How can I tell if my platysma was injured/torn/separated from liposuction under the chin?

Question

2 months ago I had submental liposuction from an incision placed under my chin. My platysma muscle is now bulging out, and I am experiencing a change in my ability to move my head due to pain and tugging of the muscle under my chin. My PS said it is a spasm, and tried botox. The botox did not help. I am a healthy 31 yr old female. I had no issue with this muscle before the surgery. The skin under my chin feels overly tight, don't want any tightening procedures, I want the opposite.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Conservative liposuction of the submental and neck area can produce nice results in the right patient- an improved contour, reduction in a double chin.However we are seeing an alarming increase in patients with overly defatted necks.  Their appearance can appear stringy and hard, with scar tissue attaching skin to muscle.  The neck can appear older.One reason for this is increase in skeletonized necks is new technology:  laser liposuction, radiofrequency and ultrasound treatments used aggressively, removing too much fat from the neck.  Fat in excess causes a double chin but excessive removal of fat by any means causes the deeper structures to be exposed.  There's simply not enough covering left.These cases are difficult to revise.Several doctors have mentioned some conservative means of reducing the tightness.  I would avoid any treatment that further reduced subcutaneous fat.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Can you please post photos.  You may need RF treatments like venus legacy to loosen the tissue or steroid/5FU injections if there is scarring.  Most of the time this area gets better with time, massage, and botox injections.  I am sorry you are going through this.  Please speak to your physician if you are concerned.  Best, Dr. Emer.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

Healing takes time.   You are very early.  I have done thousands of these neck lipo procedures and I have never seen an injured platysma muscle.  As swelling goes you will be fine and likely have a lovely result.   My Best,  Dr C

How can I tell if my platysma was injured/torn/separated from liposuction under the chin?

Answers (3)

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