Bands on the necks of young patients many times are so remarkable that surgery is needed. The patient we are showing today is fit and in good health. Her neck shows a noticeable band secondary to relaxation of the neck muscle. This muscle, in medical terminology called platysma (plah-TIZ-mah), loosened up and created this noticeable band. In medical terms, this is referred to as a “turkey-gobbler neck deformity.” In order to correct this aesthetic problem, a neck lift is necessary. It is performed with a small incision under the chin that turns inconspicuous in a short period of time; this incision allows direct access to the bands, which are then sutured in the midline and separated from their extension toward the lower part of the neck. In this way, by later pulling the skin to the sides, behind the ears, the angle between the face and the neck can be fully restored. The rejuvenation that this surgery achieves for the patient is remarkable. Sometimes fat also needs to be removed from the neck, in order to define the jaw line. This procedure can also be extended up and combined with a facelift when necessary. This surgery is usually very effective and can restore the self-esteem that patients often lose because of their facial aging. Aging of the neck is very difficult to improve without surgery. The procedure that we are describing is very effective and can be performed under local anesthesia, if the patient wishes to do so.
