Need Advice for Treatment Worsening Neck Cords? (photo)

I am a 48 year old woman, slender and in good health, Had Ultherapy in April and was NOT IMPRESSED with results. Thought skin would become more taut and minimize cords/bands. Was clear about my expectations and told I was a good candidate but NO CHANGE 1 Would Botox help? 2 Would a skin tightening laser tx (like (palomar icon laser) help? 3 Am I candidate for mini necklift? I fear so, but big concerns are cost, downtime (missed work), and needing to maintain privacy about having had surgery.

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by heckette in Boston suburbs

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Playsmaplasty

Neck Lift (Cervicoplasty / Platysmaplasty): restoring elegance to the face Though it is not technically part of the face, a neck with loose, sagging skin can age the face dramatically. A neck lift is a standard part of most facelift surgeries, as the neck skin is mobilized in continuity with the lower face. Immediately under the skin of the neck is the platysma muscle, which you can easily see in a mirror when you clench your teeth and tighten your jaw. In youth, this paired muscle... more

Michael Law, MD

17 reviews

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

Neck Cords?

Based on your photos, you are a candidate for a Facelift. A facelift is face and neck. Botox will not help your problem. I recommend you consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons ( ASPS) to discuss your concerns and expectations.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD

4 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Neck Banding/Cord Treatment

It is not surprising that Ultherapy did not improve your muscle cords as it only penetrates the skin and subcutaneous fat and should not be expected to improve your underlying neck muscles. Botox can help but is temporary and has to be repeated 3-4X/ year. Direct approach is best - minifacelift for jowl and jawline improvement, and platysmaplasty to correct platysma banding.

Neck Contour--Cause and Effect

The most important thing is to get a good explanation from your surgeon about the cause of your neck webbing. There can be several factors, and each might require a slightly different approach. My opinion is that Ultherapy or other IPL or ultrasound type treatments just create a very minimal improvement in skin tightening. Most patients desire more of a change. Depending on what your consultation showed, you might benefit from liposuction of any extra fat under the... more

Treatment of Neck Cords or Bands

I'm sorry to hear that you were not pleased with Ultherapy treatment of your neck cords. I also have chosen not to use this treatment in my practice, as I, too, feel the results have been less that impressive. I agree that you would be a good candidate for a necklift in which a platysmaplasty is preformed to address the neck cords or platysmal bands. A less expensive and non-surgical option would be to try an injection of Botox. In more minor banding Botox can help... more

Neck bands

I chose not to purchase the Ultherapy machine. This first generation of the technology is a good idea, but I was unimpressed with the results I saw, too subtle for the price. Subsequent generations of the machine will hopefully be more impressive. Yes, Botox or Dysport to the bands can help. Sometimes Pelleve with will help. From your photos it looks like a platysmaplasty (tightening of the muscles under your chin) might help. I would be happy to see... more

Options after Ultherapy

I have seen several patients in the last year unhappy with ultherapy. I think it is imperative that patients do their homework and meet with at least 3 board certified plastic surgeons when considering facial rejuvenation. I ask patients to see doctors that both offer and do not offer their desired nonsurgical enhancement and ask the pro's and con's of the procedure. I would recommend a short scar face and neck lift. This would allow correction of your... more

Facelifts are what is needed for excess skin and jowls.

As you have found out Thermage and treatments that "contract" the skin are quite not worth it. To improve your cords, jowls and excess skin you need a facelift. That is why I and other plastic surgeons have facelifts themselves!