Platysmaplasty

Platysmaplasty, commonly referred to as a neck lift, is a form of cosmetic plastic surgery involving tightening and removing skin from the human neck.[1][2]

Because it doesn't often follow a predictable pattern of aging, neck lift surgery must be tailored to each patient's specific needs. Loss of collagen is a major contributor to facial aging, and the neck is certainly no exception.[3] As the aging process progresses, collagen production declines and the skin becomes lax, sags, and looks wrinkled. With time, neck muscles also weaken causing a "turkey wattle" appearance. The thin skin of the neck is also especially vulnerable to creases and lines. Neck lifts tend to last 7-10 years and can be repeated in the future if necessary.[4]

Techniques

Platysmaplasty can be performed using three main approaches: lateral, medial, or a combined technique.

  • Lateral platysmaplasty involves suturing the diverged edges of the platysma horizontally and tightening the muscle tissue through a submental incision. This method improves excess skin and reduces visible vertical neck bands in the upper neck. However, because the platysma extends beyond the accessible surgical area, residual bands may remain, and it is not possible to achieve a sharp 90-degree cervico-mental angle with this approach.
  • Medial platysmaplasty is performed through an incision directly under the chin, providing access to the subcutaneous and muscle tissues. The surgeon then tightens and sutures the platysma along the midline. This method effectively addresses submental laxity but, similar to the lateral approach, does not fully restore the cervico-mental angle since the correction is limited to the central neck.
  • Combined platysmaplasty is the most technically complex approach, incorporating both lateral and medial methods. It typically includes submental liposuction, dissection of the platysma down to the level of the hyoid bone, horizontal release up to the mandible, removal of retroplatysmal fat, and adjustment of the digastric muscles. The platysma is then sutured in a triangular fashion, creating a more defined cervico-mental angle. This method allows for the most comprehensive rejuvenation of the neck and can produce long-lasting results in patients with advanced neck aging.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Necklift: Johns Hopkins Facial Plastic Surgery in Baltimore, MD
  2. ↑ Neck Lift Surgery in Baltimore, MD | Johns Hopkins Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  3. ↑ Alexander, Leon; Patel, Bhupendra C. (2023), "Platysmaplasty Facelift", StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, PMID 33085438, retrieved 2023-05-02
  4. ↑ "Both Men and Women Contribute to the Rise in Plastic Surgeries". Verywell Health. Retrieved 2023-05-02.
  5. ↑ "Platysmaplasty Indications & Techniques: Neck Renewal Explained". aesthetic-news.com. 2025-08-31. Retrieved 2025-08-31.
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