The Neck's Big Thing

By: Ruth Donnelly
Created on 20th February 2012

Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics Guide investigates iGuide, a brand new neck lifting procedure, which promises maximum results with minimal incisions

Most of us dislike our profiles – have you ever caught sight of yourself side on in a mirror and had to turn away in disgust? If so, you’re not alone. And whilst for some of us it’s just fear of the unfamiliar – we’re used to seeing ourselves face on, but it’s rare that you’re forced to contemplate a side view of your face – there are those among us who genuinely do have a problem.

‘Turkey neck’ is one of the most common complaints of women of a certain age. But for some it’s not just a sign of ageing – a sagging neck and ill-defined jaw line can be simply down to genetics.

The neck is also an area that often gets neglected during our daily skincare routine. We slather our faces in creams and serums, but a wrinkled or drooping neck can counter the effects of a smooth, line-free complexion.

So what do you do about it?

Traditional neck lift options include: facial liposuction, which is great if your problem is excess fat, but doesn’t solve the problem of drooping skin; neck lift surgery, which is highly invasive and can involve considerable downtime and unsightly scarring; or nonsurgical light-based procedures, which can be painful and will only work for less severe cases.

Introducing the iGuide

Developed by Beverly Hillsbased cosmetic surgeon Dr Gregory Mueller, the iGuide is a brand new system to give patients a firmer, more youthful neckline, without the use of general anaesthesia, with minimal incisions and virtually no scarring.

“I developed a system that allows neck lifts to be performed less invasively,” Dr Mueller explains. “Compared to traditional open techniques, we are now able to sew the neck muscles without making any incisions. I’ve been using the technique since October 2007 and I’ve performed over 250 procedures, with great success. Patient satisfaction has been really high.

“The recovery times with the iGuide system are significantly shorter, because we’re not cutting away all the natural anatomical structures. We’re actually keeping those intact and using those to lift the neck skin and the muscle.”

So who’s a good candidate?

“It can be used as a great bridge procedure for patients who’ve had a facelift, and several years later start getting the early drooping of the muscles under the neck,” says Dr Mueller. “They can have the iGuide procedure to bridge them, to avoid having more invasive techniques.

“The iGuide procedure can also be used for patients who’ve undergone a facelift and have had early recurrence of the platysmal bands, or droopiness of the neck.

“The great thing about the iGuide system is that the results are very consistent and very predictable. It’s easy to learn for surgeons and the results are quite impressive. When patients see the results right after the procedure, because there is less bruising and swelling they are immediately happy.”

How does it work?

iGuide is packaged in a sterile kit that is comprised of five unique surgical tools, which allow surgeons to elevate and define any soft tissue areas – like double chins or sagging neck tissue – by weaving a ‘suture trampoline’ underneath the jaw.

This is achieved through a series of needle punctures with one continuing thread, instead of cutting and repositioning muscles and soft tissue – as in a traditional neck lift – which can damage the nerves and blood vessels of the face, neck and brow.

Using these unique tools, the system creates a trampoline-like structure that provides dynamic low tension support, elevating the skin, muscle and soft tissue as one unit, and leaving you with a tauter, more defined jaw line.

Polished profiles

So if you suffer from sagging skin on the neck, or just want to tighten up your jaw line for the profile you’ve always dreamed of, it seems invasive surgery is no longer your only option.

Real Patients, Real Results

“iGuide immediately changed the way I looked and felt about my appearance... I am much more confident.” – Sarah M.

“I had no pain. It was such an amazing procedure. My recovery time was amazing.” – Barri T.

“I’m just beyond excited! After having the procedure, I just don’t give my profile a second thought.” – Jack W.

Benefits of iGuide

● Minimally invasive

● No need for general anaesthesia

● Greatly reduced risk of damage to muscle or nerves

● Minimal to no scarring, bruising or swelling

● Consistent, naturallooking results

● Short recovery time