Introduction to Necklift (Platysmaplasty)
Achieving 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 like Botox® and/or Restylane®
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.
A staff member may take photographs of you, and using
computer imaging technology, provide you with a before/after
comparison for discussion purposes. 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
Friends, family and associates may comment that you
look different, but they may think you’ve been
on vacation or have a new hairstyle. We believe you’ll
be extremely happy with a more streamlined facial profile,
and the youthfulness that it brings. You won’t
even mind having your picture taken next time someone
points a camera in your direction!
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