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

Question

Is it possible for the platysma muscle to snap back to its post operative position right after a necklift. The skin on my neck and chin is loose and saggy 3 months after surgery. I have very wide stretched scars behind the ears in the area going up into the hairline. My neck is still very sore from behind the ear all the way down both sides of the neck.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Benjamin C. Marcus, MD · Answer

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.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Kevin Sadati, DO · Answer

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.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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.

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Immediate neck laxity following a neck lift

Answer: Immediate neck laxity following a neck lift

Answer: Chin and Neck Skin Loose at 3 Months Following Necklift

Answer: Chin and Neck Skin Loose at 3 Months Following Necklift

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Immediate neck laxity following a neck lift

Answer: Immediate neck laxity following a neck lift

Answer: Chin and Neck Skin Loose at 3 Months Following Necklift

Answer: Chin and Neck Skin Loose at 3 Months Following Necklift

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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.