Offered at our convenient location in Raleigh, NC
Contents
What Is a Minimally Invasive Neck Lift?
A minimally invasive neck lift is a non-surgical facial procedure that aims to reshape and rejuvenate the jawline through the implementation of local anesthesia and a specially designed light-guided suture system that elevates and approximates the underlying structures of the neck and jaw. Studies have shown that with continued monthly treatments, this procedure yields significant progression in three-dimensional improvements of the face and neck over time.[1]
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of a minimally invasive neck lift and see if it is right for you.
If you are looking for a double board-certified cosmetic surgeon who will attend to your needs, then you have made the right choice in considering Allen Aesthetic Surgery.
Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and led by the rejuvenating hands of Dr. Amber Allen, her practice prioritizes her patient’s comfort, facilitating a relaxing and non-threatening office environment that you will want to come back to again and again. This includes the implementation of multiple techniques to prevent discomfort and minimize anxiety.
Contact our office online or call at your earliest convenience at (919) 676-5052to schedule your consultation. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.
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About Minimally Invasive Neck Lifts
Our jawlines affect our looks more than you think. Just look at any before & after photos of people who have undergone jaw surgery. Additionally, conditions like a double chin can cause insecurity and can be tough to get rid of even with diet and exercise. Neck aesthetics are a vital and indispensable component of beauty. Successful management of cosmetic deformities depends on accurately diagnosing the underlying anatomical problems and applying the appropriate procedures to achieve the desired result.[2]
A minimally invasive neck lift is nowhere near the level of seriousness of jaw surgery, but their objectives are nearly identical: reshape and rejuvenate the jawline.
A minimally invasive neck lift uses specially patented brand light-guided surgical technology. Its ability to approximate and elevate the underlying structures of the skin without the need for invasive surgery and large incisions is what makes it a valuable tool in the world of cosmetic surgery. Procedures that are historically invasive and riskier can be performed more efficiently with less risk and shorter recovery times.
What Is the ICLED® Surgical Suture System?
The ICLED® Surgical Suture System is a patented technology that provides soft tissue approximation and elevation of the sub-dermis and underlying muscle through the use of a puncture device that makes precise punctures in the skin, followed by a dermal clearing device that is inserted into each puncture to clear the dermal attachments around each puncture, creating a better defined, contoured jawline and neck area.
Benefits of a Minimally Invasive Neck Lift
- Non-surgical option
- Delivers consistent, natural-looking results
- Minimal risk
- It can be performed quickly
- Relatively short recovery time
- Instantly noticeable improvement in appearance
- Long-lasting results
Candidates
The ideal candidate for a minimally invasive neck lift is somebody who is hesitant about going under the knife, with minimal skin laxity and is starting to show the early signs of aging. If your neckline is looking like a downward slope rather than a right angle under the chin, then you would definitely qualify for this procedure.
Patients who have prominent glands underneath the neckline would also experience great results from a minimally invasive neck lift.
If you are thinking about having a skin tightening procedure, you may also benefit from this procedure as the current technology may tighten the skin, but it does not do anything to address the underlying muscles and glands, which cause the neck to look older. A minimally invasive neck lift powered by the ICLED® Surgical Suture System is the only procedure that is done through the skin and addresses these specific problem areas.
Personal Consultation
Your personal consultation with Dr. Allen is your opportunity to have a frank discussion about your goals and expectations for your neck and jawline. Don’t be afraid to voice any opinions or concerns with her. Dr. Allen will evaluate your medical history and determine whether you would be a suitable candidate for a minimally invasive neck lift.
Procedure
The minimally invasive neck lift procedure is done under local anesthesia and takes approximately one and a half hours to perform. Your skin will be marked to help guide Dr. Allen, and then a series of small punctures will be made along your jawline with the ICLED® Surgical Suture System device.
A light-guided needle and thread will be used to place the suture over the muscle and beneath the skin to lace the underlying muscles together. This method keeps everything firmly in place, resulting in a defined, desirable jawline and neck contour. Dr. Allen can perform minimally invasive neck lifts by themselves or in conjunction with other treatments for optimal results.
Recovery
You should need about four days to recover. Minimally invasive neck lifts usually require you to wear a chin strap as well. You may experience some minor swelling and bruising. You may also have a tight feeling or some dimpling in the days after your minimally invasive neck lift, but it will fade over time.
Results
Results are instantly noticeable as your jawline will be clearly defined and more attractively angular. Minimally invasive neck lift results are considered long-lasting with five to seven years and up success rate.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Botox
Botox is the classic injectable neuromodulator that blocks the chemical responsible for tensing and contracting our muscles, creating a taut surface free from fine lines and wrinkles. Great for both men and women.
Facial Fillers
Facial fillers are injectable gels that effectively ‘fill’ in the gaps created by fine lines and wrinkles to create a smoother, more youthful look with some additional volume added to areas where they were lacking.
Skin Rejuvenation
Skin rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure that can serve to eliminate the signs of aging through a variety of treatments and procedures. Skin rejuvenation will restore a youthful and revitalized appearance to your skin. Modern techniques of skin rejuvenation are supported by science and have been clinically proven to have positive results. From chemical peels to intense pulsed light, skin rejuvenation techniques are gentle, healthy for the skin, and make you look amazing.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical fat removal procedure that utilizes a hollowed-out needle called a cannula that is attached to a suction device. The needle is inserted into stubborn, problematic areas of fat and proceeds to suction it out, leaving a more svelte figure as a result.
Renuvion Sub Dermal Skin Tightening
Renuvion® utilizes Helium Plasma and Radiofrequency to activate or stimulate one’s own collagen for maximum skin tightening using small incisions. Over time the skin acts like a “shrink-wrap” with less down-time. Combined with Liposuction, Renuvion provides fantastic results especially in the neck and lower face area.
If you enjoyed learning all about the benefits of minimally invasive neck lifts, then we highly recommend you check out Dr. Allen’s Blog. You’ll find all sorts of engaging content like lifestyle advice, aesthetic FAQs, opinion pieces, educational articles, and much, much more. Don’t forget to follow her on social media. Come say “hi” and share your thoughts with her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
We look forward to meeting you and introducing the new you to the world.
FAQ
A minimally invasive neck lift is a non-surgical facial procedure that aims to reshape and rejuvenate the jawline through the implementation of local anesthesia and a specially designed light-guided suture system that elevates and approximates the underlying structures of the neck and jaw.
The ICLED® Surgical Suture System is a patented technology that provides soft tissue approximation and elevation of the sub-dermis and underlying muscle.
The ICLED® suture system kit works through the use of a puncture device that makes precise punctures in the skin, followed by a dermal clearing device that is inserted into each puncture to clear the dermal attachments around each puncture.
Minimally invasive neck lift procedures are relatively quick and can be done approximately within one hour.
A traditional neck lift is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Your cosmetic surgeon makes a small incision behind each ear. Through these incisions, she will tighten the neck muscles and underlying tissues, removing excess saggy skin to restore a smoother, firmer, and more youthful appearance to the neck area.
A minimally invasive neck lift does away with all the surgery, requiring no incisions or skin removal, and can be performed under local anesthesia in a surgeon’s office. This procedure is quicker than a traditional neck lift and uses a specially designed apparatus that works to clear the underlying dermal attachments, creating a tightening effect.
References
- Taub AF. Evaluation of a nonsurgical, muscle-stimulating system to elevate soft tissues of the face and neck. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: JDD. 2006 May;5(5):446-450. PMID: 16703781
- Weinstein AL, Nahai F. A layered approach to neck lift. Plast Aesthet Res 2021;8:11. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2020.192
*RESULTS MAY VARY
Offered at our convenient location in Raleigh, NC
ICLED® is an innovative, minimally-invasive neck lift system. It uses a single suture woven underneath the skin to lift the sagging skin that occurs just below the chin. It tightens the muscles of the neck to create a defined chin and jawline. If you’ve been frustrated with a “turkey neck” or “weak chin” but aren’t willing to undergo the invasive surgery and long recovery that accompanies a traditional neck lift, ICLED® may be the procedure for you. ICLED® isn’t just an anti-aging treatment. It can restructure your profile, tighten your jawline, and with addition of liposuction, take pounds off your appearance.
We spend a lot of time looking at ourselves from the shoulders up these days. In fact, ICLED® is also called the “Zoom Lift,” because it targets the area that’s often the most conspicuous during teleconferencing. And while humans have always invested time and energy into caring for the appearance of our faces, the delicate but vital skin of the neck is often neglected.
Unfortunately, even the firmest, most radiant facial skin can be in vain if the neck beneath it looks weathered and deflated. Taking care of your neck’s appearance is an important part of caring for your overall appearance. And, a comprehensive approach to aesthetics is exactly what Dr. Amber Allen does best. Dr. Allen combines an artistic eye and advanced medical training to create beautiful, revitalized results. To learn more about whether ICLED® is right for you, schedule a personal consultation at Allen Aesthetic Surgery in Raleigh. Call (919) 676-5052 or reach out online at your convenience.
Contents
About The Aging Neck
With age, the muscles of the neck loosen. The skin begins to sag, and deposits of fat accumulate around the jaw and neck. But the deposits of fat that have the greatest impact on the profile, and are the source of the most frustration for many people, are in the submental area: under the chin.
Over time, the body produces less collagen and elastin. These compose the scaffolding that maintains healthy, taut, vibrant skin. When collagen and elastin are depleted, the skin loses its youthful firmness. The delicate skin of the neck is especially vulnerable to these signs of aging and becomes loose and banded.
As skin becomes loose, it hangs farther and farther away from the fine musculature of the neck. Lax skin also causes the jawline to lose definition and brings an aged and drooping appearance to the lower face. Facelifts can tighten the cheeks and raise loose skin on the forehead, but they do nothing to treat the area below the chin. (2) Neck lifts, or cervicoplasties, involve the surgical removal of loose, excess skin, and leave scarring in their wake.
The area under the chin demands unique considerations. This area is home to the platysma muscles, two sheet-like swathes of muscle that stretch from the clavicle to the underside of the jaw on each side of the body. As we age, the space between the platysma muscles separates, relaxing the formerly taut surface. Along with fat deposits and skin laxity, older people see a change in their “cervical angle”: where the neck meets the underside of the chin. What was formerly a well-defined L shape loosens into a V, or in more dramatic cases, an outwardly bowed line from the tip of the chin to the suprasternal notch – where the clavicles meet in the center of the chest.
Surgeries to address this involve an incision that allows the surgeon access to this part of the neck. In some procedures, the fat deposit between the platysmal muscles is removed, and the muscles are stitched together to create a sharper angle underneath the chin. (3)
A Minimally-Invasive Solution
One of the things that make aesthetic surgery such an exciting field is the constant innovation that occurs.
The ICLED® system was developed by Dr. Gregory Mueller in Beverly Hills. He was looking for a better way to address the jawline and submental area. Previous procedures involved extensive surgery. Many people aren’t willing to trade chin definition for a set of scars- nor should they. While other procedures removed skin and fat, and directly manipulated the muscles, Dr. Mueller was able to directly lift and tighten the underside of the jaw by using a system of threading underneath the skin. This system acts as a kind of corset for the sagging area under the chin. By using the connective structure under the skin, the thread has anchor points to suspend, lift, and tighten the sagging jawline and platysmal muscles underneath the chin. However, weaving this supportive structure beneath the skin would be impossible without Dr. Mueller’s other invention: the ICLED. This device is similar to a long, double-sided needle with a tiny flashlight attached. When performing a ICLED® procedure, the surgeon can see where the needle and thread are going by following the light, which is visible through the skin. In this way, rejuvenating effects are achieved without large incisions.
Benefits
- Tightens loose and sagging skin around the neck and under the chin
- Improves jawline definition
- No visible scarring
- Results last for up to five years
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Minor downtime and recovery period
- Can be performed in conjunction with liposuction, Kybella, or other thermal skin tightening procedures
- Can be performed under local anesthesia
Candidates
Candidates for a ICLED® procedure are frustrated with “turkey necks,” double chins, or the other signs of aging that have changed their profile. They also don’t want to endure an invasive surgery and long recovery. As with any cosmetic procedure, candidates should be in good health and plan on living a healthy lifestyle that will ensure that their results remain for the years to come.
Personal Consultation
Your personal consultation at Allen Aesthetic Surgery is a chance to ask questions and learn more about what ICLED® can do for you. Dr. Allen will listen to your goals, review your medical history, and determine whether ICLED® is a good solution to your neck woes. She’ll also perform a physical examination of your chin, jawline, and neck to ensure that the procedure will yield satisfactory results. She’ll take into account any skin laxity, the thickness of your skin, the amount of fat in the deposits under your chin and around your jawline. (4) If you’re a good candidate for ICLED®, you’ll be given personalized instructions on how to prepare, and exactly what to expect. To learn more about the other services that Dr. Allen offers her patients in Raleigh, follow her blog!
Procedure
ICLED® procedure is a part of a combined procedure involving many steps for the best outcome possible. First, tumescent anesthetic is placed in the neck to numb the area so that the procedure can be done without IV anesthetic. Next, Liposuction removes any extra fat in the neck. Following liposuction, Renuvion subdermal skin tightening is performed in order to further stimulate the collagen and provide maximum skin retraction. Lastly, it is time for the suture placement. The ICLED® procedure uses a matrix of suture thread underneath the skin. In fact, it’s similar to the lacing of a shoe! One long thread is inserted beneath the skin at the meeting point of the neck and underside of the chin. Dr. Allen then uses the innovative ICLED to weave each end of the thread in a criss-cross pattern, using anchor points along your jawline. The thread is laced from near your ear forwards, until each end of the thread meets in the middle, near your chin. The matrix is then tightened until your neck is lifted adequately, the ends are tied, trimmed, and the resulting knot concealed under the skin. This procedure is usually performed in about an hour and a half, and because it’s minimally invasive, the recovery period is minimal. Patients remain comfortable during a lift using only local anesthesia, which allows them to avoid the risks of general anesthesia and return home more quickly.
Recovery and Results
ICLED® allows patients to enjoy a more youthful profile and tighter submental area. This procedure is a fast, minimally invasive way to see better jawline definition. Dimpling at the suture’s anchor points typically diminishes within a day or two of the procedure, and final results are visible after a month, when the minor swelling or bruising subsides. (1) Patients are required to wear a chin strap for at least a week or two as part of their recovery. ICLED® results can last up to 5 years.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
ICLED® is a highly adaptable procedure that can be performed on patients that have undergone other facial rejuvenation treatments previously. It can also be combined with liposuction for patients with large submental fat deposits, or Renuvion for those with more extreme cases of skin laxity. Dr. Allen will be able to recommend the perfect combination of rejuvenating treatments for your unique profile during your personal consultation.
How Much Does ICLED® Cost in Raleigh?
The cost of your ICLED® procedure will depend on the extent of the symptoms of aging that you’ve chosen to treat and whether you’ve chosen to combine this technique with other procedures. Dr. Allen will be able to give you an accurate estimate of the cost of your procedure after completing examinations and discussions during your personal consultation. For more information about Allen Aesthetic Surgery’s financial and office policies, click here.
FAQ
ICLED® tightens and lifts the skin under the chin and jawline by using a suspension system created by a single suture laced underneath the surface of the skin.
Because of the thin needle used to place the suture, only tiny access points are required along the jawline. Unlike other neck lifts and rejuvenation techniques, no skin is excised, and patients are left with natural-looking results without major incisions.
References
- Mueller GP, Leaf N, Aston SJ, Stone CW. The Percutaneous Trampoline Platysmaplasty: Technique and Experience With 105 Consecutive Patients. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2012;32(1):11-24. doi:10.1177/1090820X11429939
- Rooijens PP, Zweep HP, Beekman WH. Combined use of ultrasound-assisted liposuction and limited-incision platysmaplasty for treatment of the aging neck. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2008;32(5):790-794. doi:10.1007/s00266-008-9215-x
- Langsdon PR, Renukuntla S, Obeid AA, Smith AM, Karter NS. Analysis of Cervical Angle in the Submental Muscular Medialization and Suspension Procedure. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2019;21(1):56-60. doi:10.1001/jamafacial.2018.1097
- Balaji SM, Balaji P. Plication of Neck Strap Muscles and Platysma for Double Chin Correction – A Retrospective Study. Ann Maxillofac Surg. 2020;10(2):417-421. doi:10.4103/ams.ams_355_20
*RESULTS MAY VARY