Neck (Platysmal) Banding
Neck banding is one of the earliest signs of aging, and can occur before the aging process has become prevalent in the jawline or the face. It is more common in woman since their necks are naturally thinner than men. Neck banding is the presence of vertical lines that become more prominent with grimacing and facial animation. Since this can be one of the earliest signs of aging, it routinely causes significant anxiety to patients. Beautiful results are possible when you select board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. DeFatta to treat your neck banding.
Before Surgery
There are several techniques (non-surgical and surgical) Dr. DeFatta can use to treat vertical neck banding. During a consultation, Dr. DeFatta will examine your neck to determine the best technique to give the correction you desire. There are many different criteria that will be taken into account and discussed during your consultation. These will include your anatomy, your lifestyle and needs with regard to post-procedure downtime. Dr. DeFatta strives to help patients achieve a natural-looking appearance that brings harmony to how the neck relates to the rest of the facial features. Digital photographs and computer imaging will help you visualize how you will look after this procedure. These techniques can also help you see how this procedure can be combined with other procedures. During your consultation process with Dr. DeFatta, these options can be discussed and a custom plan can be tailored to help you achieve the look you desire.
Method of Treatment
The method that Dr. DeFatta will choose depends upon where your neck is in the aging process. Through the years, Dr. DeFatta has learned to classify an individual’s neck aging process into one of four specific types. These include:
- Vertical neck bands
- Sagging skin under the chin (turkey neck)
- Excess fat underneath the chin (double chin)
- A combination of the above types
Dr. DeFatta will discuss how each requires a different treatment technique.
If you are just suffering from isolated vertical neck bands, these can be effectively treated with Botox. Within the comfort of the office, Dr. DeFatta can inject small amounts of Botox directly into the bands to relax the platysma muscle. This will result in a smoother neckline at rest and animation.
If you are suffering from isolated sagging skin under the chin (turkey neck), Dr. DeFatta can treat this through a small incision under the chin that is virtually invisible. Through this incision, he repairs the separation of the platysma muscles where they have separated. This is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed under light sedation in the operating room. This allows the contour of the neck to be returned to a flat, more youthful appearance. This procedure can also be combined with liposuction (removal of fat) from the neck.
If you have excess fat underneath the chin (double chin), Dr. DeFatta can also treat this through a small incision under the chin that is virtually invisible. This will allow him to remove the excess fat that has accumulated in this area, as well as, reattaching the platysma under the chin and returning your neck to that of a more youthful you. Through this minimally invasive procedure (submentoplasty), which is performed under light sedation in the operating room, Dr. DeFatta can add significant definition to your anterior neck. This procedure can be combined with liposuction (removal of fat) from the neck.
If you are suffering from moderate to severe platysmal banding, excessive laxity of the skin and submental fat excess, Dr. DeFatta will discuss performing a neck lift. This procedure can be performed by itself, but is most commonly associated with a lower face lift. Dr. DeFatta will discuss how this is the gold standard to address the aging neck. The procedure is slightly more invasive than the above procedures and is normally performed under general anesthesia. Dr. DeFatta will discuss how he can also perform liposuction at the same time. Through the reshaping of the neck muscles and removal of fat, Dr. DeFatta will be able to return the appearance of your neck and lower face to a more youthful you.
What to Expect
A patient usually experiences swelling and bruising following this surgery, which disappears on its own within a few weeks. It usually takes a few weeks to months for all of the swelling to subside and the final result to be seen.
Immediately following neck rejuvenation surgery, a secure dressing will be applied and worn for three to five days. Recovery often requires a patient to keep their head elevated as much as possible, even while sleeping. It generally takes about seven to 10 days for the incision to heal.
At three to four weeks, the patient can usually return to normal activities. Any activity that can jar or bump the face must be postponed for about six weeks. Some patients receive medication to help accelerate the healing process. Any medication should be taken as prescribed.
Dr. DeFatta will provide post-operative instructions for a patient to follow during their recovery. The instructions will explain how a patient can care for the surgical site and describe any medications that should be taken during the recovery period.
Dr. DeFatta will follow your progress throughout the recovery period, to make the experience as easy as possible. He performs periodic evaluations to ensure a full and speedy recovery while avoiding post-treatment complications. Dr. DeFatta is also always available to respond to a patient’s questions during the recovery period.
Are you tired of looking tired? A board-certified facial plastic surgeon can help address your facial rejuvenation questions. Contact us to schedule your appointment with Dr. Robert DeFatta, our face expert, at (715) 828-2368.
