Necklift

Introduction to Necklift (Platysmaplasty)

chieving a tightened and refined neckline may not require a facelift, especially in younger individuals. In many cases, a platysmaplasty or “sling” procedure, which is a tightening of the muscle bands running vertically down the neck, may be performed to delay or eliminate the need for a facelift. This procedure can be performed alone, or with a combination of other procedures such as chin augmentation, depending upon the results desired.

Best Candidates for Necklift

Men and women, ages 35 to 55, with mildly loose skin and prominent vertical muscle bands; individuals with a lack of projection of the jawline or a diminished chin; individuals already undergoing a facelift procedure may need additional tightening of the platysmal bands.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

Dr. James Matas, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Orlando, Florida, has extensive experience performing facial plastic surgery. At your initial consultation, he will discuss your goals and motivations for surgery, along with assessing your physical and emotional health and reviewing information you provide about previous surgeries, past and current medical conditions, as well as nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and pharmaceutical medications you take.

He will examine the structures of your face and neck, assessing the quality of your skin tone and bone structure. He may also review photographs of you at an earlier age to determine how the aging process has affected you.

He will recommend the exact procedure, or procedures, needed to bring about the desired result, outlining the techniques and incisions needed, the type of anesthesia, where the surgery will be performed and the risks and possibility of complications. He may also recommend non-surgical treatments to enhance the surgical outcome.

He will advise you to avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen products, Vitamin E and certain herbal medications before surgery, as these can cause increased bleeding or have undesirable effects with anesthesia. He will also advise you to quit smoking before your procedure.

Once a surgical plan has been established, you will also be provided with the financial details, along with a suggested plan of action should you decide to take the next step toward having a necklift.

How a Necklift is Performed

The necklift involves making a small incision under the chin and behind each ear. The prominent muscle bands that have loosened and dropped are tightened with permanent nylon suture. The suture is first attached to the muscle, then tunneled under the chin to the opposite side of the face and attached in a crease behind the ear. The newly suspended muscle acts as a “sling” to tighten the skin and create a more defined neckline.

Surgery is performed outpatient under general anesthesia and takes about 2 hours, or longer if additional procedures are performed at the same time.

Recovery from a Necklift

You will be discharged wearing a supportive garment over your head and neck. There is very little pain associated with the necklift , but any discomfort can be lessened with prescribed medication. You may feel tightness to your neck, or difficulty turning your head, and this will be normal for the first week or two.

You will be given guidelines to avoid strenuous activity, turning your head quickly, alcohol, steam baths, saunas and sun exposure. After a few days, your neck garment will be removed, and you may have mild bruising and swelling. Your tightened contour will be noticeable to you at this time. Treatment with our massage therapist will begin in about 5 days, and this will reduce any minor swelling and inflammation and help you turn your head more comfortably.

You’ll be back to work within about 5 days, and back to more physical activities within 2 weeks. Your scars will be very small and inconspicuous and, with time, should fade and be scarcely visible.

Your New Look

We believe you’ll be extremely happy with a more streamlined facial profile, and the youthfulness that it brings. Your neck skin will be tighter, and you may also have secondary improvement along your jawline.