What is a Platysmaplasty? Is It the Medical Term for a Neck Lift, or is It Just Part of a Neck Lift?

A Platysmaplasty is the medical term for the cosmetic procedure called a neck lift . The surgery consists of tightening the neck muscles both in the midline and the posterior neck, and correcting the sagging loose skin as well. The procedure has very rewarding results and is a relatively easy surgery to go through. Consult a board certified facial plastic or plastic surgeon to see if you would be a candidate.

 Hi, I have performed many SMAS facelifts and neck lifts for over 30 years.  Platysmaplasty is the plication or tightening of the platysma muscle in the neck.  This is sometimes referred to as a neck "corset" procedure.  It is typically part of a "formal" neck lift which often requires a lower face lift (for the reasons discussed below). While, in theory the corset-platsymaplasty can be carried out alone...this can "only" be done when no "jowls" exist in the lower face.  This procedure is referred to as a "formal" neck lift and is performed using a curved incision under the chin along with incisions behind the ear that extend several inches into the posterior hairline.  The muscle is tighten, in the midline, using multiple layers of suture and then along either side of the neck.  The loose skin/scalp is lifted up and back at a 45 degree angle.  If jowls are present, this action causes skin pleats just beneath the ear lobes.  This is why neck lifts and facelifts are performed together.  To avoid the pleats, a lower facelift is performed.
 In person consultations with experienced, expert facelift surgeon would allow this process to be clearly demonstrated.  
Hope this helps.