Lateral lift vs platysmaplasty?

Great question. It all depends on how much laxity you have. In the last decade of being a specialist in facial rejuvenation, I have typically performed a lateral platysmaplasty when i treat the SMAS, followed by plication or excision of central platysma bands. This renders a very natural looking result. See an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns. A personal consultation and full examination is the best place to start. Good luck! 

Dear cvanduelmenThank you for your question!  Unfortunately this is hard to answer without seeing you - and reviewing the options and benefits of the surgical procedures.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

Thank you for your question.  Fist able. I don’t know if  lateral Lift refer only to the skin   or the lateral lift of the Platysma muscle.  Normally the Platysma muscle is treated separately  and pull and suture back laterally.  Now the term platysmaplasty is the work done at the Platysma muscle that can be a lateral pull and also medial.  When these to elements are working individually in  a patient you can obtain the best results

Good question. In general for patients over 50 years old I usually perform both a lateral lift with a platysmaplasty.  In a younger patient a lateral lift (lower facelift or mini) can suffice or just an isolated platysmaplasty with liposuction in an even younger patient.  Without photos you probably won't get very directed answers but general descriptions on these procedures. Best to support your question with photos.  

Only with certain patients can a platysmaplasty be done alone. Usually results are best if done together. If you have questions, seek another opinion.

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  I often perform both central and lateral platysma plication during a necklift.  If good technique is used, this can be done with minimal scarring and can result in a natural look, not over-done look, with rejuvenation of your neck.   Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   

Best wishes and good luck.


Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
 

Over 32 years of experience I prefer the lateral platysma route to elevate and fix laxity of the neck. After lifting laterally I check for residual bands and incorporate a midline platysma tightening as needed. See a board certified ASAPS plastic surgeon in consultation. Good luck...

In my opinion for longevity and a more predictable results I would always recommend the platysmoplasty. Of course, what would be the best result and most appropriate procedure would depend on an examination and discussion about desired outcome.  
Robert Schutz, M.D., FACS
Rapid City, South Dakota

In our practice we perform a platysmaplasty/neck left in conjunction with a facelift operation when there is significant redundancy and laxity of the muscles under the chin, as well as if there is significant redundancy of fat under the muscle that requires direct excision. depending upon your anatomy this may be a appropriate recommendation for you.  The best way to answer this is to seek the expertise or possibly a second opinion with a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation.  Best of luck to you.

As we age our faces fall down and in so it makes sense to lift the face and neck up and out to correct these aging changes. This is the most natural and logical approach to rejuvenation of the lower face and neck region. Its also important to understand that when we do a lateral approach to the lower face and neck we always tighten the platysma muscle, which is called a lateral platysmaplasty. If you can achieve the results you desire without making an incision under your chin that is always better. That said there are specific reason to make an incision under the chin that may be required in certain circumstances. We make a small puncture in this area to access the anterior neck for liposuction and we make a slightly larger incision (2 cm) to access the anterior neck for direct excision of subplatsymal fat or to tighten the platysmal muscle improving the contour of the anterior neck and reducing anterior bands. All these techniques can be helpful but are selected for specific reasons based on the patients anatomy and desired outcome.