Botox needed to shore up neck lift & ensure sternocleidomastoid doesn't become pronounced again?

Question

I was told I need an injection of Botox the same day after a mini facelift and once more again a month later, in order to ensure my protruding sternocleidomastoid neck muscles don't become pronounced again. Is this customary? Do I need Botox right after surgery and again after a month, and then never again for the life of the lift?

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.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

There are almost no times when Botox should be used in the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Sternocleidomastoid muscle function is absolutely essential and therefore should not be injected. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

There is no reason to inject any neck muscle after a facelift. The sternocleidomastoid should never be injected except for severe torticollis. If your surgeon was, instead, talking about the platysma, it should have been taken care of at the time of the facelift. I suggest finding a different surgeon.

Botox needed to shore up neck lift & ensure sternocleidomastoid doesn't become pronounced again?

Answers (3)