A deep plane neck lift, also known as platysmaplasty or lower facelift, is a cosmetic procedure in which the tissues underneath the platysma muscle are contoured to rejuvenate the neck. This surgery also addresses excess bulk in the neck by tightening the platysma muscle that lies just beneath the skin. Often performed with a deep plane facelift, this procedure takes the technique one step further by addressing the sagging and shifting of the ligaments beneath the musculature to provide better contouring and longer-lasting results.

At Southern Surgical Arts, our team of board-certified and experienced plastic surgeons perform all major cosmetic procedures including deep plane facelifts, nose reshaping (rhinoplasty), and eyelid & brow lifts for patients in Southern Tennessee and Northern Georgia. With two surgical centers in Chattanooga and Calhoun, our physicians create personal procedure plans for each of their patients to better address their specific needs. If you are interested in learning how to restore your neck and revitalize your facial profile, contact us by filling out our contact form. You may call your nearest surgical center at:

(706) 629-8622 – Calhoun, GA

(423) 266-3331 – Chattanooga, TN

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What is a Deep Plane Neck Lift?

There are three main layers of tissue that stretch across the facial and neck planes: the skin, superficial fascia, and deep fascia. During a deep plane facelift, the surgeon not only addresses the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) of connective tissue beneath the skin, but maneuvers even deeper into the anatomy to carefully reposition and tighten the deep fascia. By repairing the muscles and restoring their original positions, the excess tissue around the neck is addressed and the jawline is redefined.

During a deep plane neck lift, the plastic surgeon places incisions along the outline of the ear, hairline, and underneath the chin. The incisions may be extended behind the ears to create a wider visual plane and make it easier to remove lax neck skin. After making the incision, the surgeon carefully separates the skin from the SMAS layer. Then, a thin section of the SMAS layer is removed and the surgeon separates the tissue from the ligaments holding it in place. This procedure repositions the SMAS layer and dissects the malar fat pad, greatly reducing the look of wrinkling and bulky neck tissue. ⁽¹⁾

The Platysma Muscle

Under the skin of your neck is the platysma, a very thin and large muscle that assists the facial expression of the lower lip. It is technically a continuation of the SMAS layer, a network of tissue that resides underneath the facial skin. It weakens over time leading to hanging borders that create platysmal bands. These bands are deep horizontal wrinkles that stretch from one side of the neck to the other, aging the neck and subsequently the entire facial profile. During most neck lift procedures, the platysma muscle is sutured and repaired. With deep plane neck lifts in particular, the platysma may be repaired, as well as the glands and tissues directly underneath it to completely recontour the neck. ⁽²⁾

Benefits of a Deep Plane Neck Lift

A deep plane neck lift treats four main ailments:

The results of the procedure often last longer than a SMAS facelift because the deeper musculature is repositioned. This buys more time before signs of aging start to accumulate on the neck. Your plastic surgeon creates a customized procedure plan that may contain both a deep plane face and neck lift to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Ideal Candidates

The procedure is designed to both remove excess skin from the neck and tighten the platysma to prevent tissue collection underneath the chin and jawline. Those who have neck bands, extra fat storage creating a “double chin,” or excess skin in the treatment area make good candidates for a deep plane neck lift. You must be in good health with no medical conditions that may negatively impact healing. Ideal candidates are non-smokers, or willing to quit at least one month before their neck lift.

Private Consultation at Southern Surgical Arts

To get a better sense of your cosmetic desires and goals, you will meet with your surgeon privately for a consultation. Please arrive at this meeting with a complete understanding of your medical history and previous aesthetic treatments or procedures. Your surgeon may request that you alter any current medications if they will impact your surgery.

Your consultation will include plenty of time to ask questions and voice your concerns. Your surgeon will examine the treatment area and inquire about your health to make sure you are fit for surgery. After explaining the procedure in great detail, they will assist you with scheduling your surgery and follow-up appointments.

Preparation

Patients should refrain from all tobacco and nicotine use in the weeks leading up to a deep plane neck lift. These substances can interfere with healing. Please also avoid alcohol, NSAIDs like ibuprofen, and certain herbal supplements that may cause excessive bleeding. Arrive at your surgical appointment with a clean face free of makeup.

Deep plane neck lifts are performed using general anesthesia. Your surgeon may require you to fast leading up to your procedure. You should also ask a loved one to drive you to and from the surgery center.

Deep Plane Neck Lift Procedure

After administering general anesthesia, your surgeon disinfects the surgical area and makes their incisions. If your deep plane neck lift is the only surgery being performed, they may decrease the length of these incisions to minimize scarring. They maneuver toward the platysma and carefully address the deeper fascia beneath it to debulk the neck. Your neck lift may involve suturing of the platysma itself to further tighten the area. After addressing the muscles and fascia, your surgeon then redrapes the skin over the neck, trims the excess, and sutures the incisions. A deep plane neck lift can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours to complete.

If your circumstances require an additional facelift, this may be performed before the neck is addressed.

Recovery

After your surgery is finished, your surgeon places a compression garment around the neck to keep swelling down and preserve your results. If drains are present, your surgeon provides detailed care instructions on how to clean them.

Patients typically need at least 2 weeks off of work to recover from a deep plane neck lift. You may feel close to normal after the third postoperative week. Avoid strenuous activities for at least the first 6 weeks to avoid adding tension to and agitating your incisions. Instead, take short and gentle walks to keep active and regulate blood flow while you heal. Please continue to avoid NSAIDs and take all prescribed medications as directed.

Results

Immediate results of a deep plane neck lift are often overshadowed by swelling and bruising. As this dissipates and the compression garment is no longer needed, patients can appreciate a youthfully contoured neck and jawline. The results of a deep plane neck lift are long-lasting. Suturing and tightening the underlying musculature rejuvenates the neck area, while repairing the platysma revitalizes the entire chin and neckline.

Complementary Procedures

Deep Plane Facelift

Many patients who seek neck lifts also make good candidates for deep-plane facelifts. With similar processes, our surgeons perform facelifts to contour and tighten the underlying muscles of the face. The SMAS layer is the complicated and interconnecting anatomy that lays right underneath the facial skin. These muscles start to sag with age, pulling the skin with them to create deep wrinkling. A deep plane facelift is performed to both tighten the SMAS layer and the deep fascia underneath it. Deep plane neck lifts are commonly performed after the surgeon corrects a patient’s facial contour to improve results.

If you are interested in learning more about Southern Surgical Arts, read our blog to find more ways to revitalize the face and body.

Cost of a Deep Plane Neck Lift in Chattanooga

As every patient’s treatment plan is unique, your surgeon will explain your surgical costs during your private consultation. If you have any questions, or you are ready to take the next steps, please schedule an appointment with us by filling out our convenient contact form. Give us a call to directly communicate at:

(706) 629-8622 – Calhoun, GA

(423) 266-3331 – Chattanooga, TN

FAQ

References

1. Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. PubMed. Published 2023. Accessed October 20, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/#article-28568
2. Alexander L, Patel BC. Platysmaplasty Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. Accessed December 8, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563291/