Can a partial digastric myectomy improve my neck contour? Need gland, muscle shaping expert advice. SMG's aren't issue.

Question

6 wks postop revision necklift fails to fix contour issue; PS agrees issue is digastric muscle prominence, not SMGs. Too full submental area and fat-free anterior neck shows musculature; swallowing reveals mechanics of neck function that should be hidden. Hollowed indents are uptucked under submental; digastrics converge to a point under chin. Pressing upwards into the bulging muscle makes submental flat and hollows vanish. Would reducing or removing muscle help? Risks? Experts input please.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is too early to make conclusions. You are in the worst period (some swelling, thick scars, adhesion) in the entire treated area. Let everything settle (at least 6-8 months) and then re-evaluate and treat very conservatively (digastric muscle shaving, thin fat grating of anterior neck, etc.). Patience is most difficult to ask for but you can not do much at the time being. Good luck.

Arnold Almonte, DO · Answer

Thank you for the pics and question. Based on the pics, it’s clear that removing fat has its consequences, such as more visible muscles underneath the skin. Removing more muscle would further reduce the volume thus making the “indent” worse. My recommendation would be to do nothing for now, except gentle scar massage, and return in 6 months for re-evaluation. At that point the tissues will have healed and softened more and decisions can be made as to the next steps. Some folks need more skin tightening, others may need fat replacement. Either way, right now is too soon to make that decision. Discuss this with your PS. Good luck.

Val Lambros, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I think you are too soon post op to consider surgery for the time being. The last time you posted I suggested botox which will atrophy the glands as well as the digastric muscle temporarily.  As people routinely remove the muscle the botox shouldn’t effect your swallowing

Can a partial digastric myectomy improve my neck contour? Need gland, muscle shaping expert advice. SMG's aren't issue.

Answers (3)

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Can a partial digastric myectomy improve my neck contour? Need gland, muscle shaping expert advice. SMG's aren't issue.

Answers (3)

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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.