Once upon a time, traditional invasive surgery was the only way to rejuvenate your neck and jawline. Today, this has changed! The MyEllevate procedure at eSSe Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, led by renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr. Tracey Stokes, offers an innovative solution for those who are looking for a younger and more sculpted appearance.
The advanced approach of MyEllevate caters specifically to those who would like to see noticeable changes in their jawline and neck without extensive surgery. MyEllevate is the perfect treatment option that blends non-invasive in-office aesthetic treatments and traditional neck lifts, giving you the best of both worlds.
What Is MyEllevate?
MyEllevate is a minimally invasive neck lift procedure that helps sculpt and refine the neck and jawline. As an alternative to a traditional surgical neck lift, MyEllevate uses a state-of-the-art light-guided suture system called ICLED to place permanent sutures underneath the skin at specific points, including at the neck and behind the ears. This allows the neck tissues to be lifted in a way that best fits your unique anatomy.
The ICLED Surgical Suture System is the first of its kind, allowing Dr. Stokes to place a single continuous permanent suture accurately. This system reduces trauma to surrounding tissues, allowing patients to experience a more rapid recovery with maximum tissue hold. MyEllevate is performed conveniently in our office, saving you from any extra trips!
How Exactly Does MyEllevate Work?
Dr. Stokes will first numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic and make sure you are comfortable. She will then insert a thin needle-like device with an illuminated tip under your skin on the neck to “sew” the underlying neck tissues of the neck together. A total of 8 tiny entry points are made to serve as anchor sites to keep the neck tissue suspended. 6 of the entry points are along the neck and chin to anchor the continuous suture thread and 2 are behind the ears for optimal support. The entire procedure takes about an hour, making it an efficient option for those even with busy schedules.
Benefits of MyEllevate
- Minimally invasive: MyEllevate is considered minimally invasive as it involves tiny incisions to place sutures under the skin; however, this is done with local anesthesia. You can expect minimal discomfort, limited bruising, and no visible scarring.
- Shorter recovery period: MyEllevate boasts a quick recovery time where you can resume your normal activities in a few days.
- Immediate results: Results from MyEllevate are visible immediately and continue to improve over 3 to 6 months as the tissues settle into their enhanced positions.
- Long-lasting: Results from MyEllevate can last 5 years or more, which is impressive for a minimally invasive procedure that does not involve extensive surgery.
- Natural looking outcomes: This procedure provides a natural lift to the neck and jawline in a way that best suits your unique anatomy.
- Safe and effective: MyEllevate’s ICLED light-guided suture system is FDA approved and is known for high patient satisfaction rates. Under the experienced guidance of Dr. Stokes, you can feel comfortable in achieving your aesthetic goals safely and effectively.
MyEllevate Pros and Cons
MyEllevate is like any other aesthetic procedure in that it has its pluses and negatives. While it has many benefits, it is important to weigh these against drawbacks to see if it is the right treatment choice for you.
Pros
- Minimally invasive with fewer risks than traditional surgery
- Shorter and more manageable recovery period
- Immediate visible improvements
- Long-lasting outcomes
- Virtually invisible scars
Cons
- Not ideal for addressing jowls. MyEllevate is an excellent choice for the neck and jawline, but while it may improve the jowls a bit, those are best treated by a traditional facelift and neck lift.
- MyEllevate does require some downtime. Compared to traditional surgeries, the MyEllevate procedure has a shorter recovery, but it still lasts a few days.
- It does not entirely replace neck or facelift surgery. Traditional surgeries have their place in aesthetics, but MyEllevate may be a better option for mild or moderate cases.
Add-Ons to MyEllevate Treatments
One of the best aspects of MyEllevate is how it can be customized and tailored to address several common cosmetic concerns. During your consultation, we can discuss your aesthetic goals to see which treatment combination is best for you. Some commonly added on treatments include:
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- Kybella – injections to help break down chin fat
- Liposuction – surgical removal of excess fat
- Skin tightening procedures – non-invasive treatments to boost collagen and elastin production to tighten loose skin
How Is MyEllevate Different From a Neck Lift?
MyEllevate is often called a minimally invasive neck lift. It involves local anesthesia, no linear incisions and a shorter recovery, with little to no visible scarring.
Neck lift surgery is a more invasive surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. While it entails a longer recovery and more potential scarring, it yields more dramatic and long-lasting results, particularly for advanced signs of aging.
MyEllevate is best suited for individuals with mild to moderate concerns seeking a less invasive option, while a neck lift is recommended for those with substantial neck laxity, excess skin and muscle banding.
Are You a Good Candidate?
MyEllevate is suitable for a wide variety of patients. You may be an excellent candidate if you:
- Have mild to moderate isolated excess, or loose, skin of the neck
- Have some retained elasticity
- Are at or near your preferred weight
- Are in overall good health and do not smoke
- Want to avoid the scar of a full face and necklift
While MyEllevate is typically used for patients in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, it is commonly used for more mature patients to combat the signs of aging. During your consultation, Dr. Stokes will thoroughly evaluate all factors to ensure that MyEllevate is your best treatment option.
Results You Can Expect With MyEllevate
Patients who undergo the MyEllevate procedure at eSSe Plastic Surgery experience incredible and natural-looking results. Immediately after the treatment, expect to see tighter skin, a more defined jawline, and those jaw and neck contours you have been looking for. As the area continues to heal over the next several weeks, these results will become more evident. Depending on your lifestyle, skincare habits, and sometimes genetics, you can expect a snatched neck and jawline for over 5 years.
Why Choose MyEllevate Over Other Procedures
Many patients opt to have the MyEllevate procedure because of its numerous benefits compared to a traditional facelift, neck lift or skin tightening treatments. The jawline and neck areas are challenging to contour or lift without the help of aesthetics. Its ability to deliver immediate and effective results, minimal downtime, and long-lasting improvements make MyEllevate a worthy aesthetic option.
MyEllevate Before and After
We get it – seeing is believing. Looking at the before and after photos of former MyEllevate patients helps to visualize the amazing potential of this procedure. These images below demonstrate tighter and smoother necklines and defined jawlines. During your consultation with Dr. Stokes, you can ask about more patient stories and visual examples to set realistic expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MyEllevate cost?
The cost of MyEllevate depends on multiple factors, such as the extent of the treatment, whether MyEllevate is being combined with another procedure, and other associated fees. To make this process easier, eSSe Plastic Surgery offers convenient financing through Cherry and Care Credit to help make your desired results achievable.
What does recovery look like?
It is normal to have some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for a few days following your procedure. While aftercare instructions will be provided, plan on following these guidelines:
- You may shower in 24 hours and avoid water directly streaming on your face.
- Wear your chin strap at all times for 3 days
- Use ice to help with swelling
- Avoid working out for 2 weeks and core exercises for 4 weeks
- No smoking for at least 2 weeks prior to and after surgery, as this will delay your healing process.
- Take Tylenol for pain. Avoid medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin, Excedrin, Aleve) for 3 days after.
Does MyEllevate hurt?
The MyEllevate procedure uses local anesthesia to minimize potential discomfort. The treated area will be numb but you will be awake and can communicate with Dr. Stokes. During the procedure, you may feel slight tugging or pressure. After the treatment, it is normal to be sore for a few days after as the tissues settle and the swelling goes down.
How long will my results last?
While each patient experiences individual results, MyEllevate results typically last 5 years or more. You can help your results last longer by doing the following:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated
- Quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- Use high-quality skincare products
- Apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more daily
- Maintain a stable weight
Can I return to work immediately after MyEllevate?
The MyEllevate procedure does require a few days of downtime. We recommend taking at least 2 to 3 days off of work to allow the initial swelling and bruising to subside.
Will MyEllevate leave noticeable scars?
No. MyEllevate involves tiny incisions (about 2mm long) behind the ears that will heal discreetly, even if you don’t have hair!
Is MyEllevate suitable for men?
Yes, MyEllevate is popular among both men and women who are looking for a tighter and more contoured neck and jawline.
How is MyEllevate different from a facelift?
Unlike a surgical facelift, MyEllevate only requires minimal incisions under local anesthesia, which leads to shorter and better recovery times and less risk. MyEllevate is also significantly more cost-effective, provides natural-looking results, and is more achievable for many patients to receive.
Will MyEllevate improve my profile?
We love a good profile shot after a patient has had the MyEllevate procedure. Tightened loose skin and redefined jawline contours are ingredients to make a sleeker and more youthful profile that will boost your confidence at all angles!
Why Dr. Tracey Stokes Is the Premier Choice
Choosing the right surgeon is an essential part of your aesthetic journey. Dr. Tracey Stokes offers both exceptional qualifications and personalized care, ensuring each of her clients gets the best of the best. She has training in general surgery, plastic, reconstructive, maxillofacial, and oral surgery, providing her with various surgical practices. Dr. Stokes has obtained further specialization and has won numerous awards, such as the Florida Patients’ Choice Award, Most Compassionate Doctor Certificate of Appreciation, and Vitals Top Ten Doctor. Choosing Dr. Stokes means entrusting your care to a surgeon who values trust and a compassionate approach, meaning that your aesthetic goals are met with the highest standards of care.
Choosing eSSe Plastic Surgery for Your MyEllevate Procedure
At eSSe Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Tracey Stokes blends precision, experience, and compassion to help you achieve the youthful or enhanced look you desire. Her expertise with innovative treatments such as MyEllevate ensures you are in skilled and confident hands. Whether you wish to contour your neck or enhance your jawline, Dr. Stokes can create a personalized treatment plan to fit your aesthetic goals and needs. Experience beautiful and natural-looking results without the stress, risks, or extensive downtime of a traditional facelift. Schedule your personal consultation today and embrace a more confident you!
