Not All Neck Lifts Are Created Equal

Z. Paul Lorenc, MD, FACS

When patients come to me asking about neck rejuvenation, one of the most common questions I hear is: "I've seen something called My Ellevate online - is that what you do?" The short answer is no. And understanding why that matters could make all the difference in your outcome.

The market for minimally invasive neck procedures has expanded significantly in recent years, and with it, the potential for confusion. My Ellevate is a well-marketed, physician-administered suture suspension technique - and while it's a legitimate option for certain candidates, it represents a very different level of intervention than what I offer through my proprietary Contoure Lift and Contoure Plus Lift procedures.

My goal here isn't to disparage any technique. It's to give you the full picture so you can make an informed decision about which approach is right for your anatomy, your goals, and your timeline.

My Ellevate: A Starting Point for Comparison

My Ellevate is a suture-suspension procedure performed without incisions. A permanent suture is placed beneath the skin to lift and reposition tissue, but it is not anchored to the mastoid fascia - the deep, stable connective tissue behind the ear. That distinction matters more than it might seem.

Without that anchor point, the suspension has less mechanical stability over time. And because no incisions are made, the procedure cannot address the underlying muscle (the platysma), eliminate excess skin, or incorporate complementary techniques like laser or liposuction. For patients with mild laxity and minimal concerns beyond early soft tissue descent, it may be a reasonable entry point. For anyone seeking meaningful, lasting improvement, it's the beginning of the conversation - not the end.

I encourage patients to explore the My Ellevate website as a useful educational resource for understanding suture-based lifting in general. What I offer goes considerably further.

Source: https://myellevate.com/

Contoure Lift: Advanced Suspension with Real Longevity

My Contoure Lift begins where My Ellevate ends. Through a small, well-concealed incision in the natural crease behind the ear, I fasten the suspension suture directly to the mastoid fascia. This anchor point is fundamentally more secure - and it translates directly into longer-lasting results.

Rather than using a permanent suture, I use an absorbable one. As the suture gradually breaks down, your own collagen takes over - building natural structural support in its place. The result isn't dependent on a foreign material holding indefinitely; it's supported by your body's own biology.

For patients with platysma banding - the vertical cords that can appear in the neck - I address those as part of the procedure when indicated. Laser and liposuction are available as adjuncts to refine contour and skin quality. This is a meaningfully more comprehensive procedure, performed with surgical precision.

Contoure Plus Lift: Comprehensive Neck and Lower Face Rejuvenation

For patients who require more comprehensive correction - significant jowling, excess neck skin, or deep platysma involvement - the Contoure Plus Lift is the definitive solution.

The incision extends around the earlobe and into the crease behind the ear, allowing me to do far more than suture suspension alone. I excise excess skin directly, which physically eliminates jowls and produces a clearly improved neck contour. The platysma muscle is both cut and tightened, restoring the youthful architecture that defines a well-defined jawline and neck. Laser and liposuction are available to optimize the final result, and the same absorbable suture approach ensures that your body's collagen does the long-term work.

This procedure delivers results that no suture suspension technique can match when significant anatomical correction is required.

So Which Procedure Is Right for You?

No blog post can replace a consultation. What I can tell you is that the right procedure is the one that actually addresses your anatomy - not simply the least invasive option available. Many patients who come to me after researching My Ellevate discover that what they're truly seeking requires a more advanced approach.

The Contoure Lift and Contoure Plus Lift were developed out of a commitment to delivering results that are more secure, more comprehensive, and more durable than what suture suspension alone can provide. Every element - from the mastoid anchor to the collagen-replacing suture to the muscle work - reflects that philosophy.