Neck lift revision - what would need to be done to fix this? (photos)

Question

I had a deep face and neck lift 8 months ago. Now I still have the same neck I did before I had my face and neck lift except that it goes back in the center leaving the 2 sides of my neck still looking like they did before. I was wondering what happened that I still look the same and what would need to be done to fix this?

Richard G. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Your photo shows a vertical sagging band just to the left of your center neckline in the photo on the right.  Presumably this represents a low hanging platysma muscle border (band).  The fullness just under your jawline on each side could be due to submandibular salivary gland fullness that sometimes becomes more noticeable after tightening the neck and removing some fat in the area, unless the gland is partially removed at surgery.  Not every surgeon feels comfortable removing the submandibular glands as the technique  carries risks of nerve and blood vessel injury.  The platysma muscle band can be corrected easily through in incision just under the chin, but you need to have a thorough discussion about your concerns with your surgeon.

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

In your “before” photo, there is evidence of excessive fat under your chin. I also see that your jawline had pronounced jowling that manifests as a “W” shape on the jawline. These two areas have definitely been improved. What you might be seeing is that the fat under the jawline helped to mask the prominence of the platysmal bands, and with its removal, the bands became more visible. I have just returned from the annual plastic surgical meeting of ASAPS, and many surgeons spoke about their problems with the recurrence of platysmal bands. In my practice, I have not experienced this, but every surgeon has different techniques, and your surgeon likely used a technique that led to this recurrence. The “fix” might be something as minor as Botox, but an in-person consultation would be needed to properly assess what would be the best modality to improve your current result. Please know that improvement is possible.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It takes an average of 1 year for result of face lift to settle and mature. Lumpiness, irregularities, internal and external scars need to soften and flatten; very frequent occurrence is visibility of anterior neck bands, even if aggressive platysmoplasty was performed? An easy treatment for that secondary "deformity" may be Botox; in some cases, revision with excision of the band/scar may be needed. Try to stay patient few more months, talk to your surgeon about your options and seek, if needed,  second opinion consultation with another plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination approach would give the most improvement. Nonsurgical options such as Kybella, PDO NovaThreads, and Ultherapy do well in combination for skin tightening, but the results are mild compared to surgical options.

I suggest seeing a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer.​

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

So I have seen a great deal of posting from various surgeons that are tagging their procedure as "Deep Plane Facelifts".  I can say that with full confidence that the majority of these procedures are NOT deep plane procedures.  Your neck fix is not terribly difficult.  Recurrent platysmal banding following a neck lift is a relatively common complication for some.  A submental incision with a platysmaplasty performed with proper undermining and partial transection of the muscle will correct for this issue.

Neck lift revision - what would need to be done to fix this? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Skin Tightening for the Neck -- Kybella, Ultherapy, Thermage, PDO NovaThreads vs VASER Hi-Def, ThermiRF, Renuvion, BodyTite

Answer: Skin Tightening for the Neck -- Kybella, Ultherapy, Thermage, PDO NovaThreads vs VASER Hi-Def, ThermiRF, Renuvion, BodyTite

Answer: Neck lift and deep plane neck lift

Answer: Neck lift and deep plane neck lift

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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Neck lift revision - what would need to be done to fix this? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Skin Tightening for the Neck -- Kybella, Ultherapy, Thermage, PDO NovaThreads vs VASER Hi-Def, ThermiRF, Renuvion, BodyTite

Answer: Skin Tightening for the Neck -- Kybella, Ultherapy, Thermage, PDO NovaThreads vs VASER Hi-Def, ThermiRF, Renuvion, BodyTite

Answer: Neck lift and deep plane neck lift

Answer: Neck lift and deep plane neck lift

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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