Failed Necklift? Is it possible for the platysma muscle to snap back to its post operative position right after a necklift?

Thank you very much for writing. Unfortunately, this is a common scenario. Though neck lifts seem straightforward, these are actually complex procedures. To achieve a natural-appearing and long-lasting result, the operation must include a complete release of the hanging tissue before the "pull". In situations where the loose neck muscle (platysma) is not released from its attachments, just tightening the skin gives the exact result you describe: early recurrence with wide or stretched scars behind the ears.  This is because all of the tension of the lift is placed on the relatively weak skin, rather than on the more sturdy muscle and connective tissue layers. If you opt for revision, in my opinion, you should make sure that your surgeon understands these key concepts.

Without before, and, after/current photos, it's difficult to access the additional options that may benefit you. I suggest  you begin by consulting with your plastic surgeon, or, seek a new one if you feel more comfortable.It's best to wait 6 to 12 months to undergo additional surgery of the area depending on the reason. As with all #cosmetic surgery, results will be rewarding if expectations are realistic. With any surgical #procedure and #revision, there are some risks of unhappy outcome or other complications which your surgeon should discuss with you during your consultation. Your procedure should always be performed by a board-certified plastic surgery with a great deal of experience in cosmetic #surgery. You will then greatly improve your chances of getting the result you desire, and, without the need for additional revision surgery.

Three months post neck lift you should not have skin laxity of neck. By then it should be well healed and looking good. According to your description without any pictures, the neck flap was not fully elevated and the skin was tighten under tension. 

   Chin and neck skin will loosen a few months after surgery.  A neck lift should produce significant improvement, but, if a great deal of skin laxity existed before surgery, the skin is of poorer quality and has a greater tendency to recur.

Thank you for your question. It is common to develop some laxity after a facelift or necklift. Though the skin is initially pulled tight, it does relax a bit after a couple of months. The amount of this rebound depends on a variety of factors, including the elasticity of the skin, the quality of the underlying platysma muscle, and the technique used in the necklift.

For now, it is important to give your neck more time to heal. If there is more laxity than you are happy with, there are often options for improvement. You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon, who has the benefit of an exam.

Best of luck with your neck.

Jeff Rockmore

Neck lifts can seem very simple. but they are actually one of the more difficult aspects of facial rejuvenation. This is because the neck is very prone to relaxing in the immediate period after the operation. I've adopted a deep neck lift technique which actually lifts and moves the platysma muscle into its more youthful position and then secured to the deeper tissue. I have found that this is been necessary to achieve longer lasting results. I would have to presume that she see an immediate return of bagginess to the neck that the muscle work that was done as unfortunately failed. This does not mean that something was done wrong by her surgeon but it certainly may require revision and consideration of a different technique.   I would advise speaking with your surgeon in finding out what his or her thoughts are.

The scars from a facelift/necklift behind ears can get stretched a little. Too much stretching means the sutures under the skin that give support are not holding up well. Soreness can happen in the areas of the suture placement. That is temporary. The neck skin has become saggy likely form skin becoming loose since the stitches from the platysma to the back of the ear (mastoid area) have not held up. You will likely need a revision.

Regards

Dr. J

Disclaimer: This answer is not intended to give a medical opinion and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Without knowing what the surgeon did and how u look now it is impossible to tell. Ask your surgeon and if u r not satisfied get a second opinion from a very experienced facelift surgeon. 

Thank you for your question.  It is possible for neck skin laxity to relapse 3 months after facelift surgery.  This is typically seen in smokers of patients with signficant sun damage or in some massive weight loss patients.   It is uncommon for platsymal laxity to recur after a corsett platysmaplasty is performed.  It is difficult to comment without photos and knowledge of what procedure was performed.   There are several ways to handle the platysma.  I encourage you to discuss this finding with your surgeon. He/She are likely to want to address this matter with you.

Many facelift patients will experience varying degrees of rebound skin relaxation in the central neck area within the first year after surgery, particularly if they had a lot of loose neck skin/wattle initially.Whether what you are experiencing is a normal phneomenon or less than an ideal initial result in impossible to determine based on just your verbal description. I would advise that you submit some before and after pictures from your surgery to get a more comprehensive and accurate answer to your concerns.