8 months post op, neck lift seems to be failing. Can this be fixed? (photos)

Question

I had a face and neckline over eight months ago and was especially happy with the neck improvements. In the past 2-3 months my neck seems to be changing and not in a good way. A double chin seems to be developing (although I didn't have one before surgery) and the center area is collapsing and separating. I am still happy with the effects of the facelift (cheeks are smother and lifted). Can this neck be improved? I have included a photo from January (5 months ago, 4 months after surgery).

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to read of your disappointment. It would be helpful to know more about the surgical techniques applied during the procedures as you may benefit from additional surgery to better correct your concern. It is not uncommon to be experiencing some #lumps following a neck lift. Recovery from a neck and facelifts do vary per person and can take from 2-6 months for face, neck and cheeks. Muscle weakness may also be present around the mouth especially if liposuction is used. Some degree of firmness or lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local #massage of the areas may accelerate the resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely.  It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen. The #incision scars from a neck lift  tend to “mature” or soften within six to twelve months from the surgery date.Usually, it's best to wait at least 6 to 12 months depending on the reason for a #revision. Your procedure should always be performed by a #PlasticSurgeon who is board-certified and has a great deal of experience specializing in the types of cosmetic procedures you have endured. Additionally, you should feel confident and comfortable with the doctor you choose. Whether it is the same doctor who did your original surgery, or, you feel it necessary to seek a new one. 
As with all #cosmetic surgery, results will be rewarding if expectations are realistic. With any surgical #procedure and #revision, there are some risks of unhappy outcome or other complications which your surgeon should discuss with you during your consultation. You will then greatly improve your chances of getting the result you desire, and, without the need for additional revision surgery.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you work with your board certified facial plastic surgeon because the in-person examination and your working with a surgeon who knows your background will yield the best results. A revision should be possible to consider at the 8 months post op mark. 
Best wishes,

Christopher T. Maloney Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for attaching photos. It appears you probably need your platysma bands tightened and your submandibular glands removed to achieve a better result. At 8 months out you are far enough out for a revision procedure. Best of luck to you.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

It looks as if you've developed some laxity in your platysma muscle which could be helped by revision surgery.  You do also have larger submandibular fullness which is probably caused by large salivary glands.  It is likely that you always had these sized glands but they were perhaps masked by your previous anatomy.  Very little can be done about the glands except for excision which would be a more major procedure.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor for a formal evaluation and to address your concerns. To improve your final results, I recommend a combination approach with thermage/venus legacy and Kybella/Ultherapy. I recommend getting a formal consultation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Val Lambros, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

what you are looking at is the salivary gland on the side of the neck and the digastric muscle.  There may be some platysma activity as well. You can try botoxing both the gland and the platysma muscle.  Botox or dysport can shrink the gland. See someone who does this regularly as there are rare complications from botoxing the gland.

Mark Loury, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. Sorry to hear that these problems are developing. It appears as if the platysma muscles have separated forming the parallel bands in the front of the neck. Most likely they will need to be reattached to each other which will also help some of the volume loss under the chin. Some of the fullness behind these bands comes from the submandibular saliva gland.  best wishes

8 months post op, neck lift seems to be failing. Can this be fixed? (photos)

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Answers (7)

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