Isolated Cervicoplasty

Abstract

Isolated cervicoplasty is a surgical procedure that improves and/or rejuvenates the central submental/neck area maximally and the jowl and lateral submandibular area mildly to moderately. Maximum improvement and/or rejuvenation of the jowl and lateral submandibular area of the neck involves superior-posterior repositioning of redundant facial tissue and requires a facelift concomitant with cervicoplasty. Isolated cervicoplasty is performed through a submental incision without pre- or postauricular incisions. In select patients, isolated cervicoplasty will give a very satisfactory result. A precise knowledge of the normal neck anatomy and the anatomy of the deformity of the neck is mandatory to determine the correct surgical procedure and to achieve the most acceptable result. Clinical evaluation and treatment planning for isolated cervicoplasty is discussed. Based on a thorough knowledge of neck anatomy, the surgical technique for isolated cervicoplasty is described. This usually involves conservative liposuction, accurate excision of lax neck fascia-platysma muscle complex and tension-free suture approximation of the central neck fascia-platysma complex from symphysis menti to the level of the thyroid or cricoid cartilage. The use of fibrin sealant has been found to be very helpful. When indicated, this surgical technique is a safe, uncomplicated method to produce a long-lasting, attractive neck.