Neck Lift & Double Chin Surgery: Platysmaplasty & Jawline Definition Guide
A clinical manual on neck rejuvenation: resolving submental adiposity, cervical skin laxity, and platysmal banding via anterior corset platysmaplasty and Vaser liposuction.
Key points
- Submental fat is emulsified with Vaser liposuction while midline platysma bands are sutured together (corset platysmaplasty).
- Restores the crisp, youthful 90-degree cervicomental angle between the lower jaw and the anterior cervical column.
- Incisions are secluded along submental and retro-auricular creases, leaving imperceptible mature scars.
1. Cervical Senescence: The "Turkey Wattle" Deformity
The cervical anatomy frequently unmasks chronological age earlier than the face itself. With time, the paired anterior decussating fibers of the platysma muscle attenuate along the midline. The medial muscular borders drop into prominent, divergent vertical columns clinically designated as platysmal bands (the "turkey wattle" deformity). Concurrently, subcutaneous and subplatysmal adiposity blunts the crisp 90-degree cervicomental angle, creating an amorphous transition between the lower jaw and chest. Neck rejuvenation surgery comprehensively addresses all three anatomical tiers: skin redraping, localized fat evacuation, and deep muscular corset suspension.
2. Corset Platysmaplasty & Vaser Liposculpture
The definitive cervical rejuvenation procedure rests on two synergistic steps: 1) Vaser Liposculpture: Deploying ultra-fine ultrasonic probes through micro-access ports, localized pre-platysmal fat is emulsified and aspirated with feather-smooth homogeneity, generating acoustic dermal heating that promotes skin contraction. 2) Corset Platysmaplasty: Through a 2.5 to 3 cm transverse submental incision hidden within the submental crease, the free anterior margins of the platysma are sutured together edge-to-edge from the mentum down to the thyroid cartilage. This tightens the cervical muscular sling like an internal hammock, permanently flattening the neck contour.
3. Recovery Phases, Cervical Compression Collar & Aftercare
The surgical procedure requires approximately 2 to 2.5 hours under general anesthesia or twilight sedation. A dedicated elastic cervical compression garment is fitted immediately. This compression collar must be worn continuously for the first 2 weeks to eliminate dead space, facilitate platysmal adherence, and minimize fluid seromas. Significant ecchymosis and edema subside dramatically over days 7 to 10. Submental micro-sutures are painlessly removed on day 7, clearing patients for desk work and social life by day 10. Final definition of the cervicomental jawline consolidates between months 1 and 2.
4. Surgical Safety & Anatomical Expertise in Istanbul
Cervical surgery demands meticulous anatomical familiarity with the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve and external jugular veins running superficially. Consequently, operations must be conducted strictly within Turkish Ministry of Health-licensed medical facilities under accredited plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Utilizing precise blunt micro-dissection, neural pathways are safeguarded. In micrognathic patients with receding chins, pairing neck contouring with a silicone chin implant establishes dramatic profilometric harmony.
References
- Martel G, Fariña R. Submental Incision and Platysmaplasty: Anatomic and Technical Considerations. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018;6(10):e1966.
- Feldman JJ. Neck Lift: My Personal Approach. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014;134(4):623-636.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Clinical Consensus on Neck Rejuvenation and Platysmaplasty, 2024.