Rejuvenating of Neck and Jowl CERVICOPLASTY

The cervicoplasty is the technique or sum of procedures used in the facial plastic surgery that allow to improve the aspect of the angle formed by the jaw and the neck, denominated angle cervix mandible. This area can it turns deteriorated with the step of the time and also to be deposit of fats that favor the formation of the jowl.

The cervicoplasty also well-known as lifting cervix facial it is focused to get up and to correct the lax skin that has accumulated under the jaw and that it also affects the dermis of the neck. When lifting this skin the mandible contour is redefined; the neck recovers its juvenile aspect and the descent of other tissues are avoided. When are treated the bands that are formed for separation of the muscles of the neck, it is possible that it is necessary to practice a small liposuction when this area presents a significant adiposity, technique that is applied in a careful way with the purpose of not injuring the delicate tissues of the neck. Some young patients also suffer of accumulation of fat in the neck and, still being thin, they look swelled and thick. This circumstance adds years to the appearance and the elegant line of the neck that is associated with youth is deteriorated powerfully. In the correction of the fatty accumulation under the chin, it’s carried out a small incision under and behind the chin (submentonian furrow), through which the fatty excess is aspired and are pulled the muscles of the neck. Thanks to the last practices for endoscopic means, the incisions are minimized that before, could make evident this surgery. Dr. Espinosa carries out a replenishment of the skin in order to obtain a completely natural appearance, whose incisions are hidden in the natural pleats of the face.You and Dr. Jorge Alberto Espinosa Reyes, together can detail exactly what part of your face want to improve and which techniques were be used to achieve it. Additionally, it is possible that their surgeon suggests him the incorporation of additional

procedures as endoscopic elevation of brows, correction of superior and inferior lids, rising of cheeks, procedures with laser for the skin, fillers or Botox, all this with the purpose of considering the general harmony of the face and don't only a unique part.

Frequent Questions

¿What age can be practiced this surgery from?

The cervicoplasty is a surgical technique that is generally applied to patient older than 40 years. Nevertheless, some people that present premature aging or they have lost a lot of weight after some treatment or diet, they can present flaccidity in this area of the neck, for what they frequently appeal a lot to this type of procedure before being forty years old. Dr. Espinosa is in favor of taking minimum measures on time, instead of to wait until symptoms are accentuated too much, this way is avoided a surgery that could turn more complex with the time. Also, an early intervention help to maintain for more time the juvenile aspect and the recovery is better and quicker.

¿What type of anesthesia is used in this surgery?

After a careful evaluation with Dr. Espinosa, you will be able to know what type of procedures you need and likewise if the anesthesia will be general or local. In this type of surgical procedure the last techniques of anesthesia are used as the intravenous sedation that allows the patient to be awake during the surgery, without any pain and absolutely calm. Nevertheless, some patients opt to be carried out this procedure with general anesthesia. Both types of anesthesia are equally safe and in the two cases nothing is perceived during the intervention, the patient wakes up as soon as finished the operation, feeling well and without pain.

¿Will I look natural or I’m going to look “stretched” ?

The Dr. Jorge Alberto Espinosa Reyes maintains the concept of the naturalness: "If the result doesn't look natural, neither it looks well."

All the procedures of facial rejuvenating that are carried out now at days are in their technical majority, of "rising" not of "stretching"; and therefore, they keep in mind the facial contour and their structure in such a way that the patient looks very natural. Also, each patient is different and needs a different type of treatment. The techniques can go from minimum until more complete depending on your necessities.

¿How is this surgery accomplished?

The cervicoplasty or lifting cervix facial is a procedure that is defined according to the own characteristics of each patient. Dr. Espinosa, after evaluating the particularities of your face accurately, designs a specific treatment for you, depending on your age, quality of the skin, grade of flaccidity and positioning of the wrinkles. The term English lifting means raising that is basically the action to develop. By means of an exhaustive photographic analysis your surgeon determines the type of incisions that he will carry out. That actually are minimum thanks to the endoscopic technique, what will guide him in the replenishment of the skin. The correction of the line of the neck also keeps in mind all the muscular layers and the fatty tissue with the purpose of maintaining the naturalness of the face and to protect the delicate structure of this area.

In the correction of the fatty accumulation under the chin, it is carried out a small incision under and behind the chin (submentonian furrow), through which the fatty excess is aspired and the muscles of the neck are tempered. In some occasions, the single liposuction of the neck is not enough to obtain the wanted result, and it becomes necessary to work the platism muscle that extends for the inferior border of the jaw and has lost its tone. This muscle that is fundamental in the appearance of the face and the neck is controlled through the same incision under the chin. This procedure is denominated plicature of the platism and consists on suturing the borders of the platism muscle, in such a way that recovers its tone and its support function for the tissues of the neck. Additionally, it can be placed a suspension to these tissues with a special thread that knots to the region behind the ears adding to the procedure an incision of a centimeter behind the pavilion of ear. This last procedure is called dynamic suspension of the neck and it gets a more elegant and more pleasant appearance. By means of this technical cervix facial and with imperceptible incisions a highly satisfactory result is gotten and minimally invasive.

¿How much time takes the surgery?

The time in surgery room varies according to the procedures that will be carried out. It could be from 30 minutes to two hours, to pass later to recovery room where the patient remains monitored until complete recovery.

¿How much time would I be at Clinic?

This is generally an ambulatory procedure. After the surgery you remain a time in the recovery room where you’re watched over for personal competent until your complete recovery of the anesthesia. Later on, your surgeon evaluates your condition and prescribes the necessary medication for your rest at home. It’s advisable to have a person of your complete trust that accompany you that day, helps you to return home and takes care of you at least during that first day.

¿How will I be after surgery?

You will feel calm and without pain. Nevertheless, Dr. Espinosa will prescribe you some medications that will help you to control any possible nuisance. It is probable the use of a bandage that

Dr. Espinosa recommends:

Before Surgery:

a. Not to consume medications that contains salicylic acid (Aspirin) and derivates.

b. Not to have smoked at least one month before the surgery.

c. To inform from possible allergies to medications.

d. To maintain realistic expectations with regard to the results of the surgery

After Surgery:

1. Check on exit that the formula, disability order and date of medical control order has been delivered.

2. The feeding after first day can be normal.

3. Although the pain is usually minimal, inside the formulated medications an analgesic is included. Take it according to the indications scored in the formula. If you ends up noticing severe or persistent pain communicates immediately with us.

4. Avoid taking Aspirin or medications that contain acetylsalicylic acid.

5. When you move, get up or change position, make it carefully the first 7 days. When turning the head, move it at the same time that shoulders as if they were a single unit.

6. Don’t do exercise neither to lift things weighed by 15 days. You will be able to work out light aerobics after three weeks and intense exercise after 6 weeks.

7. In general terms you will be able to return to your normal activity in a lapse from 8 to 15 days, if it is not exposed to drastic changes of environmental temperature, severe physical efforts or high risk of traumas or blows in the face. Avoid the lingering exhibition to low temperatures.

8. You should sleep semi seated (at least with two pillows) during the first 14 days to facilitate the decrease of the inflammation; sleep of side or face up, never face down.

9. To avoid undesirable changes of the appearance of your face, you should not be exposed in the sun directly during the first 2 months. Nasal solar protector will be used too during this whole time. When in outdoors, you should use protection like umbrella or hat.

10. To avoid any blow in the face, don’t carry small children or pets after the surgery.

11. Clean the wounds of face twice a day with applicators impregnated in oxygenated water, later apply the cream that has been formulated over the wound to avoid the excess of scabs and to accelerate the disappearance of the reddish coloration

12. It is very important that you follow the instructions given in the clinic and that attend the planned controls. In the event of needing additional information, don't doubt to communicate with us to solve any restlessness as soon as possible.

13. The previous ones are general indications; don't doubt to call us if you need some explanation. Remember that the success of the surgery depends in large part of the post surgery cares.

¿How long will take the recovery?

The recovery of a surgery of the neck is quick and generally patient will be able to return to the habitual works after two or three days. The exercise and the sports will wait a little more.

¿When will could I restart my normal life?

According to the type of procedure accomplished, you could require of a time to restart your daily works. It is recommended to plan with enough anticipation your surgery and to have enough time that allow you to rest and recover. Keep in mind that symptoms like: inflammation, hematomas or temporary insensibility, could be presented and that are totally normal in this type of interventions. All these manifestations will go diminishing with the time, rest and following the medical recommendations. Dr. Espinosa accustoms to be in permanent contact with the patient to support him/her in recovery and to solve any doubt.