Introduction

Platysmaplasty, also known as a Neck Lift is used to reverse the effects of aging, sun exposure, and smoking on the cervical region.This procedure is usually done along with other cosmetic procedures.

Causes

Weakening of the retaining ligaments of the face contributes to age-related changes. These ligaments suspend the more superficial and mobile anatomical structures to the deeper and akinetic facial constituents.

Other causes of sagging of skin include loss of bone, loss of skin elasticity and atrophy of facial fat due to senescence.

Procedure

Individuals undergoing this procedure will be advised not to ingest alcohol or use tobacco 2 weeks prior to surgery. The patient would also have to stop intake of medications like aspirin, vitamin E, etc 2 weeks prior to the surgery.The amount of excess adipose tissue, skin excess and elasticity, and platysmal banding varies from patient to patient. Each of these important factors may exist alone or in conjunction, necessitating a customized approach to each patient.

A younger patient may present with excess adipose tissue, good skin elasticity, and no platysmal banding. Submental liposuction or lipectomy can achieve a satisfactory surgical outcome, without platysmal plication or excess skin removal. If excess fat and skin are present in conjunction with platysmal banding, platysmaplasty may be indicated.

A submental crease incision site will be marked. The surgeon makes an incision behind the ears and/or under the chin to reach the neck muscle (platysma). The surgeon then manipulates these muscles (which can include repositioning or partial removal). Normally, platysmaplasty takes 2-3 hours, but in cases where the surgery is performed in conjunction with liposuction or a face-lift, the time may be longer.

Removal of excess skin

With female patients, postauricular sulcus incisions are done posteriorly. The incision continues into the hairline in a horizontal fashion. This technique minimizes distortion of the hairline.

The posterior edge of the platysma may be anchored so as to give a defining jaw line. Placement of these sutures will be critical because this defines the jaw line. Redundant skin is then trimmed. The wound is then closed.

Associated Risks

Some of the risks involved with this procedure are:

• Prominent jowls
• Cobra neck deformity
• Skin dimpling and scar contracture
• Skin wrinkling or laxity

Recovery

It may take a few weeks for the healing process to complete. Swelling, bruising, skin tightening, pain, and tingling sensations are quite normal after platysmaplasty. Patients can usually return to work after 10-14 days and resume exercises and normal activites after three weeks. A post-operative consultation with the doctor should also be scheduled around this time.