As you start to age, you may begin to notice neck sagging. The drooping tissue under the neck, also called a turkey wattle, can be a result of aging, dramatic weight loss, or even heredity. A turkey wattle is often mostly composed of sagging muscle tissue. Platysmaplasty is a way to tighten sagging muscle tissues and is part of a neck-lift procedure.

What Is Platysmaplasty and How Can It Help?

To understand what platysmaplasty is, you must first understand what the platysma muscles are. Platysma muscles are the sheets of muscle arising from your chest up to the sides of the neck.

The platysma muscles draw the lower lip and the corner of the mouth sideways and down, creating an expression of fright or of surprise. When the platysma muscles start to separate and sag, developing harsh neck bands and a turkey wattle, it is time for platysmaplasty.

Platysmaplasty is a technique used in a neck lift to tighten and rejoin the underlying muscles of the neck. It not only helps to reduce the signs of aging but also contours the jawline. Most times, a neck lift is combined with a facelift, but it can be done as a stand-alone procedure as well.

How Is the Neck-Lift Procedure Done?

When you consult with Dr. Hardy for a neck lift, Dr. Hardy will start with your medical history to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Your medical history, current medical condition, family medical history, medications you are currently taking, and any allergies are reviewed to avoid any possible complications. If you are a non-smoker who is in good health and has realistic expectations for the surgery, then you are an ideal candidate for a neck lift.

Dr. Hardy will also conduct a physical examination and create a treatment plan that includes the treatment area, incision sites, any medication changes, and other information pertaining to the surgery and your health. You will be asked not to take any anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements two weeks prior to the procedure, as they can increase bleeding.

What Happens During the Neck Lift?

During the procedure, the surgery begins with cleaning the treatment area with an antiseptic or a disinfectant. The treatment area and the incision point are marked. You will be given local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia depending on your health condition.

The incision is made under the chin (and sometimes behind the ears), and the skin is lifted to the Adam’s apple. Excess fat is removed with liposuction, excess skin is removed with cervicoplasty, and excess platysmal muscle tissue is removed with platysmaplasty. The muscles are stitched together with dissolvable sutures to bring them back towards the midline.

Once the contouring is complete, the skin is redraped and the incisions are closed with the help of stitches.

Post-Procedure Care

A pressure dressing is placed around your head and underneath your chin. After the procedure, you will feel tight and sore. There will be some temporary swelling and bruising. The dressing is removed a couple of days after the procedure, but the sutures will remain for a week to ten days.

You will be asked not to perform any strenuous work, lift heavy objects, or turn your head from side to side. The procedure may be combined with a facelift in order to diminish signs of facial aging.

Contact Us for a Neck Lift

A neck-lift procedure is a great solution for anyone who wants to give their neck a rejuvenated appearance. If you’re interested in learning more about the procedure, contact our office to schedule a consultation with skilled board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. James Hardy. Dr. Hardy will be happy to answer your questions.