Our Summary

This research paper describes a specific surgical technique for patients who have a lot of loose skin on their neck but don’t want or can’t have the usual face and neck lift procedures. The authors explain their method for dealing with the issue of loose skin in the middle of the neck. The paper also includes a detailed video guide showing the seven steps of their neck-lift technique, known as Z-plasty.

FAQs

  1. What is the surgical technique presented in the article to address central neck laxity?
  2. Who are the ideal candidates for the Z-plasty neck lift?
  3. Can you provide a brief overview of the 7 steps in the neck-lift Z-plasty technique?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about z-plasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include keeping the incision site clean, avoiding strenuous activities that could put strain on the incision, and attending follow-up appointments for monitoring progress. It is also important to communicate any concerns or unusual symptoms to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a Z-plasty procedure are those with central neck laxity and large amounts of neck skin redundancy. These patients may not desire or be candidates for traditional face and neck lifts, making a Z-plasty an alternative option for addressing their concerns. The Z-plasty technique may be recommended for patients who have concerns about the appearance of their neck and wish to improve the contour and tightness of the skin in this area.

Timeline

Before Z-plasty:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss concerns about neck skin redundancy and explore treatment options.
  2. Pre-operative preparation, including medical history evaluation, physical examination, and discussion of potential risks and benefits of the procedure.
  3. Anesthesia is administered before the surgery begins.

During Z-plasty:

  1. The surgeon makes incisions in the neck skin to remove excess tissue and create a more defined neckline.
  2. Z-shaped incisions are made to reposition and reshape the remaining tissue.
  3. The incisions are closed with sutures to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

After Z-plasty:

  1. Recovery period with instructions for post-operative care, including wound care, pain management, and follow-up appointments.
  2. Swelling and bruising may be present in the days and weeks following the procedure.
  3. Gradual improvement in neck contour and appearance as the healing process progresses.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of a Z-plasty in addressing central neck laxity?
  2. How does a Z-plasty differ from traditional face and neck lifts?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a Z-plasty procedure?
  4. How long is the recovery time following a Z-plasty procedure?
  5. Will there be visible scarring after the Z-plasty procedure?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could achieve similar results?
  7. How many Z-plasty procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  8. What post-operative care instructions should I follow after the Z-plasty procedure?
  9. How soon can I expect to see results after the Z-plasty procedure?
  10. Can you provide before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone a Z-plasty for central neck laxity?

Reference

Authors: Borab ZM, Fisher S, Rohrich RJ. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2025 Feb 1;155(2):316e-318e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000011403. Epub 2024 Mar 19. PMID: 38507563