The iGuide neck lift is a revolutionary new minor procedure for tightening the neck. Up to now, excess skin in the neck was primarily treated with surgical options. The main treatment was simply a face/neck lift, which, while an excellent procedure, is more than many people want. And, many people with obtuse neck angles don’t need a face lift. Another procedure is liposuction which is indicated for those who have excess fat in the neck and under the chin. An alternative surgical procedure is the anterior Z-plasty neck lift. This is excising (cutting out) the excess skin in the front of the neck. While this does effectively eliminate the excess skin, it also leaves a vertical scar in the neck from the chin to the lower neck. Most people are happy to make the trade of a fairly inconspicuous scar for the excess “turkey” neck, however.
The newest procedure for the sagging neck is called the iGuide Neck Lift. The iGuide is a very effective alternative procedure that has many advantages over the former procedures mentioned above. It is not a substitute for a face-neck lift when needed or a liposuction when excess fat exists in the neck. Its main indication is in the person whose sagging is not advanced enough for a face lift (which always includes the neck) or in someone with a saggy neck who doesn’t want a face lift. If the patient also needs liposuction, that can be done at the same time as the iGuide.
The iGuide is done under mild sedation or no sedation and is minimally invasive with also minimal recovery required. Basically, the procedure is creating a trampoline like structure with a single suture that runs back and forth from side to side under the chin and jaw, suspending the loose skin and muscle in the neck. The suture is introduced through several very small incisions, slightly larger than needle sticks with a special instrument with a light on one end that can be seen through the skin. This allows the surgeon to determine the depth of the suture, which must be very superficial. The neck is first anesthetized with local anesthesia. Then, if necessary, liposuction is performed followed by the iGuide suture. When the iGuide suture is tightened, a good analogy would be like tightening your shoe lace.
A post-operative neck band is used for three days. Generally, there is minimal swelling and bruising, according to how much liposuction is needed. The new neck shape and angle can be seen immediately, and other than the neck band, no down time is required.
The iGuide procedure is ideal for those patients who have undergone non-surgical rejuvenation of the face with injections of products, such as Sculptra and/or Fraxel laser treatment or other fillers like Restylane or Juvederm, since these procedures are limited in their ability to restore a beautiful neck line.
Before and after iGuide neck lift procedure (2 months)
