What Is a Platysmaplasty and Who Is It For?

With all the focus we put on keeping our faces looking youthful and beautiful, it is only appropriate to give the same attention to the nearest feature – your neck. For many people, loose skin, stubborn fat, and hanging cords develop on the neck due to aging and gravity, contributing to an overall “old” look, no matter how fresh the face itself may be. To help give patients a virtually seamlessly smooth, younger appearance, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi performs advanced neck lift surgery at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV. Here, we’ll take a closer look at how neck lift surgery works, what types of neck lifts are available, and which one may be most appropriate for you.

What is a neck lift?

Formally known as platysmaplasty surgery, the neck lift is a cosmetic neck contouring procedure designed to give patients a slimmer, smoother neckline and improve the angle between the neck and jawline. This is accomplished through the removal of excess skin and fat, as well as the repair and reinforcement of weakened or hanging neck muscles. Many patients turn to neck lift surgery to get rid of sagging neck skin, often referred to as a “turkey neck.”

How is a neck lift performed?

Neck lift surgery is performed using general anesthesia and may take several hours to complete depending on the approach used and if any complementary procedures – such as a facelift – are being performed in conjunction with the neck lift. Two of the most common types of platysmaplasty surgeries used today include:

• Corset neck lift: This type of platysmaplasty surgery utilizes a series of incisions near the ears and beneath the chin to allow the most significant amount of visibility and access to the structures and tissues of the neck. A corset neck lift is most appropriate for patients with vertical neck cords, which develop as the result of a separation between the left and right platysma muscles. During the procedure, the muscles are brought back together, tightened, and secured with sutures, similar to the way a corset connects with vertical lacing up the center. Loose skin is also excised, and stubborn fat can be removed with neck liposuction if needed.
• Limited neck lift: Sometimes known as a lateral neck lift, this procedure utilizes incisions near the ears alone, which results in less visible scarring and, in some cases, a quicker recovery compared with other methods. While it is still possible to address neck banding, loose skin, and excess fat with a lateral neck lift, the potential results are somewhat limited compared to the more extensive corset platysmaplasty.

How long does neck surgery last?

While it is impossible to completely stop the aging process, neck lift surgery can provide years or even decades' worth of results. To maintain your sexy new neckline for as long as possible after neck lift surgery, use the following tips:

• Maintain a stable weight
• Minimize sun exposure to the neck
• Wear sunscreen on the neck
• Do not smoke
• Consider nonsurgical skin rejuvenation treatments

During your initial consultation for neck lift surgery in Las Vegas, Dr. Khorsandi will help you better understand what results you can expect after your procedure and how to keep your neck looking slim, sleek, and smooth for as long as possible.

Give your neck the love it deserves with platysmaplasty surgery in Las Vegas, NV

Even with a stunning face and fit physique, a neglected neck can make you look older and heavier than you actually are. To learn more about your options for reshaping your neckline, call VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV to schedule your neck lift consultation with nationally recognized board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today.