Hyo-neck lift evolution: Neck lift with fixation of the platysma to the deep cervical fascia

Publication date: Available online 29 December 2017
Source:Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique
Author(s): C. Le Louarn
The aim of any neck lift obviously includes the restoration of an acute cervicomandibular angle. The hyo neck lift, first published in April 2016, did proposed a new technique of neck lift with a sub-cutaneous neck dissection and suture of the platysma to the hyoid through this sub-cutaneous approach. To enhance results and efficiency, a major change of the hyo neck lift technique is herein proposed with a vertical anterior sub-platysmal and sub-platysmal fat opening and dissection. This anterior dissection ensures a precise and efficient fixation of the platysma to the deep cervical fascia on direct visual control. This permits to create an horizontal and posterior vector of tension on both platysma and skin, which induces flattening of the submental area and consequently creates or recreates an acute cervicomandibular angle. The sub-cutaneous dissection is no more necessary at the hyoid level. In addition, the posterior border of the anterior platysmal flap is suspended to the mastoid fascia. If necessary, the submandibular gland, through this lateral approach, can be partially excised inside it's capsule, after strong bipolar coagulation. A botulinum toxin injection, realized in early post-op, will definitively stabilize the platysma to deep cervical fascia fixation. Fifteen patients underwent the new technique of neck lift with fixation of the platysma to the deep cervical fascia and suspension of the lateral platysma (Platysma Fixation Platysma Suspension: PF PS) and were evaluated at one year post-op and compared to the results obtained with the first preliminary prospective study "hyo neck lift technique" published in April 2016. As now subcutaneous dissection is limited, recovery is faster. No transient nerve damage happened because dissection planes are designed to be far from nerve branches.ConclusionsThe simplest way to obtain an acute cervicomandibular angle is to reattach the platysma to the deep cervical fascia along the platysma cords. The new neck lift with fixation of the anterior platysma to the deep cervical fascia and suspension of the lateral platysma, is faster to perform, induces a faster recovery and is safer and more efficient than the subcutaneous hyo neck lift and other described types of anterior platysma plasties.