Rejuvenation of neck and jowls by tumescent liposuction

The effects of ageing include sagging of the jowls, deposition of fatty tissue in the submental area and neck skin redundancy. Since the advent of tumescent anaesthesia liposuction of the neck and jowls has become a save and effective method of cervicofacial rejuvenation. The principles of the method are presented step by step by means of video demonstration. Tumescent solution (600 cc to 1250 cc) containing 0.05% prilocain is administered to the cervicofacial area bounded laterally by sternocleidomastoid muscle, including the lower third of the jowls and the submental region. Total area is approached from one submental and bilateral infra-auricular incisions. Proper tumescent anaesthesia facilitates even fat removal and minimizes the risks of marginal mandibular nerve injury as well as subcutaneous contour deformity. A certain enhancement of the neck and jowline will be appearant 24 hours after surgery, final postoperative results however will occur with a delay of three to six or even twelve months depending on the postoperative fibrosis in the subcutaneous layer. Although the limits of this method are obviously related to the individual skin excess and skin elasticity, liposuction of neck and jowls may delay the need for a facelift for several years and seems to be an alternative choice for patients who fear the additional risks and „downtime“associated with more extensive procedures.