Is a Giampapa suture a good idea?

That technique can be very effective in the right situation.  I have seen many of these suspension sutures hold their tension for a decade or more.  When properly used it can be a very valuable tool.  Good luck.

This suture is a suspension suture from behind one ear to the other in order to support the healing of the central platysma in its proper position. I don't think it works well by itself but can be helpful to support suturing of the medial borders of the platsyma muscles.

Without good clinical evaluation it is impossible to say whether you need such a procedure. Generally within plastic surgeons experienced in face/neck surgery this is very rarely used procedure? However, some surgeons may have particular reason and skill to use this technique to patient benefit? Good luck.

Gore-Tex slings, the Giampappa suture, the thread lift have all been recipients of poor reviews over the years.

You ask a very good question. I do not favor
such thread lifts as I have not seen them to offer longstanding value, unfortunately. Further,
I feel that a more classic approach in secondary face and neck lifting should
be sought as you should not be looking to undergo extensive revision work only
one year later from primary surgery.

Be healthy and be well,

James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS

In many fields of surgery, the principle of "belts and braces" works very well. Sensible surgeons will often combine procedures and take the best of one and combine it with the best of t'other.This appears to be the case with what your surgeon is proposing: he will be able to explain it to you with drawings or photographs and, almost certainly, show you his results. Does this technique work?: Yes.Does it last?: Many have shown good long-term results. We usually combine it with a corset platysmaplasty and get very good results.Is it a good idea to combine the two techniques?: absolutely!Good luck. Your surgeon is looking at your results, thinking, and offering choices with likelihood of good results. Good for you!Prof. Bhupendra C. K. Patel MD, FRCS

Dear chessmom: Vincent Giampapa, MD introduced a neck suspension technique which has withstood the test of time and continues to be used today. Others have modified it and I continue to incorporate the elevation and suspension of the internal angle of the neck similarly. The reference below will show the various Giampapa like suspensions elevating the neck from one side of the platysma muscle at the level of the hyoid bone to the opposite mastoid fascia. Duplicating the other side will create a elevated hammock and pull the platysma to the midline as well to support the submandibular neck and emphasize the neck crease until healing occurs. For more references and illustrations, link to my website and search neck lift, giampapa as this post will not support the illustrations and more references.  I hope this is helpful. All the best!

A good anterior platysma repair buttressed by suturing the posterior platysma should be enough. I have abandoned the Giampappa Suture because when pulled too tight or placed incorrectly nerve compression and pain behind ear can occur.

I have found that the Giampapa suture does not do much of lasting value.  It seems like it should but it only helps for a while.  A corset approach  works longer and better.   My Best,  Dr C