Visible bands after neck lift - can it be fixed? (photos)

Question

I had a neck lift in 2020. This is the current condition of my neck. What happened? Why do I have these visible bands I didn't have before? Can this be fixed? My surgeon says the risks outweigh the benefits of revision but I am miserably unhappy with the result I'm left with.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

I am sorry you have had a less then optimal outcome, that is very distressing. Don't lose hope, platysmal bands after a neck lift can occur and can be corrected. If you seek a second opinion, bring your operative report with you so the new surgeon knows what procedures were performed.

Richard G. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Your physical exam should reveal whether the band is due to just loose skin or more likely muscle fibers.  As the rest of your neck looks smooth and seems to have good skin tone, I would suggest operating through a short horizontal incision under the chin,  transecting the platysma muscle(s) below the band, perhaps even removing part of the muscle to prevent it reconnecting and pulling down, and then suturing the muscles together and upward.  For this to work, your skin can't be too loose there in the front of your neck.  If the skin is loose, then it has to be pulled backward as with a standard necklift.

Mark G. Albert, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. I can appreciate the bands you mentioned. Without more information about your necklift (i.e. was the muscle ever brought together in the midline?) it is difficult to speculate about what happened. This could be fixed with a necklift under local (awake) or general anesthesia. I wish you all the best.
Mark G. Albert, M.D., F.A.C.S.New York, NY and Boston, MA

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This requires an in-person evaluation. Consult with your physician or seek out a facial sculpting expert. -Dr. Emer

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, return of some muscle bands may happen even after masterfully performed surgery. It is impossible to rate your results without preoperative photos. Before considering revision you may try Botox application in platysma muscle bands; it may significantly decrease current banding. Good luck.

Visible bands after neck lift - can it be fixed? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Neck Lift -- see an expert

Answer: Neck Lift -- see an expert

Answer: Botox, possibly revision

Answer: Botox, possibly revision

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.

Visible bands after neck lift - can it be fixed? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Neck Lift -- see an expert

Answer: Neck Lift -- see an expert

Answer: Botox, possibly revision

Answer: Botox, possibly revision

Browse related questions

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.