Micro-Shuttle Lifting of the Neck: A Percutaneous Loop Suspension Method Using a Novel Double-Ended Needle

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Aesthetic Medicine

Background:

• Younger patients seek significant neck improvement and lift without extensive surgery.
• Advancements in volume redistribution techniques offer non-surgical aesthetic restoration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve necklift-comparable and durable results using minimally invasive surgery.
• To utilize punctures instead of incisions for neck rejuvenation.

Main Methods:

• Micro-shuttle lifting creates a percutaneous hammock for simultaneous lifting of neck planes.
• Nonabsorbable sutures are placed on nonundermined platysma and anchored to loops around the ears.
• Gravitational force is mitigated via loop suspensions for effective skin redraping over an internal splint.

Main Results:

• The technique was applied to 221 patients (mean age 42.5) from 2005-2014.
• Satisfactory outcomes were reported in all but 12 cases.
• Procedure time was under 40 minutes with 5-7 day recovery under local anesthesia.

Conclusions:

• The percutaneous necklift's sustainability relies on skin redraping, similar to orthopedic fracture healing.
• This safe, simple percutaneous method offers long-term durability, low morbidity, and high patient satisfaction.
• Suitable for selected patients, it's a quick, easily performed necklifting solution under local anesthesia.