address loose and sagging skin to the neck. This approach will reduce fatty tissue located above and below the neck muscles and will recontour the neck by tightening the neck muscles and neck skin to restore the desired neck angle with permanent results. This procedure is performed under anesthesia as an outpatient surgery and takes approximately 2.5-3.5 hours. The recovery period is 7-10 days, anticipating swelling and bruising for the first 1 week. A compression neck garment is required for the first 7-10 days, 24 hours a day, then for an additional week in the evening for optimal resolution in swelling. Skin glue adhesive and steri-strips are placed to the incisions for the first 1 week and scar treatment is recommended at 2 weeks post-operative. A small drain is placed on each side of the neck and is removed in the office within 1-2 days.

CHIN IMPLANT

Neck rejuvenation also incorporates the evaluation the chin area and creating a harmonious balance to the lower face. A weak or underprojected chin is also approached simultaneously in many cases with neck restoration to maintain a continuum of stability. For chin augmentation and improved chin projection and angularity, a more traditional chin augmentation using a silicone chin implant may be placed in the chin area. An incision made either inside the mouth near the gum line or underneath the chin is made to create a small pocket for placement of a silicone chin implant. The chin implant is selected based on measurements of pre-existing anatomy, and desired chin projection. Chin implants are available in a variety of sizes and different dimensions. The chin implant is secured with sutures and post operative taping is placed to the skin to secure the implant for the first 3-5 days. The chin implant may feel more firm and hard compared to the alternative approach of fat grafting.

CHIN FAT GRAFTING

Fat grafting is an all natural, softer feeling option, but still yields long-lasting results. Our more common approach for chin augmentation and an improved chin angle is the technique of fat grafting. Fat grafting is a procedure in which fat cells or grafts are removed from a desired area on the body such as the neck or abdomen with a special harvesting (liposuction) cannula and the fat cells are then transferred, or re-implanted to the facial area(s) to improve the jawline appearance, provide projection to the chin, and enhance the angles for improved masculine traits. The harvested fat cells are treated very carefully to ensure longevity of the desired outcome. The Gillian Institute doctors re-inject the fat grafts through a special “Coleman” injecting cannula that is blunt and designed for the facial area. The blunt instrumentation minimizes bruising and swelling to the facial areas. Our fat grafting technique allows the transfer of fat grafts in small aliquots within the dermal layer rather than large clumps, creating a very smooth contour. By performing this technique with emphasis on minimizing trauma to the fat grafts, the survival of the fat grafts is extremely high and longevity is permanent. Due to the relationship between the blood supply and survivability of the fat grafts, cessation of smoking is required a minimum of 3-6 months prior to surgery for optimal results. The incisions used for harvesting the fat and transferring the fat grafts are 1-2 cm and are very well hidden. The incisions are closed with very fine sutures, removed after 3-5 days following surgery. A garment to the neck/chin and the harvest site is recommend for 5-7 days.

After Surgery

Light dressings are placed and the incisions are covered with skin glue adhesive and steri-strips. A compression wrap or binder to the harvesting site, neck or abdomen, is placed for 1-2 weeks following the surgery to reduce the swelling as quickly as possible. You will need a caretaker for the first 24-36 hours after the procedure. Light activities may be performed after 1 week and lifting may be resumed after 2 weeks. Sleeping at a 45-degree angle is recommended for the first 7-10 days to reduce swelling to the facial area. A cooling mask (designed by the NASA program) may be used instead of regular ice application to provide a uniform cooling temperature directly after surgery. You should anticipate swelling and bruising for the first 2 weeks, but oral medications recommended prior to surgery, Arnica and Bromelain, may reduce these effects following surgery. The use of the external ultrasound as post operative massage will reduce the swelling and any areas of firmness as well.

Anticipated Results

Note: It is important to address any concerns with The Gillian Institute at the time of your consultation. There is some risk, as with any surgical procedure. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.Our doctors can explain the procedure and potential complications to you in detail, and she can assist you in determining if a neck contouring and fat grafting option are best for you.

Procedure

Neck Lift and Chin Contouring