Age 57, what do you recommend for bands under neck after face/neck lift? (Photos)

It is true that your neck has minimal fat to camouflage neck muscles. However, I would suggest repeating the lift with wide skin undermining, partial division of the 2 platysma muscles in the front, and another attempt at anterior suture plication. The muscle can also be tightened backward from the posterior border. Any irregular areas of scarring or fat deposits can be smoothed at that time.

Thank you for submitting your question and photos. Though it is too soon after your initial surgery to consider a revision, there are non-surgical alternatives that may reduce the appearance of bands and jowls. Botox injections and RF microneedling are viable options that can deliver substantial results.
Botox is often used to calm an overactive muscle that causes horizontal banding, while RF microneedling can increase collagen production and restore the skin’s elasticity. The results from Botox generally last for 3-4 months, while RF microneedling results can last for many years in some cases. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can assess your concerns and surgical history to determine the best course of action.

It's difficult to say without the benefit of a formal evaluation. This is my expertise and a huge portion of my practice. Asymmetry is normal and expected. See an expert who does facial shaping with surgical and non surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

I wouldn't recommend revision surgery until at least a year after your necklift to allow for scar maturation. In the meantime, heat and massage are a good idea. You could consider seeing a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who offers other non-surgical skin tightening options such as microneedling, radiofrequency microneedling, ultrasound, and other heat-based techniques in the meantime.

When talking about face and neck lift surgery preoperatively with patients, platysmal bands are a top issue patients would like to address. While surgeons can do everything from opening the neck and surgically releasing the bands, to repairing the muscle separation between the left and right platysmal muscles, platysmal bands usually recur over time. So soon postoperatively, it is not likely that time to consider surgical options for treatment of these in your case. Neuromodulators, such as Botox, can be used to help as well but the results vary between patients.
Face and neck lift procedures are common surgeries that we perform in our office. Please see the attached link for more information.