How can I fix my neck deformity? (Photo)

Question

SMAS face lift in 2016 with neck lift and neck revision in 2017. I now have a neck deformity. I don't want to go back to same surgeon for 2nd revision. Platysmal bands done I can still feel the stitch unusual pouching under jaw line where drain was removed. Skin feels like it is stuck where drain was and puckering creating a roll. Need fixed. Revision Surgeon has advised further undermining where drain was and tightening. I want advice - Need reputable surgeon in Adelaide to help !

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

I am very sorry to hear about your experience. Your photos suggest multiple possible problems. The irregular contour of the area under your chin looks like it is due to uneven removal of subcutaneous fat and tethering scar tissue restricting pulling on your skin. It also looks like you have a very full right submandibular gland. 
An in person exam is necessary to make an accurate recommendation. I wonder if you would benefit from two operations. The first would involve opening the scar under your chin to release the tethering scar and re-drape the skin of your neck. That would also provide the opportunity to debulk the submandibular glands. A second surgery performed 6 months later would focus on micro fat grafting of the neck to correct the contour deformity resulting from removing too much fat from underneath your skin.

Stan M. Valnicek, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not possible to give specific advice without an in person review and proper exam. I will therefore speak a bit more generally based on my personal experience.
Patients often come in seeking a neck lift for the correction of neck aging issues. This is understandable since "neck lift" sounds like the proper name for a procedure that fixes the neck. Unfortunately, my own surgical experience (and the advice of some of the best in our field) would suggest that the vector of pull with a neck lift alone will not really fix the skin laxity in the submental region. In my opinion you need to pull that skin up much more vertically and this implies a facelift. A facelift allows for much better anatomical correction of neck issues in general when compared to the "neck lift". I am not implying that other surgeons cannot fix the neck adequately with a neck lift but my 30 years of experience would suggest that I am not one of them.
There are additional issues with neck surgery that can occur from uneven or excessive fat removal or lengthy submental scars. This might be some of the cause of irregularity based on the photos you have provided. I am just speculating here and there is no substitute for an actual in person exam to be clear. Post surgical neck irregularity can be quite difficult to fix and in the past I have sometimes had to convert patients to a full facelift with multiple sessions of fat grafting for the neck and jawline when I have done secondary surgery. In milder cases you can sometimes improve the situation with lesser interventions.
I would find experienced, reliable and well regarded surgeons in your community and get at least two second opinions before you decide how to proceed moving forward. This is a complex problem in many patients due to multiple surgeries and scar tissue, and multiple opinions can better help define the next optimal step.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There is no doubt that you would need revision of the anterior neck area. Most of the deformity is due scarring; scar needs to be released and skin proprely redraped over area. Possibly some fat grafting to prevent new scarring and adhesions. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with significant reputation in face/neck surgery is recommended. Do not limit yourself to a certain area since 
   that kind of expertise may not be available? Good luck.

How can I fix my neck deformity? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Neck revision

Answer: Neck revision

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How can I fix my neck deformity? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Neck revision

Answer: Neck revision

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.