ABSTRACT
To obtain consistently successful results, surgical treatment of the aging neck must
be based upon a comprehensive anatomic diagnosis, using an appropriate sense of cervicofacial
aesthetics and taking into account the relative contributions of each structural component
of the deformity. The degree to which the projection and contour of the anterior mandible,
redundancy of cervical skin, presence of excess submental fat, hyoid bone position,
and configuration of the platysma muscles affect the appearance of the neck should
be determined preoperatively to develop an effective surgical plan. Experience has
shown that extensive incisions in the region of the anterior neck and transection
of the platysma should be avoided. Depending upon the specific findings, any combination
of a group of procedures may be required, including cervical rhytidectomy, submental
suction-assisted lipectomy, chin augmentation, and midline imbrication of the platysma
muscles. The indications, limitations, and possible complications of each procedure
are described, and some technical considerations are discussed.
KEYWORD
Neck - surgery - aesthetic - platysma - rhytidectomy
