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

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

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.