Neck Still Turkey-like After Lower Facelift and Necklift with Platysmaplasty? (photo)

Question

I had a mini facelift and necklift with platysmaplasty 4 months ago with incisions in front and behind ears and under the chin. Pictures attached. The face is much better than it was, but the neck has dropped back to where it was, a very large band is even more prominent, and the scars are bad on one ear only. I've already tried Botox, and it did nothing. Any idea what went wrong? Also, is there a procedure to cut out that errant band all together, or tie it up somehow? I'm 57.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If there was a lot of redundant skin, muscle, or fat, there is always a chance of recurrent skin under the chin, no matter what was done.  Your anatomy may be amenable to a small neck skin and/or muscle tightening procedure through an incision under your chin.  It is difficult to tell if the band is a true platysmal band, skin, or both.  They would all have different treatments but could be addressed with a revision neck lift. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to read of your disappointment. It would be helpful to know more about the surgical techniques applied during the procedures as you may benefit from additional surgery to better correct your concern. Usually, it's best to wait at least 6 to 12 months depending on the reason for a #revision.  Also, your procedure should always be performed by a #PlasticSurgeon who is board-certified and has a great deal of experience specializing in the types of cosmetic procedures you have endured. Additionally, you should feel confident and comfortable with the doctor you choose. Whether it is the same doctor who did your original surgery, or, you feel it necessary to seek a new one. As with all #cosmetic surgery, results will be rewarding if expectations are realistic. With any surgical #procedure and #revision, there are some risks of unhappy outcome or other complications which your surgeon should discuss with you during your consultation. You will then greatly improve your chances of getting the result you desire, and, without the need for additional revision surgery.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, the neck is usually the first place that a mini-lift will fail. As my colleagues have noted a traditional face and necklift would be required to improve the platysma bands that have recurred. This is the only procedure that allows a robust tightening and repositioning of the neck tissue. There is a procedure referred to as a submentoplasty that can directly remove the lax neck tissue. I will only perform this a handful of times each year as a facelift is superior and more comprehensive. The submentoplasty can be performed in numerous ways and each method seeks to avoid an objectionable scar. However, despite all of these various techniques, the submentoplasty will usually leave a visible midline scar that can take up to a year to heal. I hope this advice is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

David Hansen, MD · Answer

From the photos, you really need a total re-do face/neck lift. The scars can be improved and the pixie ear fixed as well as getting a better neck lift. Fortunately, this can all be done under local anesthesia with less downtime, bruising and swelling than under general.  Sometimes when the doc rushes and tries to do a lot of work in a couple of hrs, the results show it. Expect at least 5 hrs to get the best results and it will be worth it.  Sincerely,

	David Hansen,MD

Eleanor J. Barone, MD · Answer

To get rid of.  This means more incision, more swelling and bruising for some patients, and more work.   Basically the bands must not only be sewn together (plication), but to be extra sure, the also should be divided or cut just above the the first hard cartilage you can feel in the middle of the neck.  The skin of your neck has to be completely lifted off of all these tissues, again until about the hard bump  you feel in the middle of your neck.  Then I recommend a garment around the head and neck afterwards to help the skin 'stick' back down.   Your tissues won't be completely healed until at least six months after the original surgery.  Then you and your board certified plastic surgeon can discuss what can and cannot, should or should not, be done for any remaining issues.

Neck Still Turkey-like After Lower Facelift and Necklift with Platysmaplasty? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Sometimes a total re-do face/neck lift is what is needed to correct the problem.

Answer: Sometimes a total re-do face/neck lift is what is needed to correct the problem.

Answer: Platysmal band require a lot of work

Answer: Platysmal band require a lot of work

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mini Facelift

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

Neck Still Turkey-like After Lower Facelift and Necklift with Platysmaplasty? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Sometimes a total re-do face/neck lift is what is needed to correct the problem.

Answer: Sometimes a total re-do face/neck lift is what is needed to correct the problem.

Answer: Platysmal band require a lot of work

Answer: Platysmal band require a lot of work

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mini Facelift

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