Visible muscle bulging in neck after neck lift- what happened?

Question

I am 4.5 weeks post facelift/neck lift. My neck looked great during the early weeks when there was still swelling. Now that the swelling has gone, I have two large bands of muscle tissue bulging like cords in the front of my neck. I believe they are (per an anatomy chart) the sternocleidomastoid muscles. My smooth neck is gone. What happened? (I'm posing the question here because my next post-op visit with my PS isn't for another 2.5 weeks.)

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

More than likely these are the (medial) bands of your platysma muscle. It is certainly too early to tell if these will resolve on their own, but if  persistent these can be addressed temporarily with Botox or more permanently with a platysmaplasty. Best to speak with your surgeon for best explanation and treatment options.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

I can certainly understand your concern. But, it is still early in your healing. The #healing process can take from 2-6 months for face, neck and cheeks, and to 9-12 months for the forehead and scalp.Your incisions will go through many changes before seeing the final result of your procedure. Swelling will also continue to diminish.Thus, you must be patient. The #scars from a #neck lift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the procedure will become apparent and the real result will be seen.  If during your healing, you have any concerns, it is suggested to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.
Typically, it's best to wait 6 to 12 months depending on the reason for #revision. 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. Your procedure should always be performed by a #PlasticSurgeon who is board-certified and has a great deal of experience specializing in cosmetic #surgery. You will then greatly improve your chances of getting the result you desire, and, without the need for additional revision surgery.

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question. As a Head and Neck Surgeon and as a Facial Plastic Surgeon, i can say it is most definitely not your Sternocleidomastoid muscles (SCM).  The SCM's are muscles on the side of your neck that turn your neck from side to side. They are big muscles. What you are likely seeing is what we call "Banding" of the platysmal muscles. The platysma is a muscle that is closely integrated with the skin and is crucial to address in neck and face lifts.  it can be very difficult to deal with. When you have liposuction to your neck and a neck lift, the once smooth neck can change and  you can see these bands as the fat that was hiding them is no longer there. Often we do different things to prevent this but sometimes it is impossible to prevent. I would talk to your surgeon about it as people who have this problem may need a  minor procedure to address this. Search for platysmal banding online and you will see photo's of it. I hope this helps.

Manuel M. Peña, MD · Answer

A good set of photos would shed a lot of light on this matter. What does your surgeon say they are??

John M. Griffin, MD (retired) · Answer

You may be referring to the anterior borders of your platysma muscles. Please take pictures from the front and the side of your neck with your chin in a normal (90) degree position and I'll be able to provide more information for you. Also, don't hesitate to move up your appointment with your plastic surgeon.

Visible muscle bulging in neck after neck lift- what happened?

Answers (6)

Answer: Photos needed to check out your neck

Answer: Photos needed to check out your neck

Answer: Visible muscles

Answer: Visible muscles

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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Visible muscle bulging in neck after neck lift- what happened?

Answers (6)

Answer: Photos needed to check out your neck

Answer: Photos needed to check out your neck

Answer: Visible muscles

Answer: Visible muscles

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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