On each side of the neck, there is a broad, thin layer of muscle that rises from under your collarbone and makes it’s way up to the base of your chin and jaw on each side – it’s called the platysma muscle. The platysma muscle is divided into two distinct sides that meet in the center of the neck.

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A platysmaplasty surgery addresses these muscles, specifically tightening and reconstructing the platysma muscle to repair banding skin on the neck. In addition, Dr. Filiberto does take out excess fat with liposuction of the chin. The procedure rejuvenates the neck, restoring it to a more aesthetically pleasing shape and contour.

This deep banding around the neck is called platysmal banding. Unfortunately, as you age the connective tissues underlying the skin become weak and begin to lose elasticity, it just occurs to different extents in different people. Aside from banding, the result can be an unsightly double chin, a cord-like look around the neck, fatty jowls that hang down into the neck and chin area, and that unsightly turkey wattle.

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How is Platysmaplasty performed?

There are multiple techniques for addressing issues with the platysma muscle, but the most common surgical procedure is an open platysmaplasty. Under our comfort anesthesia, the neck is opened with an incision underneath the chin (submental incision) where direct removal of excess fat is performed with electrocautery or liposuction. Once the platysma muscle is exposed it is brought back together with platysmaplasty sutures. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.

Although the platysmaplasty procedure can be done as a stand-alone procedure, it is often performed in conjunction with a facelift.

 

How long is recovery time after Platysmaplasty?

As for your recovery timeline, a platysmaplasty is similar to a facelift, often involving swelling and bruising for upwards of one week. By the second week post-surgery, most patients feel well enough to resume their regular activities and will often go back to work – although some prefer to wait until the third week.

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Will I have a scar from Platysmaplasty surgery?

Platysmaplasty does require an open excision of tissue and surgical repair, therefore patients can expect some scarring. The procedure generally requires a relatively small incision that may be upwards of one inch long. Except it’s made underneath the chin to help conceal the scarring.

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How long do the results of a Platysmaplasty procedure last?

Your neck rejuvenation results will be visible immediately after your platysmaplasty procedure and continue to improve over the first one to three months following surgery.

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The best news though is that under most circumstances the results of neck lift surgery are long-lasting. The need – or desire – to get another neck lift will largely depend on your age. After 10 or 15 years it’s not uncommon to see some recurrence of platysmal bands or jowling, which is something you may choose to address at that time. Meanwhile, you can take comfort in the knowledge that the vast majority of people only require a neck lift once in their lifetime.