Overview of MyEllevate
As we age, skin laxity in the neck and jawline area are common. MyEllevate has been designed to address these changes without requiring invasive surgery.
Utilising a sophisticated suture system to support the underlying neck muscles and glands, MyEllevate can lift and smooth the neck area. At the heart of the MyEllevate technique is respect for the patient's natural anatomy and individual ageing process. For our Asian clients, who often favour subtle cosmetic work and hope to reduce visible scarring, this procedure may be an attractive alternative to traditional neck lift surgery.
At Asian Plastic Surgery, our soft tissue-focused specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Ellis Choy, has been specially trained in the MyEllevate procedure. Our early adoption of this innovative approach reflects our dedication to providing our patients with the latest advancements in aesthetic medicine.
Benefits of MyEllevate
MyEllevate offers a variety of benefits for enhancing the neck and jawline. This procedure might be an option for you if:
- You're noticing looseness in your neck skin
- You desire a more defined jawline
- You're experiencing changing neck contours due to ageing
- You're seeking a less invasive alternative to a traditional neck lift
- You have moderate signs of ageing in the neck area that don't warrant extensive surgical intervention
Remember, every patient's anatomy and aesthetic preferences are unique, so discussing your specific expectations with your surgeon during your consultation is crucial.
What to Expect From MyEllevate
Your MyEllevate journey begins with an informative consultation at our Sydney clinic. Your APS surgeon, well-versed in the unique anatomical considerations of Asian patients, will take the time to understand your aesthetic preferences and explain the procedure in detail. This in-depth discussion is designed to ensure you're equipped with the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision about your treatment plan.
To perform the procedure, your surgeon will administer local anaesthesia, then create small punctures and insert the specialised illuminated suture rod. Next, your surgeon will use the suture rod to create a channel underneath the skin. Once the channel is created, your surgeon will place a non-absorbable suture through the suture rod and pass it through the underlying muscles and soft tissues. To complete the procedure, your surgeon will tighten the suture to lift the tissues and close the entry points with medical adhesive.
Recovery from the MyEllevate procedure tends to be faster and more comfortable than recovery from an invasive neck lift procedure, largely due to the absence of major incisions or drains. That being said, recovery experiences can vary significantly from one person to another due to a multitude of factors, including your body’s natural healing process, individual health conditions, age, lifestyle, skin quality and adherence to aftercare instructions.
This variability means that while we can provide general guidelines and average recovery timelines, your personal experience may differ. The information below about MyEllevate recovery is a general overview and should not replace the personalised guidance you will receive during your consultations and postoperative care.
Key Recovery Expectations
Initial Downtime: 3-5 days
Full Recovery: 2 weeks
What to Expect: discomfort, swelling, bruising, tightness, dimpling, numbness
Activity: strenuous exercise and activities should be avoided for 10 to 14 days
Medications: pain management medications may be prescribed
Aftercare: avoid excessive turning or twisting of the head and neck; avoid pressure on the neck
Sleeping: sleep with your head elevated for a few days to help reduce swelling
Garments: a neck collar or chin strap must be worn to aid in healing and shaping
Incisions: procedure involves small punctures that typically heal rapidly; detailed care instructions will be provided
Scars: scarring is generally minimal due to the small puncture entry points; any marks should fade over time
Recovery from the MyEllevate procedure tends to be faster and more comfortable than recovery from an invasive neck lift procedure, largely due to the absence of major incisions or drains. There may be minor bruising and swelling, but these are temporary and typically short-lived. The majority of our patients find they can return to their routine activities within a few days post-procedure.
As your recovery progresses, you will begin to see the final results of your MyEllevate procedure — a more defined jawline and a smoother neck contour. The scarring is minimal thanks to the small entry points needed to perform the procedure.
Techniques
There is no one-size-fits-all approach for aesthetic procedures. That is why we offer both MyEllevate and traditional surgical neck lift procedures at Asian Plastic Surgery. We will help you understand your options so you can decide which suits your individual needs and goals.
MyEllevate is a less invasive procedure performed under local anaesthesia with no need for extended incisions or the use of drains during recovery. This leads to reduced risk, less downtime and minimised scarring compared to a standard surgical neck lift. The results tend to look relatively natural, rather than overly pulled or obvious.
A traditional neck lift is a more invasive surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia. The incisions typically start around the sideburn level in the hairline, continue around the ear and end at the back of the head, with a possible additional incision under the chin. This approach allows the surgeon to make extensive adjustments for patients further into the ageing process. So, while the surgical neck lift carries with it increased risk, discomfort, scarring and a longer recovery period, it also provides a more substantial degree of change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MyEllevate a thread lift?
MyEllevate is not a thread lift. While both procedures aim to rejuvenate the appearance of the neck and are less invasive than surgery, they are different techniques.
A thread lift involves using thin, dissolvable threads to lift and reposition facial and neck tissues. On the other hand, MyEllevate utilises a unique, patented light-guided suture system to support the glands and muscles of the neck. The technique gives the surgeon precise control over the positioning and tightening of the neck tissues, which may allow for more predictable and longer-lasting results.
Is MyEllevate painful?
While pain thresholds vary from person to person, most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. This is due to a combination of local anaesthesia and the less invasive nature of the technique. Because MyEllevate does not require large incisions or the removal of skin, post-operative discomfort is also reduced, and the recovery process is shorter and more comfortable.
Are there any risks associated with the procedure?
Every surgical procedure, including MyEllevate, carries some degree of risk. However, because it is less invasive than surgery, the risks associated with MyEllevate are typically less compared to a traditional neck lift.
Possible risks include infection, bruising, swelling, temporary numbness and discomfort, which are common to many surgical procedures. There is also the potential for asymmetry in the results, although the use of the MyEllevate light-guided suture system helps to minimise this risk.
At Asian Plastic Surgery, we follow stringent protocols to mitigate risks. Our team will discuss potential risks in detail with you during your consultation, as well as any steps you can take pre and post-procedure to reduce them further.
What kind of anaesthesia is used during the MyEllevate procedure?
The MyEllevate procedure is typically performed using local anaesthesia to numb the neck area. This allows you to remain awake but comfortable during the procedure. Some patients may prefer to have mild sedation, in which case the procedure can be done under twilight sedation.
Will I have any scars or visible marks from MyEllevate?
In our experience, Asian cosmetic surgery patients are often looking to minimise scarring and other signs that may indicate a procedure has taken place. This is partially due to the increased tendency towards keloid scarring that is common amongst individuals of Asian descent, and partially due to cultural preferences for discretion around cosmetic work.
One of the chief benefits of MyEllevate is that it does not require incisions like a traditional surgical neck lift procedure. Instead, MyEllevate is performed using a thin, illuminated suture guide that is introduced under the skin through a small puncture entry point. This leaves behind significantly less visible scarring. Some patients find that the marks are barely noticeable once they have healed fully and matured.
Our team places a great emphasis on achieving discreet results. We understand the importance of preserving the integrity of your skin, and we will provide you with aftercare instructions and tips for scar management to support your healing process.
Can anyone perform the MyEllevate procedure?
MyEllevate is not a procedure that any surgeon can perform. The technique requires specific training and a nuanced understanding of facial anatomy. Our specialist plastic surgeon Dr Ellis Choy is among the first surgeons in Australia to complete the MyEllevate training and become a qualified provider of the procedure.
Making an Informed Decision
Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant decision that should be made only after careful consideration of all aspects involved, including the potential risks and complications.
General Risks and Complications
There are general risks and complications that apply to most plastic surgery procedures. These are discussed in detail on our Risks and Complications page.
Specific Risks and Complications
In addition to those that apply generally to plastic surgery, each individual procedure comes with its own specific risks and complications. For MyEllevate, these include:
- Persistent inflammation around the suture
- Chronic foreign body sensation
- Dimpling
- Facial weakness
- Asymmetrical results
Next Steps
Request a consultation at Asian Plastic Surgery for a detailed discussion of these considerations. One of our specialist plastic surgeons will conduct a thorough risk assessment based on your individual factors and outline the measures that can be taken to minimise these risks. Our entire team are here to support your decision-making process, providing all the information you need to make well-informed choices about your care.
Procedure performed by
Dr Ellis Choy
Specialist plastic Surgeon
Dr Ellis Choy is an Australian trained, fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon. He specialises in a wide range of Asian Plastic Surgery procedures involving the face, breast and body works. As an Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon, Dr Choy helps his patients achieve life-changing transformation via personal enhancement.
Request More Information About MyEllevate
If MyEllevate feels like the right choice for you, or if you're still weighing your options and would like to explore more, please get in touch. We invite you to schedule a personal consultation with Dr Choy at our Sydney clinic. This will be an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about the procedure, discuss what you hope to achieve, and gain a better understanding of what to expect from the MyEllevate procedure.
To schedule your MyEllevate neck lift consultation at Asian Plastic Surgery, call us on 02 8962 9388 or enquire here.