Use of Submentoplasty to Enhance Cervical Recontouring in Face-Lift Surgery

A number of surgical techniques for recontouring the aging neck are available. Using liposuction and direct lipectomy, the surgeon can sculpt the jowl and submental contour. Posterior tightening of the ptotic platysma refines the submental area, while incisional or excisional techniques, along with midline plication, remove anterior banding. Despite these maneuvers, recurrent submental and cervical ptosis is noted in some patients. These individuals can benefit from a secondary submentoplasty, a submental tuck-up face-lift operation, usually within 6 to 18 months after their initial surgery. We have identified several reliable causes for a secondary submentoplasty. Submentoplasty as a planned second-stage surgery in certain patients allows achievement of more dramatic and long-lasting rejuvenation of the neck.