Ageing comes with body and facial changes such as wrinkling and loose skin between the neck and jawline area. Cosmetic procedures like facelift (rhytidectomy) and neck lift (platysmaplasty) surgery have allowed us to reduce the signs of ageing via surgical removal of skin and excess tissue. These such procedures are invasive and require surgical incisions on the skin around the area to be treated. Because of how complex these procedures are, some people might choose not to undergo the process, even though they desire the results. Thankfully, there is a new procedure called MyEllevate that can be a less invasive alternative for those who do not want invasive surgery.
Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS(Plas) is a Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon who has performed hundreds of face procedures. He is also a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) and a Surgeon Trainer for My Ellevate Australia – Cynosure.
Download Dr Hunt’s Guide to Facial Treatment
Facial Rejuvenation
What is MyEllevate
MyEllevate is a simple, less invasive procedure that can be performed by surgeons to target signs of ageing at the jawline and neckline. It is the only treatment so far that uses an ICLED suture surgical system.
Though they may target the same areas, MyEllevate is not to be confused with a neck lift, also called platysmaplasty. A platysmaplasty is a more invasive surgical procedure that requires the surgeon to make incisions, while MyEllevate only requires tiny, continuous needle punctures around the jawline.
With the help of an ICLED guided system, Dr Hunt uses a suture to lift the skin around the area below the jawline and neck to a higher position. This process of elevating the underlying tissues in the neck using sutures is also called “lacing up a shoe” as it works in a similar way.
Benefits of MyEllevate
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Besides the fact that this is a less invasive procedure than surgery, there are many other additional benefits of MyEllevate. The treatment can address concerns about loose skin around the neck and jawline, depending on what your goal is. You will have to book a session with Dr Hunt to discuss your goals and medical history.
MyEllevate is a non-surgical procedure. That means the recovery time is shorter compared to other treatments meaning that patients don’t have to wait as long before getting back into their normal routines.
The benefits might look different for each patient who undergoes the procedure, and you should also be aware of the risks that come along with it, such as bleeding, infection, scarring, and inflammation. Speak to Dr Hunt to find out if you could benefit from MyEllevate.
Who can get MyEllevate?
If you have recently embarked on a weight loss journey and you have excess skin under your jawline, then this could be a treatment option for you. Other candidates for MyEllevate are men and women with overall good health who have:
- Early signs of ageing like jowls
- A desire for a more defined jawline
- Neck skin elasticity
This treatment is suitable for non-smokers, so smokers are advised to stop smoking four weeks prior to the treatment.
Recovery Time after MyEllevate
One of the reasons why MyEllevate is in demand is because the procedure is quick and so is the recovery time. The treatment takes 60 minutes, while recovery happens after 3 to 5 days of rest. During the recovery time, you may need to wear a chin strap or bandage.
Side effects include minor swelling, dimpling, discomfort, and tightness in the first few days. All effects are expected to subside within 3 days, while the results can often be visible for 5 to 7 years.
Results after MyEllevate
You might see a change immediately after the procedure is done, but the actual results will be seen once the swelling passes. The results can last for five years, but be aware that the treatment will not stop the natural ageing process.
What is the difference between MyEllevate and a neck lift platysmaplasty?
A neck lift platysmaplasty is a surgical procedure that usually requires a patient to go under sedation or general anaesthesia, while the surgeon makes surgical incisions to elevate the tissues. The incisions are made below the chin and behind both ears, and the surgeon uses these openings to tighten the muscles and tissue around the neck. Following this, excess skin is removed around the neck. Patients who undergo a neck lift (platysmaplasty) are usually cleared to get back to their daily activities 2 weeks after the operation.
MyEllevate is different because it is a procedure that does not require incisions or the removal of excess skin. Patients only need local anaesthesia and the healing process takes a few days after the treatment. Unlike a neck lift platysmaplasty, MyEllevate can be performed in the surgeon’s office, within an hour.
FAQs about MyEllevate
Can the procedure be combined with other treatments?
- Yes, you can opt to have MyEllevate as a stand-alone procedure or in conjunction with other treatments like chemical lipolysis or submental liposuction. Dr Hunt might recommend additional procedures depending on your aesthetic goals.
How painful is MyEllevate?
- The procedure should not be painful as there are no incisions needed. Dr Hunt will also administer local anaesthesia to ease discomfort. A bit of soreness and swelling can be expected after the procedure, but this generally subsides quickly.
Can you get a deep plane facelift (rhytidectomy) if you’ve already had a MyEllevate treatment?
- Yes. Getting a MyEllevate treatment doesn’t prevent you from getting any other cosmetic procedure in the future. Just make sure you inform your plastic surgeon about it. It will help them adjust their surgical techniques and your anaesthetic accordingly.
What age is too old for MyEllevate?
- There isn’t an age limit for getting a MyEllevate treatment. Nevertheless, this procedure offers only minimal improvements for people with more advanced signs of neck aging. In this case, they might benefit more from a more extensive cosmetic procedure, such as a full neck lift platysmaplasty or a facelift rhytidectomy.
How can I make my MyEllevate results last longer?
- As mentioned, the MyEllevate procedure can reduce signs of ageing on the neck, but it doesn’t stop your natural ageing process. However, there are things you can do to protect your skin, such as wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated, sticking to a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy and stable weight.
Who invented MyEllevate?
- Dr Gregory Mueller, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the inventor of the MyEllevate® procedure and the ICLED® light guided suture system. He is knowledgeable in face and neck procedures and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Further Reading about Non-Surgical Procedures
- Read Dr Hunt’s Chin Injections page
- Read Dr Hunt’s Skin Procedures page
- Read Dr Hunt’s Patient Case Study of Neck Treatment
- See Dr Hunt’s Real Chin Injections Patients Before and After Photos
Medical References about MyEllevate Neck Treatment
- Transillumination – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
- Light-Guided Percutaneous Neck Treatment with Division of Platysma Bands and Suture Suspension: A Multicenter Retrospective Study | Aesthetic Surgery Journal | Oxford Academic
- Neck Treatment – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- Nonsurgical Tightening of the Neck
- A New Complex Minimally Invasive Thread Lift Method for One-Time Three-Step Fixation of the Face and Neck Soft Tissues – PMC
About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon and a member of FRACS & ASPS. He has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
- Find out more about pricing, medical payment plans and paying for your surgery
- Request more information about the procedure – call on 1300 157 200 or contact us
If breast reduction mammoplasty is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.
- Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
