| 0206-453 Noodleman
Noodleman FR, Harris DR.
The laser-assisted neck lift: modifications in technique and postoperative care
to improve results. Dermatol Surg. 2002 Jun;28(6):453-8. PMID: 12081670
Age Defying Dermatology, Campbell, California 95008, USA.
BACKGROUND: Conventional submental tumescent liposuction has proved
disappointing for some patients with anterior neck laxity, ptotic platysma
muscles, and increased subplatysmal fat. Many of these patients are facelift
candidates but are unwilling to undergo this extensive procedure. We describe
our hybrid approach, which offers consistently improved results and enhanced
patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: To establish a sharper cervicomental angle by
more completely removing subplatysmal fat. We also wished to achieve more
consistent, smoother results, minimizing ripples, folds, and hematomas with a
novel postoperative dressing system. METHODS: Extensive tumescent liposuction of
the lower face, jowls, and anterior neck was performed. Following this,
subplatysmal fat was removed by dissection, the platysma muscle was imbricated,
and the CO2 laser utilized in a defocused, low-power mode to partially treat the
dermal undersurface and underlying muscle. Our postoperative dressing included a
10 cm mineral oil polymer gel disc in the submental location, covered by tape,
silicone foam, and a lower face and neck garment to provide both support and
even compression over the entire neck for at least the first 24 hours. RESULTS:
Results proved uniformly satisfying for most patients, even those in their
senior years. Benefits included an improved cervicomental angle, a decrease in
jowling, and a marked reduction in the laxity and wrinkling of the neck skin and
horizontal neck creases. Problems related to postoperative rippling or folding
of the redraped skin and hematoma formation were minimized. conclusion. Laser
neck tightening combined with tumescent liposuction and an advanced
postoperative dressing for superior support and uniform compression has resulted
in consistently excellent outcomes with improved patient satisfaction.
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