What Are Direct Neck Lift and Platysmaplasty?
Direct neck lift and platysmaplasty are two surgical procedures used to improve the appearance of the neck area by removing excess skin and helping create a more youthful, contoured neckline. During the direct neck lift procedure, the surgeon removes loose skin around the chin and jowls to decrease double chin or saggy skin. The surgeon will then tighten the remaining skin for a smoother, more refined look. The platysmaplasty procedure involves recontouring the underlying muscles in the neck region to help eliminate sagging or wrinkles on the surface of the skin. This helps achieve a firmer, more toned neckline.
Together these two procedures can provide dramatic improvements in an individual’s overall facial appearance as well as their self-confidence. In Princeton, New Jersey, I offer direct neck lifts and platysmaplasties to help my patients achieve a more youthful look they can be proud of!
Causes of Excess Skin and Loose Neck Muscles
Genetics
Genetics is a major factor in the appearance of excess skin and loose neck muscles. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity due to collagen and elastin breakdown, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. This process is accelerated by genetics, meaning some people may naturally have more lax skin than others. Although genetic aging is unavoidable, cosmetic procedures can help improve the appearance of the neck area. A direct neck lift or platysmaplasty can remove excess skin and tighten underlying muscles for a smoother, more contoured neckline. Board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in performing facial plastic surgery often perform these procedures.
Aging
Aging is a major factor in the appearance of excess skin and loose neck muscles. As we age, our body’s production of collagen and elastin decreases, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. Environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking, or poor nutrition accelerate this process. A direct neck lift or platysmaplasty can help remove extra skin and tighten underlying muscles for a smoother, more contoured neckline. The result will be a more youthful-looking neck area that can boost an individual’s self-confidence. Board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in performing facial plastic surgery can often perform these types of cosmetic procedures safely and effectively.
Weight Loss/Gain
Weight loss or gain can also cause excess skin and loose neck muscles. When someone loses a significant amount of weight, they may be left with loose skin on the neck area. This occurs because the skin is not able to contract back to its original shape as quickly as the body has lost weight. On the other hand, when someone gains a lot of weight, it can cause their neck muscles to become lax and their neck skin to appear saggy. In either case, direct neck lift and platysmaplasty procedures can help improve the appearance of the neck area. During these procedures, the surgeon will remove excess skin and tighten underlying muscles for a firmer, more youthful look. Before undergoing any type of facial plastic surgery procedure, patients should consult with their board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure that they are healthy enough for medical tests and that they have realistic expectations of what facelift surgery can achieve.
Sun Damage
Sun damage can also cause excess skin and loose neck muscles. Long-term sun exposure can cause the skin to become damaged and lose its elasticity, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin around the neck area. This process is accelerated in individuals who do not take proper precautions when out in the sun such as wearing sunscreen or protective clothing. To help improve the appearance of the neck area, the provider may recommend a direct neck lift or platysmaplasty.
Benefits of Direct Neck Lift and Platysmaplasty Surgery With Dr. Mark Glasgold
A direct neck lift or platysmaplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can help reduce the appearance of excess skin and loose neck muscles. This type of surgery typically creates a more youthful appearance in individuals who have experienced age-related changes due to decreased elastin and collagen production. Additionally, those who have lost significant amounts of weight or gained fat tissue in the neck area can benefit from this procedure. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove excess skin and tighten underlying muscles for a firmer, more contoured look.
The benefits of direct neck lift/platysmaplasty include reduced skin laxity in the neck area resulting in improved contours of the jawline, chin, and throat area. Furthermore, it can help improve an individual’s self-confidence by providing them with a more aesthetically pleasing profile that looks smoother and younger than before. Before undergoing any type of facial plastic surgery procedure, patients should consult with their board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure that they are physically healthy enough for medical tests and that they have realistic expectations about what a facelift can do to them.
Reduced Skin Laxity in the Neck Area
Reducing skin laxity in the neck area is a common goal of plastic surgery procedures, such as direct neck lifts and platysmaplasty. This is especially true for those who have experienced age-related changes due to decreased elastin and collagen production or those who have lost significant amounts of weight or gained fat tissue in the neck area. During these procedures, the surgeon will remove excess skin and tighten underlying muscles for a firmer, more contoured look.
In some cases, patients may experience recurrent laxity after their initial procedure. This can occur due to natural age-related changes that continue over time. To address this issue, your plastic surgeon may recommend additional corrective treatments to help reduce skin laxity in the neck area. These treatments may include dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, or other non-invasive techniques designed to stimulate collagen production and improve skin tone and texture.
No matter what type of treatment you choose for reducing skin laxity in the neck area, you should consult with your board-certified plastic surgeon first to ensure that you are physically healthy enough for medical tests and that you have realistic expectations about what facelift surgery can achieve.
Improved Contours of the Jawline, Chin, and Throat Area
Direct neck lifts and platysmaplasties are procedures that improve the contours of the jawline, chin, and throat area. This type of surgery is ideal for individuals who have experienced age-related changes due to decreased elastin and collagen production or those who have lost significant amounts of weight or gained fat tissue in the neck area. During a direct neck lift/platysmaplasty procedure, the plastic surgeon will remove excess skin and tighten underlying muscles for a firmer, more contoured look.
This type of facial surgery can help reduce the appearance of a double chin, as well as provide increased definition to the lower face and jawline area. After recovery from surgery, patients may notice improved facial symmetry as well as smoother lines in their neck area. The result is an overall more youthful and refreshed look that can help boost self-confidence.
If you’re considering a direct neck lift/platysmaplasty procedure, you should consult with your board-certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, expectations, and desired outcome. Your surgeon can provide information on the risks associated with this type of surgery as well as advice on how to prepare for your procedure
The Direct Neck Lift/Platysmaplasty Process
The direct neck lift/platysmaplasty process is an effective procedure for reducing skin laxity in the neck area. A board-certified facial plastic surgeon performs this procedure by removing excess skin and tightening underlying muscles for a firmer, more contoured look. This procedure can help improve the contours of the jawline, chin, and throat area to reduce the appearance of a double chin and provide increased definition to the lower face and jawline area.
When considering a direct neck lift/platysmaplasty procedure, you should consult with your board-certified facial plastic surgeon first. During this consultation, your surgeon will discuss your goals and expectations as well as go over any risks associated with this type of surgery. Additionally, your doctor may ask about your medical history or recommend preoperative tests to ensure that you are healthy enough for surgery.
Preparing for Your Surgery With Dr. Glasgold
Once these steps above have been taken, you may be cleared for surgery. Then you can begin preparing for your direct neck lift/platysmaplasty procedure with Dr. Glasgold. To prepare, your doctor may advise that you stop smoking and drinking alcohol 2 weeks before your procedure, as well as avoid taking aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications.
On the day of the surgery, you will receive anesthesia, and the surgeon will begin the direct neck lift/platysmaplasty procedure. The exact technique used by your doctor may vary depending on your individual goals and expectations but typically involves making small incisions behind each ear to tighten the underlying muscles, while excess skin is removed.
Following the procedure, you may experience some swelling and bruising for approximately 2 weeks, which you can minimize by using cold compresses. Your doctor may also advise you to avoid strenuous activities such as exercise for at least 2 weeks to ensure proper healing.
Direct Neck Lift and Platysmaplasty Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for a direct neck lift?
A good candidate for a direct neck lift is someone who has experienced age-related changes in the neck area due to decreased elastin and collagen production or someone who has lost significant amounts of weight or gained fat tissue in the neck area. This type of surgery is ideal for individuals with excess skin and fat tissue in the neck area, as well as sagging jowls and a prominent double chin.
What is the cost of a direct neck lift and plastymaplasty?
The cost of a direct neck lift and platysmaplasty procedure can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, geographical location, and surgeon’s experience. Generally speaking, a direct neck lift/platysmaplasty may cost anywhere between $6,000 and $10,000. This cost includes preoperative consultations, anesthesia fees, and operating room costs, as well as post-operative care and follow-up visits.
What are the possible adverse effects of a direct neck lift surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, direct neck lifts have potential risks and side effects. These include infection, scarring, numbness or tingling in the area around the incisions, and temporary swelling or bruising. Additionally, patients may also experience asymmetry in the results due to uneven healing of tissue or muscle balance. To minimize these risks, you should discuss the procedure in detail with your surgeon before the operation.
What results will I see?
The results of a direct neck lift/platysmaplasty procedure are typically visible immediately after the surgery. You can expect to experience tighter and smoother skin in the neck area, as well as a more defined jawline and reduced appearance of a double chin. Additionally, any excess fat or skin that has been removed will result in an overall more youthful appearance. The results of a direct neck lift/platysmaplasty procedure can last for many years. However, the exact duration will depend on the individual patient and their lifestyle habits.