Facelift, Neck Lift or MyEllevate?

By Mr Alex Karidis
MyEllevate Neck Rejuvenation

The effects of gravity on the face are well documented and manifest as lowering of the eyebrows, hooding of the upper eyelids, bulges under the eyes, flattened cheeks and deepening folds deepening the nose and the mouth. However, it is often the lower face where we see the worst effects of gravity.

A common ageing concern we see at Karidis Clinic is the formation of jowls, loss of definition between the jaw and neck, and excess skin obscuring the neck’s contours. The lower facelift and neck lift have long been the gold standard treatment for this concern, but we finally have a non-surgical solution to jawline and neck rejuvenation: MyEllevate.

Understanding exactly what each procedure entails, the potential benefits and possible downsides is vital.

The lower facelift and neck lift explained

This cosmetic surgery aims to reduce the visible signs of ageing affecting the neck and jawline. Typically, this is excess skin and fat that accumulates along the jawline, under the chin and along the neck, as well as the horizontal banding that appears in the front of the neck and is known as necklace lines or neck bands. Overall, your surgeon will aim to produce a smoother, tighter, more defined appearance.

The procedure:

  • Performed under a general anaesthetic
  • A long incision is made from the top of the ear, extending around the natural crease of the ear and back under the ear; an additional incision may be made under the chin
  • Excision and tightening of the skin, fat and muscles
  • Incisions are closed with sutures
  • An overnight stay in hospital

The recovery:

  • Downtime from work and normal activities typically between two and three weeks
  • Exercise and vigorous activities should be refrained from for up to six weeks

The risks:

  • As with all surgical procedures, potential risks include infection, haematoma, nerve damage, poor scarring and possible complications relating to a general anaesthetic

The ideal candidate:

  • The best candidates for a lower facelift and neck lift are those patients that have noticeable sagging on the face and neck area
  • Good skin elasticity is important
  • It is best to be at or close to your ideal body weight, as weight fluctuations in the future can affect your results
  • Want a longer-lasting improvement, although it is essential to remember that facial rejuvenation surgery will not prevent further ageing

MyEllevate neck rejuvenation explained

MyEllevate is described as a minimally invasive, non-surgical face and neck rejuvenation procedure. Mr Mark Ho-Asjoe can lift and tighten the jaw and neck area by creating a suture suspension system. The procedure uses the ICLED® Surgical Suture System, the first and only patented light-guided technology for facial cosmetic procedures. Instead of cutting the skin, Mr Ho-Asjoe can use the LED light transillumination to guide the sutures to the correct depth and direction to support the underlying tissue and muscles.

Mark Ho-Asjoe at Karidis Clinic

The procedure:

  • Performed under a local anaesthetic
  • Small punctures are made rather than one long incision
  • Once the sutures are placed into position, they will be gently pulled back to lift and tighten the muscles
  • No skin is excised
  • Can be combined with liposuction to remove any excess fat
  • Closed with medical adhesive rather than sutures
  • An overnight stay in hospital

The recovery:

  • The recovery process is much quicker than traditional facial rejuvenation surgery
  • Downtime for just a few days
  • Some mild discomfort, swelling and tightness that should quickly resolve
  • A neck brace is worn for two weeks
  • Exercise and vigorous activities should be refrained from for two weeks

The risks:

  • There are reduced risks compared to invasive surgery, but they can include bleeding, infection, and asymmetry

The ideal candidate:

  • Suitable for candidates that have mild to moderate ageing on the lower face and neck
  • It is also good for younger patients who want to achieve a more defined angle to the jaw and neck
  • Good skin elasticity is important
  • Patients who want to have a natural, subtle rejuvenation
  • Ideal for those patients that are hesitant about having an invasive procedure or undergoing a general anaesthetic
  • Understand that the results of MyEllevate will not be as dramatic and long-lasting as surgery; we suggest that the results of MyEllevate can last five years

Choosing the right procedure

Each patient is unique in terms of anatomy, ageing concerns and aesthetic goals, and during a consultation with Mr Mark Ho-Asjoe he can discuss your surgical and non-surgical options so you can make a fully informed on which procedure is a better fit for your individual needs and preferences.