Question:
Can you explain what a neck lift is?
Answer:
A submental platysmaplasty is a mini lift of the area of the neck just under the chin (the submental triangle). It is done through about a 1-1.5 inch incision in the crease just under your chin. No skin is removed. It tightens the muscles in this area and is frequently combined with liposuction to the area and a chin or pre-jowl implant. This procedure is very popular with patients in their 30’s. Over the age of 45, it becomes more likely that the skin will not tighten down smoothly as it heals without removing some skin. Hence, over 45 you may more likely need a complete necklift.
A complete necklift is a mini facelift that combines the submental platysmaplasty with further tightening of the entire neck through an incision hidden in the creases around the ear. The muscles are tightened near the ear and under the chin. The skin and platysma muscle are pulled parallel to the horizontal creases in your neck and skin is trimmed as needed. The subcutaneous tissue is also liposuctioned as needed to further sculpt the neck- actually “liposcuplted”.