Could my platysmaplasty be the cause of my breathing problems / tongue position?

Question

Hello, three years ago I had a neck lift that incuded having my platysma muscles tightened and since then I have been having troubles breathing. I constantly feel like my tongue is blocking my airway when I breath and I feel shortness of breath without doing any exercise. Could my neck lift be the cause of this, considering my problem began after my surgery? Can the tightening of the platysma bands affect the tongue position in any way that could affect breathing?

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

There should be no physiologic reason that the platysmaplasty should be causing any issues with the tongue. There are some patients that endorse a temporary feeling of tightness of the neck and airway following a neck lift, but this generally subsides over time. I would recommend consulting with an otolaryngologist (ENT) to ensure there are no other physiologic abnormalities causing your symptoms.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is very unlikely that your problem with breathing have much to do with platysmoplasty. Platysma is such a thin, fine muscles that it is impossible to tighten it so much to cause any breathing issues even immediately after surgery. Being so superficial, underneath the skin, it has no connections with tangue muscles and nerves. You should seek a consultation of a board certified ENT specialist and/or pulmologyst to evaluate your breathing issue. Hope this helps.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

The platysma is a thin superficial layer of muscle uninvolved with laryngeal, pharyngeal or glossal (tongue) structures or function.  Although I feel that further investigation is necessary, I feel fairly confident that the platysmapalsty is not the cause.  I have seen patients describe a sensation of "tightness' in the neck for up to a year after platysmaplasty, but for the reasons mentioned, your issues most likely have a different cause.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

It is possible that your neck lift, specifically the tightening of the platysma muscles, could be causing your breathing difficulties. The platysma muscle is a broad sheet of muscle that covers the front of the neck and connects to the tongue and other structures in the throat. Tightening this muscle can alter the position of the tongue and other structures, potentially causing airway obstruction and difficulty breathing.

I would recommend that you discuss your symptoms with your plastic surgeon or a qualified medical professional as soon as possible. They may recommend further evaluation, such as a sleep study or CT scan, to determine the underlying cause of your breathing difficulties. Treatment options may include revision surgery or other interventions, depending on the specific cause of your symptoms.

In the meantime, you may find relief from your symptoms by sleeping with your head elevated and avoiding sleeping on your back, as this can exacerbate breathing difficulties. If you experience sudden onset of severe difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

I hope this helps,
Best of luck !

Don Fontana, MD · Answer

No is no relationship betwen the plastysmaplasty and any breathing issues. Btter  check with your GP for other causes.

Could my platysmaplasty be the cause of my breathing problems / tongue position?

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Answer: Breathing issues and platysmaplasty

Answer: Breathing issues and platysmaplasty

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Could my platysmaplasty be the cause of my breathing problems / tongue position?

Answers (5)

Answer: Platysmaplasty

Answer: Platysmaplasty

Answer: Breathing issues and platysmaplasty

Answer: Breathing issues and platysmaplasty

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.