What is a cobra neck?

We all see patients who look "operated". In this case, not only is too much fat removed from the submental area which causes the area to incline to the concave, but, frequently, the digastric muscle is over-resected. This creates a further hollow. If, in addition, the platysma is "skeletonized" by over-suctioning of fat, and the central platysmas bands are allowed to separate (not properly sutured), then the cobra becomes more virulent!A descriptive term which is very apropos!

If the neck is oversuctioned from liposuction the neck can scar and form bands that tighten the neck too much and give it strange look.  This is called a cobra neck deformity, and it should not happen with properly performed liposuction of the neck.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Good question.  A cobra neck deformity is a complication of a neck and lower facelift.  This is not common and may occur in inexperienced hands.  The center of the neck is "over liposuctioned" and then the face and neck is lifted without performing a platysmaplasty causing the platysma muscles edges to splay apart.  The resulting look is like a cobra's neck where there is a central concavity and the muscles are separated on either side.  When choosing your surgeon make sure he has performed hundreds or even thousands of facelift to avoid these types of situations.