Laser neck and jowl liposculpture including platysma laser resurfacing, dermal laser resurfacing, and vaporization of subcutaneous fat

BACKGROUND. Submental tumescent liposculpture alone is not able to achieve the results of rhytidectomy. OBJECTIVE. To improve the results of submental tumescent liposculpture new laser techniques were developed to provide maximum cosmetic results with minimal disability and rapid recovery. METHODS. Extensive tumescent liposculpture of the lower face, jowls, neck, and subplatysma was performed on 100 patients. Platysma fascia and undersurface of the dermis of the neck were laser resurfaced. Septae and platysma insertions were separated. Subcutaneous fat was laser vaporized. Platysma muscle was plicated. Where indicated, a chin implant was inserted. RESULTS. Clinical results far superior to tumescent liposculpture alone included improved cervico-mental angle and marked reduction in laxity of the neck skin, platysma banding, and horizontal neck creases. Patients recovered rapidly with minimal to no bruising, scarring, or pain. CONCLUSION. Laser neck and jowl liposculpture produces superior results to standard submental tumescent liposculpture with no increase in recovery time and no complications to date. (C) 1997 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.