Vertical band, and adhesion on neck. 5 weeks post Face and Neck lift. Will massage fix this? (photos)

It is far too early in the healing process and over time these areas tend to soften and improve. Massage will help and after a few months any resistant irregularities could be treated with small doses of steroid injections.A late resistant vertical platysmal band can also be treated with botox. Resistant platysmal bands are a frustrating problem in the hands of even the most experienced facelift surgeons. Therefore, it is best to keep in contact with your plastic surgeon who should be able to follow through with you over the next several months and advise you accordingly.

Thank you for your question. I have been performing face lifting procedures for over 12 years. Many times this is a common finding to see in the neck. I do agree with your physician that you want to use massaging techniques to soften this banding. At this point I would not be too alarmed.I hope that this information helps.

Patients with questions and concerns about their facelift and neck lift healing process should follow up with the plastic surgeon that performed the operation. 

Your surgeon is correct in that submental irregularities often improve considerably with massaging and time. It is very premature in the healing process to expect this to go away. If further treatment were to be desired after healing, the solution would be dependent on whether the band is dynamic or a result of scar tissue under the skin. If it is dynamic, then Botox may help. If the band is relating to scar tissue under the skin, a mild steroid injection may be beneficial. I would continue regular visits to your surgeon to monitor the scar progression. Do not become discouraged, as this could definitely improve dramatically as it heals.

I agree with Dr. Lambros. This often gets better with time. Steroids in low does may also be a good idea as he said.

Scar tissue is the tightest in the first 1-3 months, then it will start to soften.  Massage will help but mostly you just need to be patient.  You may still have some residual contour irregularities after several months but for now you just have to wait it out.

Thank you for the question and pictures.  Based on the information you provided, it is hard to determine if the picture represents the edge of your platysma muscle or a scar band.  I am assuming it is the prior, as 5 weeks does not seem long enough after surgery to develop such a robust band.  Only your surgeon would know for sure.  Either way, you are early after surgery and in the scarring time period, where scar tissue "builds up" and then gets remodeled into softer scar.  Discuss your concerns with your surgeon to see what their impression is and what a good next step would be.  Good luck!

way too early to panic. I also use micro doses of steroids every three weeks I've been doing that for 30 years with no issues of steroid atrophy.  It helps soften up the area.

It is possible that with time and massage the band will soften.  If it does not you may need a revision.  See your surgeon regularly.  If the band persists and is demonstrably due to muscle activity you might want to try some Botox.