As you age, have you noticed your neck muscles beginning to weaken resulting in vertical banding and horizontal creases, and a loss in skin elasticity? If you want to rejuvenate your appearance and regain the elasticity in your neck muscles, you should consult with Dr. Denton regarding a platysmaplasty surgical procedure. Platysmaplasty is a plastic surgery neck lift procedure that can tighten your neck muscles (platysma muscles) and sagging skin under the jawline. This procedure is often combined with a cervicoplasty which focuses on soft tissue concerns of the chin and neck and removes excess skin and fat.
The combined effects of gravity, repetitive contractions of facial muscles, and increased skin laxity all contribute to a generalized descent of facial structures including the neck area. A platysmaplasty or skin lift is often performed in combination with a surgical facelift. The goal is to lift and restore the skin and underlying soft tissue of the face and neck to a more youthful position. After Dr. Denton performs these cosmetic surgical procedures in our state-of-the-art cosmetic facial surgery clinic in Vancouver, the skin of the face and neck is tightened, and the contour of the cheeks and jawline are restored.
What is a Platysmaplasty?
The platysmaplasty or neck lift involves the platysma. This is a thin layer of muscle on either side of the front of the neck that goes from your collarbones to your lower face and is separated into two sides along the midline. With age, the connective tissue that attaches the platysma to the skin starts to become loose. As this happens, you get the sagging neck.
The neck lift is performed in order to tighten the skin and platysma muscle creating a single layer of muscle called a midline platysma plication. After the procedure, the neck bands, turkey neck, and double chin are significantly reduced and there is more jaw line definition.
Who is a Candidate for a Platysmaplasty or Neck Lift?
Normally, a neck lift is performed on men and women in their forties or fifties with moderate signs of aging around the neck area. The ideal candidate should also be a non-smoker and in good health to minimize the risk of complications. Having realistic expectations and a positive outlook are also helpful. As, with other cosmetic surgical procedures, Dr. Denton may use computer imaging to reflect the anticipated changes.
A neck lift can also be recommended for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss. Basically, it is an ideal procedure for anyone who has sagging/wrinkling of the neck and a loss of definition between the neck and the chin or jaw line.
Recovery and Downtime Associated with a Platysmaplasty Procedure
Dr. Denton performs a neck lift as an outpatient procedure. This means that you will go home the same day. After your procedure, you will experience swelling and bruising, and you may also experience muscle tightness in your neck that lasts several months.
It is also expected that most patients will experience two to three weeks of downtime. There will be restrictions/limitations regarding strenuous activity, exposure to the sun, and neck movement for the first few weeks. Most candidates resume non-strenuous work after 10 to 14 days.
While recovering patients should avoid alcohol and aspirin and keep their heads elevated while sleeping. It’s also recommended to avoid lifting heavy objects and turning the head at the neck level.
Book Your Neck Lift Consultation
If you would like more information about rejuvenating your neck area contact Dr. Denton about a platysmaplasty procedure. He is a highly experienced board-certified facial plastic surgeon with decades of experience in facial cosmetic surgery. Dr. Denton can advise what the best course of action is for you.
Before any procedure, Dr. Denton ensures that his patients are fully informed in order to make the best decisions. He encourages unhurried discussion between the patient, the other team members, and himself.
Our private and comfortable offices are located in the heart of Vancouver’s medical corridor, just one block from Vancouver General Hospital. Our state-of-the-art on-site surgical suite allows all patient visits – from consultation through surgery and post-operative follow-up – to be scheduled at this location, adding simplicity, familiarity, and convenience to the patient experience.
Schedule your neck lift consultation online or call 604-879-3223 and find out how Dr. Denton can help you achieve the result that will make you feel more confident about your appearance.