Novel Minimally Invasive Mastoid Sling for a Non-surgical Neck Lift: A Combination of Liposuction, Thermal Energy, and Suture Suspension for Neck Rejuvenation

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. Prior attempts in our field to conduct a minimally invasive necklift 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 combines 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 A total of 73 patients were included, 67 (91.7%) were female. The mean age was 48.7 (range: 22-82) and the mean BMI was 25.44 kg/m2. The overall complication rate was 5.4% (n=4), with seroma occurring in three patients (4.1%) and neuropraxia in one patient (1.4%). There was no long term sequalae and no revision surgeries were performed within a year. Conclusions Although the open platysmaplasty remains the definitive treatment for neck aesthetics, the trifecta of liposuction, thermal energy and permanent suture suspension anchored on the mastoid sling is an effective alternative minimally invasive technique with a low complication profile.