Platysmaplasty

Many women are diligent about taking care of their face, yet the neck is often overlooked — even though it is one of the first areas to show visible signs of aging. Loose skin, loss of muscle tone, and a less defined jawline can be difficult to correct with skincare or non-surgical treatments alone. This is why platysmaplasty is one of the most effective surgical options for rejuvenating the neck and restoring a smoother, more defined contour.

At Yurchenko Team, every platysmaplasty is tailored to the patient’s individual anatomy and performed using modern surgical techniques and advanced equipment.

One of the team’s key strengths is the focused specialization of its surgeons. Facial and neck procedures are performed by a surgeon dedicated specifically to these areas, with an in-depth understanding of their complex anatomy and extensive surgical experience. This allows for a highly precise approach and natural, harmonious results — even in more complex cases.

What Is Platysmaplasty?

Platysmaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure designed to rejuvenate the neck and chin area. It involves tightening the skin and the underlying platysma muscle and, when necessary, removing excess fat. The result is a more defined jawline and an improved overall facial profile.

The procedure takes its name from the platysma — a thin, superficial muscle located at the front of the neck. With age, or due to individual anatomical characteristics, the platysma can lose tone, separate, or begin to sag. Neck lift surgery can effectively address these changes and restore a smoother, more defined neck contour.

Types of Neck Lift

Modern plastic surgery offers several effective techniques for correcting and rejuvenating the neck area. In some cases, these techniques can be combined to achieve the most natural and harmonious result.

• Medial platysmaplasty — a technique in which the surgeon tightens and repairs the platysma in the central area of the neck. It helps correct tissue laxity and create a more defined neck and jawline contour.
• Lateral platysmaplasty focuses on tightening the tissues of the neck and lower face. It helps address age-related changes, improve facial contours, and provide greater support to the underlying neck structures.
• Combined platysmaplasty combines medial and lateral techniques for more comprehensive neck rejuvenation. This approach can provide a more significant and longer-lasting lifting effect.

If indicated, the procedure may be combined with chin liposuction or the removal of excess tissue.

The surgical technique is always selected individually, depending on the condition of the neck tissues and the result the patient wishes to achieve:

• Endoscopic platysmaplasty — a less invasive technique suitable for patients with early to moderate age-related changes.
• Traditional platysmaplasty — an optimal option for more advanced signs of aging, particularly when there is excess skin and significant muscle laxity.

Indications for Platysmaplasty

Platysmaplasty is most commonly performed to address:

• pronounced wrinkles and folds in the neck;
• loss of skin elasticity, laxity, and sagging;
• a double chin and excess fat deposits;
• loss of definition between the neck and chin;
• weakened neck muscle tone.

Contraindications to Platysmaplasty

As with any surgical procedure, a neck lift has certain contraindications. Surgery may be postponed or not recommended in the presence of conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, cancer, acute infections, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disorders, or blood-clotting disorders.

Preparing for Surgery

Preparation for platysmaplasty begins with a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon assesses the condition of the skin and muscles, as well as the patient’s individual anatomy, determines the most appropriate surgical technique, and explains how the procedure will be performed, what results can be expected, and what to consider during recovery.

Before surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive preoperative assessment to ensure that the procedure can be performed safely and to identify any potential risks.

As the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, a consultation with an anesthesiologist is also required to assess the patient and determine the safest anesthesia plan.

Preparation for surgery generally includes the following:

• medications that affect blood clotting may need to be discontinued approximately 2 weeks before surgery, as advised by your surgeon;
• do not eat or drink, including water, for 6 hours before surgery, unless otherwise instructed by your medical team;
• bring comfortable clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head — ideally a button-down or zip-up top.

Stages of Platysmaplasty

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and involves several key stages.

• Preoperative marking. Before surgery, the surgeon identifies the areas to be corrected and carefully marks the planned incision sites — typically beneath the chin and, when necessary, behind the ears.
• Tissue correction. Through small incisions, the surgeon works with the platysma muscle, tightening and repositioning it to create a more defined neck contour. If excess fat is present, it may also be removed, while excess skin is carefully excised. The tissues are then secured in their new position to create a natural, firmer appearance. In some cases, temporary drains may be placed.
• Final fixation. Once the correction is complete, cosmetic sutures and a sterile dressing are applied, followed by a special compression garment. This helps reduce swelling and supports the tissues as they heal in their new position.

The procedure typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours. Most patients can return to their usual routine within 2–3 weeks, while the final result continues to develop over the following months.

Recovery After a Neck Lift

Platysmaplasty is a surgical procedure, so carefully following your surgeon’s postoperative instructions is essential for proper healing and achieving the best possible result.

During the first few days after surgery, it is important to keep the tissues properly supported. A special compression garment is usually worn for approximately 10 days. It helps reduce swelling and minimizes tension on the sutures. Regular follow-up appointments and dressing changes are also required until the sutures are fully removed. A course of microcurrent therapy may also be recommended.

During recovery, patients should temporarily avoid:

• direct sun exposure and tanning;
• saunas, steam rooms, and swimming pools for approximately 4 weeks;
• alcohol during the first 2 weeks;
• sports and strenuous physical activity for up to 1 month.

Following these recommendations helps support healing, minimize swelling and the risk of complications, and promote a long-lasting aesthetic result.

Swelling after platysmaplasty is a normal response to surgery. It is typically most noticeable on days 2–3 and gradually subsides over the following 7–10 days.

Possible Complications

As with any surgical procedure, platysmaplasty carries certain risks. Possible complications include:

• infection or inflammation;
• bleeding or thrombosis;
• hematoma or fluid accumulation (seroma);
• temporary areas of firmness within the tissues, which usually resolve gradually;
• reduced or altered sensation in the treated area;
• in rare cases, delayed or impaired wound healing.

When appropriate medical protocols are followed and a thorough preoperative assessment is performed, the risk of complications is minimized. Discussing these risks is an essential part of responsible surgical care, allowing patients to make an informed decision and feel confident throughout every stage of treatment.

How Long Do Platysmaplasty Results Last?

The first changes become noticeable within a few weeks, once most of the initial swelling has subsided. The result can usually be assessed after approximately one month, while the final outcome continues to develop over 3–4 months.

Platysmaplasty provides long-lasting results, which may last around 7 years, particularly when patients follow their surgeon’s recommendations and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

It is important to understand that surgery does not stop the natural aging process. To help maintain the result over time, your surgeon may recommend additional treatments, such as energy-based procedures, injectable treatments, and a regular skincare routine for the neck.

Why Choose Yurchenko Team?

Yurchenko Team brings together plastic surgeons who share the same approach: attentive patient care, meticulous surgical planning, and focused specialization. The goal is not simply to achieve a visible change, but to create harmonious rejuvenation with a natural-looking result.

At Yurchenko Team, platysmaplasty is performed by surgeons who specialize specifically in aesthetic surgery of the face and neck. This focused expertise allows for precise surgical planning and consistent, predictable outcomes. Modern surgical techniques and equipment are used to perform procedures with particular care, even in the most delicate anatomical areas.

Every surgery is planned individually, taking into account the patient’s anatomy, tissue characteristics, and aesthetic goals. Each stage of treatment follows clearly established safety protocols.

Another advantage is location flexibility. Consultations and surgeries are available in Kyiv and Cyprus, allowing patients to choose the most convenient location and plan their treatment and recovery with greater flexibility.