The world of cosmetic surgeries is vast, and it is easy to become confused by the interchangeable names of different procedures. One such procedure is platysmaplasty. Platysmaplasty is the medical name for surgery that elegantly reshapes the neck while tightening the underlying musculature, and it’s more commonly referred to as a neck lift. Learn what platysmaplasty is and how it’s performed so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Understanding Platysmaplasty
What is the Platysma?
The platysma is a superficial muscle, which means that it is located just below the skin. This thin, broad sheet of muscle extends from the upper chest and shoulders to the lower jaw and mouth. As we age, this muscle can weaken, causing it to sag and contribute to the appearance of visible neck bands and loose skin. Fortunately, neck lift surgery can address these concerns by tightening and repositioning the platysma, resulting in a more defined and youthful neck contour. If you’ve been contemplating rejuvenating your neck’s appearance and combating signs of aging, consider addressing the platysma as part of a comprehensive surgical plan.
What is Platysmaplasty?
Platysmaplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes and tightens the neck by addressing the platysma muscle. It is ideal for improving common cosmetic concerns such as unwanted neck bands, mild sagging, poor neck definition, and jowls. The main goal of platysmaplasty is to enhance the appearance of the neck and jawline by improving contour and definition.
Cervicoplasty is a different surgical procedure that focuses on reshaping the front of the neck, specifically through a small incision beneath the chin. This procedure includes the removal of excess fat and can be combined with platysmaplasty to address the platysma muscle. However, cervicoplasty alone does not tighten the skin. If tightening is necessary, a neck lift procedure is often appropriate, and that involves additional incisions mostly behind the ears to tighten and remove excess skin, providing a more comprehensive improvement to the neck’s appearance.
Is Platysmaplasty Permanent?
Platysmaplasty results can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Technically, the work done is permanent. However, your body will continue to age, and things like weight gain, sun exposure, lifestyle, and skincare can affect how quickly you develop loose skin. It is best to take care of your skin, not smoke, wear sun protection, and maintain a healthy weight to maximize how long your results last.
Combining Face and Neck Procedures for Well-Rounded Results
Platysmaplasty is often done in combination with a procedure called a facelift. A facelift is similar to a neck lift, except loose skin on the face is lifted, and fat is removed from facial structures instead of the neck. They are often completed simultaneously to create a whole face and neck lift. Combining a face and neck lift helps accentuate the results of both procedures and is often more time effective.
Seeking Neck Band Treatment in Baltimore
A platysmaplasty is an excellent procedure for transforming your neck and defining your jawline. However, surgeon choice matters in receiving the highest quality results. That’s why Dr. Ronald Schuster feels confident in providing his patients with a wide variety of cosmetic surgical procedures, including platysmaplasty. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Schuster is committed to providing the safest and most advanced treatments available to help reach his patient’s aesthetic goals. If you’re considering platysmaplasty, contact Dr. Schuster’s office at 410-902-9800 today for a consultation.
