Can a too tight platysmaplasty be loosened laterally and submentally?

Question

I am 4 - 1/2 months out from a corset platysmaplasty. I am in enormous discomfort and distress from excessive tightness laterally and submentally. My neck looks skeletonized; all the muscles and sinews bulge when I chew or swallow. The skin feels like it is glued to the underlying tissues. This has not improved since surgery and is so uncomfortable that my oral intake is suffering and I am losing weight. My PS is dismissive when I try to address this problem. Can anything be done for this?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry you are experiencing this discomfort after your platysmaplasty. Rest assured it is not unusual to feel this tightness for a few months after surgery, which indicates you should be feeling some relief soon. The sutures can be loosened, but I would encourage you to hang on a bit longer. The skeleton look you describe is likely due to lack of subcutaneous fat rather than the tightened muscle. I would discuss your difficulties eating with your doctor, to determine if there are steps you can take to maintain your calorie count while you are still in the recovery process.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, the corset platysmaplasty sutures can be released via a submental approach.  I recommend waiting for a little longer as the area should loosen and stretch on its own.  The skeletonized appearance most likely results from lack of subcutaneous fat.  This also leads to a "glued" feeling and appearance which also should improve with time.  I hope this helps!

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

The severity of the discomfort you are feeling is unusual, however it is not necessarily reason for concern. Many patients are very sensitive to tightening anywhere in the neck area.  It has been reported that some patients even describe a "choking" feeling.  This feeling should improve over time.  These skeletonized appearance of your neck that you describe is likely not due to the tightening of the muscles.  This issue is more likely related to the amount of subcutaneous fat between the skin and muscle.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Although it is possible to go in and possibly release any sutures that may be holding things too tight, understand that the human body is very elastic and over time it should stretch and relax.  at 4 months it's still early and you will notice further relaxation over time.  Unless your situation is excruciating uncomfortable, I would recommend waiting.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

Tightness usually resolves within 3-4 months. I would be concerned about weight loss because you can't eat properly.  If you re not getting answers from your surgeon you can always get another opinion from a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Hang in there and best of luck.

Can a too tight platysmaplasty be loosened laterally and submentally?

Answers (5)

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