Minimally invasive neck rejuvenation of moderate cervicomental laxity with polytetrafuoroethylene (PTFE) bands

Abstract

Background

Demand for short recovery and less invasive correction for moderate skin and soft tissue neck laxity is increasing, especially among younger patients. The current study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a short recovery and minimally invasive technique of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bands and minimal skin excision for moderate platysma and skin laxity.

Methods

Following periauricular incision, PTFE bands of dual mesh are customized for suture to the platysma and anchored to the mastoid, creating a neck artificial ligament (NAL). NAL is buried into the muscle and tightened, without modifying the superficial musculoaponeurotic system and platysma. Young patients with moderate platysma and skin laxity were enrolled. Outcome was measured in terms of complications, recovery time, and patient and clinician satisfaction (1 = very dissatisfied, 2 = dissatisfied, 3 = satisfied, and 4 = very satisfied).

Results

A population of 107 consecutive patients (94% female) was treated, January 2013–January 2017. Average patient age was 51 years (46–56). Complications were rare: 1 case of superficial epidermolysis (healed within 21 days) and 1 case of mild band infection (treated with antibiotics). At a mean follow-up of 16 months, average patient and clinician evaluations were satisfactory (average satisfaction: patient 3.2, clinician 3.1).

Conclusions

In young patients with moderate platysma and skin laxity, minimally invasive NAL avoids deep modifications of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system and platysma. Despite the relative short follow-up of this study, the low rate of complications, short recovery time, and acceptable patient and clinician satisfaction seem promising.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

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