THE NECK - LIPOSUCTION AND PLATYSMAPLASTY.
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One of the common signs of facial aging is fullness, looseness and folds of skin under the chin and neck. The neck looseness has been called the “turkey gobbler”. This problem is usually corrected as part of the facelift procedure. However, in many individuals a simpler surgery can be done to correct the excess fat and the hanging muscle (platysma). In some individuals, particularly younger patients with firm skin, liposuction alone can correct the fullness under the chin. Older patients with inelastic skin and drooping muscles, particularly those with very thin skin may require a platysmaplasty.
Liposuction
The excess fat under the chin is located primarily under the skin and can be removed with liposuction. However, there may also be fat under the muscle that can only be removed surgically. A tiny (2-3 mm) incision is made under the chin and the fat is removed using liposuction.
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Before & After
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Before & After
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Platysmaplasty
The platysma muscles have no important function in humans. The muscles normally are separated by an inch or more in the midline and held together by fascia under the chin. With aging the supporting fascia tissues weaken and the muscles drop because of gravity. The exposed edges of the muscle form distinct bands under the neck. The bands are sometimes not obvious if there is excess fat under the chin.
An incision is made in the natural transverse crease just under the chin. The excess fat under the skin is removed with liposuction or is surgical removed. The inside hanging edges of the muscles are identified and sutured together to form a sling under the chin. Also, the muscle is partially transected at the neck- chin crease.
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Before & After
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Before & After
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What to expect after surgery
- The neck may feel tight and somewhat less mobile for several weeks or months. This is because of the actual tightness of the muscle and also due to the formation of scar on top of the muscle that naturally softens in several months.
- Bruising is variable and resolves in about 2 weeks.
- Occasionally there is partial recurrence of the muscle bands, but fat will not return
- Pain is minimal
- After liposuction alone, You can return to normal activities in a few days
- After platysmaplasty, you can return to normal activities in a week or two.
- You should avoid driving after platysmaplasty, except in emergencies, for about 1 week
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