SMAS platysma facelift vs. Platysmaplasty - what are the pros and cons? (Photo)

Question

I just had a face and neck lift 6 weeks ago. My surgeon did not explain what she would be doing. I had assumed she would be doing a platysmaplasty as all other surgeons I consulted with explained how they would tie the neck bands together. I noticed neck bands after my surgery that were not previously there. I was also confused as to why I didn't have a scar on my chin. When I asked my surgeon, she said I did not have a platysmaplasty and that she instead did a SMAS platysma. Any advice?

Michael Kulick, MD, DDS · Answer

It appears that there was a miss communication before your surgery. I'm not sure of the terminology "SMAS platysma" but it obviously means something to your surgeon.I would go back to your surgeon so that you can have the remainder of your procedure performed. If there is no pathway for discussion then a face to face consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, ASAPS member would be the next step. Hope this helps.Michael Kulick MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Member of ASPS, ASAPS
   Recipient of the Klingbeil Award from ASAPS – Teaching Safe Techniques and Advanced Technologies

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank  you for your question; Without the medical notes in impossible to know what was done under your neck but I will go back and ask.   In the other hand  it is possible that you have a detractive  band of scar tissue that occurs in some occasion in the neck after surgery.

Christopher T. Maloney Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for attaching a photo. Unfortunately there appears to have been some miscommunication between you and your surgeon. The SMAS lift allows your surgeon to lift the cheeks, improve the jowls and give you a more refined jaw line. It does not address the bands in the neck. The platysmaplasty tightens the bands in the neck to improve the contour. The platysmaplasty is typically performed as part of a face lift. It is possible you had a "mini face lift" where your surgeon just opened the incisions around the ear to tighten the mid/lower face, but not the neck. Unfortunately for maximum results and to improve your neck, you will need a platysmaplasty. My suggestion would be to address this concern with your surgeon. Communication is key for any plastic surgery procedure. Have an honest and reasonable discussion with your surgeon and see what options are available. My bet is it will be less expensive doing the platysmaplasty at your surgeon's office rather than seeking out another surgeon to do it. Any reputable surgeon would want to know your unhappy with the final result and want to work with you to achieve your desired outcome. This may be an additional cost, but probably far less than finding another surgeon if you are happy with the rest of the face lift. Best of luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would go back to your surgeon, ask what she did specifically, and her reason for not making the chin incision. She  might had felt there was not a need at the time. There are many kinds of "facelifts" and most surgeons have their preference related to their experience and training.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Communication between the patient and the surgeon is of utmost importance to understand exactly what  procedure your going to undergo. The "SMAS" stands for superficial muscular apneurotic system which is basically the fascia layer in the cheek area that is tightened just In front of  the ear which accomplishes lifting the jowls and cheeks. A platysma plasty is performed in the neck through a  sub-mental incision which addresses the platysma bands in the neck. In our practice, a platysma plasty is a routine component of a lower face and neck lift. Since it is only been six weeks from your previous facelift, best to follow with your surgeon at this point.

SMAS platysma facelift vs. Platysmaplasty - what are the pros and cons? (Photo)

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Answer: SMAS platysma facelift versus platysma plasty

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SMAS platysma facelift vs. Platysmaplasty - what are the pros and cons? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Facelift

Answer: Facelift

Answer: SMAS platysma facelift versus platysma plasty

Answer: SMAS platysma facelift versus platysma plasty

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Everything you need to know about SMAS Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.