Submental Lifting Surgery

 

674. <Submental Lifting Surgery>

Submental lifting (submental platysmaplasty) is a procedure that removes and tightens the sagging skin under the chin to create a defined jawline. With age, skin loses elasticity, and decades of fast eating habits can weaken the tongue and platysma muscles, leading to a drooping submental triangle blending into the neck.

If excess fat is present, liposuction is done first to refine the jawline. Then a submental incision is made to expose the platysma. A midline platysmaplasty is performed to tighten the loosened muscles by suturing them together in the center, enhancing neck contour. If there’s significant skin laxity, excess skin is removed and tightened through the same incision.

In cases with vertical neck bands (platysma bands), an incision along a natural crease is made to access both platysma muscles. If deep subplatysmal fat is excessive, it is also removed. The platysma edges are sutured together centrally, sometimes shortened or resected for better tension. Using the Advanced Corset Technique, deep fascia layers are tightly secured like a corset.

If submental sagging is severe, we assess for a recessed chin. Underdeveloped chin structure often worsens the droop. In such cases, advanced genioplasty pulls soft tissue forward, improving tension. When combined with a facelift, submental correction may require less tissue removal, but surgical complexity may vary—this is discussed during consultation.

When paired with facelift surgery, lateral tension from the lift may reduce the need for skin or muscle removal, with platysma tightening alone often sufficient.

Submental sagging depends on jaw structure, aging, and habits. To prevent it: chew slowly, swallow without water, use low pillows, and avoid looking down for prolonged periods.

[Submental lifting corrects habits that cause sagging under the chin—through surgery.]

—674mm Growing Pine Tree 🌲