"In my family we all have the same neck—it goes from
the chin to the chest without any contour. I was just never really
happy with it. Then a friend told me about this procedure. It was
really pretty simple. And now I'm no longer self-conscious."
—J.W. (age 34)
Who is a Candidate?
If you have an unsatisfactory angle of the neck without a lot of
excess skin, the "G" stitch can improve the angle but has no ability to
remove excess skin.
Ready to learn more about the G-Stitch procedure? Request a consultation with Dr. Kress at the office of Plastic Surgery One on Opossumtown Pike in Frederick.
G-Stitch in Frederick, Maryland
This procedure is done on an outpatient basis, usually under local
anesthesia, either in a free-standing surgical center or in the
office.
Small incisions are placed behind each ear lobe and just beneath the
chin in the middle of the neck. Liposuction is performed in the neck
area if indicated, and suspension materials are passed from behind each
ear to the midline where they're anchored. Tension is then placed from
behind each ear, lifting the neck to a new and more esthetic angle.
Recovery Time
There is virtually no pain involved with the procedure, and sutures
are removed within 5 to 7 days. Any bruising or swelling is gone within
10 to 14 days. Many people can return to work even before all of the
sutures are removed. Although there is minimal discomfort, there is a
tight sensation across the neck for about 2 weeks. For this reason, we
do not recommend this procedure for those people who have a very
sensitive gag reflex.
Your Result
An improvement in facial profile with a better balance to the neck
area and a more esthetic angle are all possible following this procedure.
G-Stitch FAQ's
- How can I tell whether I need a necklift or a G-stitch?
The appropriateness of the procedure depends on the skin. If there is
excess skin, then a neck lift would be necessary to remove the excess
skin. A Giampapa suture can be used when the skin is not excessive or
to add to the effect of the neck lift.
- I spoke with another plastic surgeon and he never told me anything about this stitch. Is this something new?
Dr. Giampapa originally described this procedure in seminars over seven
years ago. It has not, however, been written up in a lot of the plastic
surgery literature. Because of this, it's possible that the other
Plastic Surgeon may not be familiar with it.
- How can I tell if my gag reflex is too sensitive to have this procedure?
A good approximation of the Giampapa sling can be achieved by holding
your finger in what is going to be the sharpest part of the angle of
the neck while swallowing against it. Take note of how uncomfortable
this is, because after the procedure, this same sensation will occur
for at least the first three to five days. NOTE: There is no danger of
choking because of the Giampapa suture. There is only the psychological
aspect of mild discomfort.
Have a question that isn't answered here? Request a consultation with Dr. Kress or call us toll-free at 888.671.2400.
