Is the corset platysma muscle surgery the only way to fix a neck lift?

You may not need a platysmaplasty and in certain cases, it is not necessary. But this needs to be decided before surgery, because platysmaplasty often needs to be done in conjunction with a lift. Seek another personal evaluation if you are not satisfied.

Thank you for the question. The answer is yes. A one size fits all approach does not apply facial rejuvenation of the neck and face. There are several ways to address the central neck (submentum) during rejuvenation depending on your needs. In many patients with early aging changes, a limited sideways/ lateral elevation and resuspension of the platysma is adequate. For patients, with excess skin laxity and heavy necks, this can be inadequate and usually lead to early failure. The weight of the tissue causes relaxation and the muscles again splay and or the face to have a windswept look. However, if an extended SMAS (the strength layer under the skin) or deep plane dissection is utilized to allow adequate movement of SMAS/skin flap in a true vertical manner then this can sometimes eliminate then need for a corsette platysmaplasty. This is not the same as removing a little SMAS and closing the edges together or just placing sutures to tighten the SMAS. Managing the central neck directly allows both the muscle edges and selective fat to be removed under the platysma prior to creating a stable corsette to sharpen the neckline and decrease the chance the muscles will splay.  Ultimately, a corsette platysmaplasty in combination with an extended SMAS correction can give a reliable, long lasting result even in the toughest necks when other techniques tend to fail.  I hope this helps and your surgery goes well.  Take care.