Do sutures hold the platysma in place until muscles are fully healed?

Platysma sutures are typically used to reposition the underlying muscles during procedures like a neck lift. The sutures help to approximate the muscles in their new position and provide support during the initial healing phase. While sutures play a role in holding the muscles in place, the healing process involves the body's natural mechanisms as well.
Over time, the body's healing response, which includes scar tissue formation, helps to stabilize the repositioned muscles in their new location. The sutures act as a temporary aid during this process. In my opinion, even when they are "permanent" sutures. I have seen failures of a platysmaplasty in patients who come to me for revision surgery and when I open their neck, I find permanent sutures. So yes, there can be risk that the sutures come undone, which is why I do a double-layer closure for all of my platysmaplasty cases (using dissolvable suture that takes between 3-9 months to breakdown).
It's important to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon before the procedure to understand the approach they'll be using, the expected outcomes, and any potential risks involved. This will help you make an informed decision and set appropriate expectations for your recovery.

Hello,
Thank you for your thoughtful question. There is still not a clear cut consensus among surgeons. That is why some use dissolvable sutures and others use permanent sutures. There is certainly a risk of sutures coming undone but more often the sutures pull through the muscle and this can result in recurrent neck bands. Of note, necklift can be done wide awake using local anesthesia and oral medications to help you relax. Patients do incredibly well with this and it avoids the side effects of general anesthesia.
Mark G. Albert, M.D., F.A.C.S.New York, NY

Purpose of platysmaplasty sutures is to hold platysma muscle in desired position until muscles heal with scar; this happens within 6-12 weeks after suture placement. In this particular case, there is minimal tension on sutures and likeliness of sutures coming undone is minimal. Hope this helps.