Novel Minimally Invasive Mastoid Sling for a Nonsurgical Neck Lift: A Combination of Liposuction, Thermal Energy, and Suture Suspension for Neck Rejuvenation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Neck aging manifests as blunting of the cervicomental angle (CMA), loss of jawline definition, vertical platysmal banding, submental fat accumulation, and redundant skin. While open neck rejuvenation techniques produce dramatic and durable results, they require extensive dissection, which can have prolonged recovery times. Today, many patients are seeking less invasive options with faster recovery times and optimal results. Previous attempts in our field to conduct a minimally invasive neck lift may lack sufficient deep anchoring to provide long-term support, particularly in the submandibular region. Objectives: Therefore, the objective of this paper is to introduce the minimally invasive mastoid sling (MIMS) neck lift technique, a minimally invasive neck lift technique that combined liposuction, thermal energy, and permanent suture suspension for improved neck aesthetics. Methods: All patients who underwent the MIMS neck lift at a single surgical center (2020-2024) were included. The procedure was conducted under tumescent local anesthesia in a QUAD-A surgical facility accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAA SF). Demographics, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Descriptive analysis was completed. Results: (range: 19-38). The overall complication rate was 5.4% (n = 4), with seroma occurring in 3 patients (4.1%) and neuropraxia in 1 patient (1.4%). There were no long-term sequelae, and no revision surgeries were performed within a year. Conclusions: Although open platysmaplasty remains the definitive treatment for neck aesthetics, the trifecta of liposuction, thermal energy, and permanent suture suspension anchored on the mastoid sling provides an effective, minimally invasive alternative with a low complication profile. Level of Evidence 4 Therapeutic: For image description, please refer to the figure legend and surrounding text.
Language: English
Subfield: Dermatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,051
OpenAlex ID: W7154069449