August 2024
Deep Plane Neck Lift: Advanced
Contouring Redefined
Facial rejuvenation and plastic surgery are steadily rising in popularity as more people wish to roll back the clock on signs of aging and weight loss. Procedures like facelifts and neck lifts have become go-to options for those looking to enhance their natural features. Neck lifts in particular make for a powerful facial and profile transformation in those who have noticed a loss of skin elasticity and gravitational aging in the neck. Today, we'll review the deep plane neck lift's ability to produce transformative results for both men and women.
Understanding The Deep Plane
The deep plane facelift technique has gained widespread popularity due to its natural look and long-term result. The SMAS or submuscular aponeurotic system is a complex fascia layer of the face that defines the deep plane. A deep plane facelift involves dissection and elevation of the SMAS layer to correct gravitational facial aging.
In the neck specifically, the SMAS extends from the lower face and continues downward into the platysma muscle, a broad sheet-like muscle that spans up and down at the front of the neck. Deep plane neck surgery incorporates many of the same concepts as done in a deep plane facelift and involves manipulation and resuspension of the SMAS or deeper layer in the neck.
What Is The Difference Between A Neck Lift And A Deep Plane Neck Lift?
A traditional neck lift is a surgical procedure that addresses 3 primary concerns: skin, fat, and muscle. Liposuction is commonly utilized to remove fat from the neck. Fat is most commonly found in the submental area or just under the chin. Fat can also extend laterally to involve the entire neck.
The superficial neck muscle that provides support is called the platysma muscle. It is a thin muscle that creates the sharp angle of the neck. With age, the muscle weakens and divides, causing the emergence of the platysmal bands. The muscle can be tightened in the midline through a well-hidden incision under the chin. This is called a corset platysmaplasty or "corset neck lift". The platysma can also be tightened laterally in a similar fashion. Finally, excess neck skin sags, wrinkles, and obscures neck contour. Excess skin is removed using an incision discreetly placed around the earlobes and behind the ears.
A Deep Plane technique addresses the SMAS or deep plane of the neck. Tightening the neck muscles is part of a deep plane neck lift. Other techniques can also be done below the platysma muscle to further restore and enhance a well-defined and rejuvenated neckline:
- Defatting below the platysma muscle: Simple liposuction may not be enough in heavy or thick necks. In these cases, these fat layers can be surgically removed below the platysma muscle to further thin the neck.
- Sharp jawline: salivary glands may become ptotic or droopy masking a sharp jawline. In these cases, these glands can be removed or resuspended using sutures to give a sharper jawline.
- Resuspension of the neck muscles. In addition to tightening or plication, the neck muscle can be elevated, resuspended, and sutured into an elevated position to give a sharper and more contoured neck.
How Old Should I Be To Get A Deep Plane Neck Lift?
Like a facelift, younger patients seek surgical solutions as non-invasive modalities won’t give the same dramatic results. In many cases, patients in their 40s or early 50s will move forward with scheduling their deep plane neck lift to reverse early aging and maintain their youthful appearance.
In some cases, patients will seek neck rejuvenation at a younger age. The particular demographic is patients with neck fat which obscures a sharp neck contour. These patients typically have good skin quality (due to their younger age) and will respond well to neck liposuction. In my practice, neck liposuction is often done using VASER® ultrasound for smooth fat extraction and combined with FaceTite radiofrequency to tighten neck skin. These can be done in a scarless fashion with a relatively quick recovery.
How Is A Deep Plane Neck Lift Different Than Neck Liposuction?
A standard neck lift might include an aspect of a deep plane neck lift such as tightening or plication of the neck muscle called the platysma. However, anything done at or below this level would constitute a deep plane neck lift. Such maneuvers would include:
- Dissection and resuspension of the platysma muscle.
- Manipulation of the platysma such as a lateral platysma window.
- Defatting of the neck deep to the platysma.
- Removal or resuspension of the submandibular salivary glands.
How Is A Deep Plane Neck Lift Performed?
A deep plane neck lift is done in much the same way as a standard neck lift.
- Liposuction of the subcutaneous fat below the skin.
- Tightening of the platysma muscle in the midline: platysma plication or corset platysmaplasty.
- Excess skin removal behind the ears.
Additional steps would constitute a deep plane neck lift:
- Removal of fat below the platysma muscle.
- Resuspension of the platysma muscle.
- Removal or resuspension of the submandibular salivary glands.
Neck Lift Before and After in Dallas, Texas by Dallas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. John Burns MD
What You Can Expect with Recovery and Results
With a standard neck lift procedure, there is bruising and swelling. The first week after neck lift surgery is typically the most pronounced. In plastic surgery, we use a medication called tranexamic acid or TXA. This medication stabilizes platelets and dramatically decreases bruising. Swelling is more pronounced the first few weeks and then improves over several months. The advantage of a neck lift is that the neck is easily hidden under high-collared shirts or turtle-neck sweaters or scarves. The incisions are well hidden behind the ears and under the chin making them easy to hide.
Blog: Different Types of Facelifts
The First 24 Hours
For the first 24 hours patients are wrapped in a surgical dressing with drains in place. On the second day, the dressing is removed and you can wash your hair. Patients will stay in a lightly compressive wrap for the first several days and apply antibiotic ointment to the incision. While the pain is minimal, patients are provided with pain medication in case they need it. Most are fine with OTC Tylenol.
First Week After Getting A Neck Lift
During the first week, patients sleep with their heads elevated and use cool compresses to combat the bruising and swelling. We recommend homeopathic supplements arnica and bromelain to combat bruising and swelling. Patients also take a mild steroid to help with swelling. We offer manual lymphatic facial and neck massage through our skin care center, EpiCentre, to further help with swelling.
1 Week After Neck Lift Surgery
After a week the sutures are removed and patients can use mineral makeup like Colorescience, to hide any remaining bruises. Most patients will return to work and activities in one week. The bruising and swelling will gradually fade as will the incisions. The final results are evident after several months.
What You'll Appreciate About The Deep Neck Lift
For suitable patients, the deep plane neck lift can provide a firmer and more youthful neck by:
- Slimming neck fullness in people for larger necks.
- Tightening the platysma muscle further for a more taut neck.
- Contouring the jawline with the additional option of submandibular gland removal or resuspension.
Although not every patient requires a deep plane neck lift, for appropriate candidates, the results are unmatched. Similar to a traditional neck lift, the deep neck lift addresses issues such as a double chin, full neck, or jowls, resulting in natural-looking outcomes and significant improvements in self-confidence. Few things convey a more youthful appearance than a tight, contoured jawline and neck.
Read More: Three Key Steps To An Effective Neck Lift
Do You Recommend a Deep Neck Lift or A Deep Plane Facelift?
Not everyone needs a deep plane facelift, which involves a longer recovery period. This technique is more aggressive and can result in increased bruising and swelling. However, in suitable cases, it can provide longer-lasting, superior results. A deep plane neck lift is recommended for patients who:
- Have a fuller neck with fat below the platysma muscle.
- Need additional tightening of the platysma muscle.
- Have ptotic or drooping submandibular salivary glands that obscure a tight jawline.
In these patients, the deep plane neck lift can deliver truly amazing results.
Read More: How To Tell If You Need A Facelift or Neck Lift
Schedule Your Complimentary Consult with Dr. Burns To Learn More
Many people choose cosmetic procedures to feel and look better. Click here to schedule a complimentary consult with Dr. John Burns to explore your options for neck rejuvenation. Dr. Burns offers virtual and in-office plastic surgery consults so you can discover the best procedure to give you the outcome you desire.
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