Neck skin tightening with cervical vertebrae spinal stenosis

Question

I am 65, had a full face lift in my mid forties and a mini lift in my mid 50's. My neck skin, however, is starting to sag. I am cautious, however about another surgical lift that places tension on my cervical vertebrae as I have spinal stenosis which unquestionably has caused neck symptoms. My cosmetic surgeon has suggested Thermitight. I am skeptical about the amount of improvement, especially given the cost. Would a 'mini' neck lift put less strain on my neck vertebrae?

Thomas Romo, III, MD · Answer

Obviously, in your situation, manipulation of your head and neck needs to be done in a conservative manner. Clearance by your neck or spine surgeon would be obtained first to see if you are even a candidate for surgery. That guidance would then allow the proper treatment plan to be presented to you based upon physical findings.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

The amount of tension caused by a neck lift should be minimal.Lifting only affects the more superficial layers of the soft tissue of the neck, and therefore should have minimal, if any, bearing on the deeper musculoskeletal structures typically affected by spinal stenosis.  It sounds like this is a nuanced case that would demand an in-person examination and a thorough review of your current medical and musculoskeletal condition, more than can be adequately addressed with online questions alone.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Cervical vertebrae spinal stenosis is a medical condition where the center of the bony vertebrae ( hole that allows the spinal cord to to from the head down to the tail bone) is narrow.  Neck lift surgery addresses the laxity of the neck soft tissues ( skin, muscle and excess of fat). Since manipulation of the soft tissues of the neck unlikely will affect the bonny tissue of the bones of the cervical spine, a neck lift might be performed in a patient with cervical spine stenosis IF AND ONLY IF HIS/HER SPINE SURGEON that managers the cervical spine stenosis CLEARS THE PATIENT (GIVES THE OK) FOR SURGERY.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

It's possible to perform cosmetic neck surgery for patient with prior spine issues, but clearance from the spine doctor is needed to make sure you'll be safe during surgery.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

At age 65, a lower face and neck lift is required to tighten loose facial and neck skin. It is possible to undergo this procedure with cervical vertebra spinal stenosis. For more information and many before-and-after facelift examples, please see the link and the video below

Jesse E. Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

I think you should use caution in your choices of procedures for your neck.  There have been a few reports of people that need spinal surgery in the neck region and face and neck lifts.  While most of the time the pull is minimal, in some it has caused trouble swallowing if they go on to have spinal surgery, or have had spinal surgery.  I would try more conservative therapies first.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Spinal stenosis is not a contraindication for a neck lift. The main concern is to be sure that your surgeon and anesthesiologist are aware of your condition, so that they can properly position you during surgery. Preoperative visualization and surgical simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. Any treatment plan should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Neck skin tightening with cervical vertebrae spinal stenosis

Answers (7)

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