Karter Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery
249 Main St
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Phone: (860) 775-5595
Hours:
Monday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Karter specializes in advanced neck contouring techniques to create refined, youthful-looking definition. He performs the deep plane neck lift at our Wethersfield, Connecticut, practice using innovative techniques that sculpt the deeper neck structures, going beyond traditional methods to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results.
A deep plane neck lift, or platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure that focuses on reaching and reshaping the deeper muscle layers of the neck, including the platysma, while also removing excess fat and refining the jawline.
Unlike a traditional neck lift or neck liposuction, which focuses exclusively on subcutaneous fat, a deep plane neck lift goes beyond simply tightening lax skin. It sculpts the deeper neck structures to provide seamless, comprehensive neck contouring and rejuvenation.
Many people seeking neck lift surgery wonder about the difference between a deep plane neck lift and a traditional neck lift. This table compares and contrasts the two techniques.
| Feature | Deep Plane Neck Lift | Traditional Neck Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Releases and repositions deeper neck structures (under the platysma) for more comprehensive definition. | Primarily tightens the skin and superficial layers without addressing deeper structures. |
| Results | Achieves a more sculpted, youthful neckline by addressing deep fat deposits and muscle laxity. | Improves loose skin and surface wrinkles but may not fully refine or sculpt underlying structures. |
| Longevity | Typically lasts 10-15 years due to its structural repositioning. | Generally lasts 7-10 years. |
| Recovery Time | Initial healing takes 2 weeks with continued improvement over several weeks. | Recovery is typically around 1 to 2 weeks, with swelling and tightness gradually improving. |
| Ideal Candidate | Best for individuals with significant neck sagging and muscle laxity. | Often recommended for those with mild to moderate neck laxity and wrinkles. |
| Scarring | Incisions are discreetly placed under the chin and sometimes behind each ear. | Similar placement as a deep plane neck lift. |
As we age, the neck undergoes structural changes contributing to sagging, loss of definition, and persistent fullness. While many assume these changes are solely due to skin laxity, the true culprits lie beneath the surface. The platysma muscle, deep fat pads, and underlying glands play a significant role in neck aging and fullness, making traditional neck lift techniques less effective in achieving sculpted, youthful contours.
These anatomical changes lead to common concerns such as:
Traditional neck lift techniques primarily target subcutaneous fat and skin, often failing to address the deeper structures responsible for persistent fullness. Dr. Karter’s deep plane neck lift provides superior results by releasing and repositioning the deeper layers of the neck, including the trifecta of the platysma muscle, deep fat pads, and salivary glands. This advanced technique creates a more defined, contoured neck that cannot be achieved with superficial treatments alone.
Dr. Karter is fellowship-trained, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon known for his exceptional results and patient-first philosophy. Learn what sets him apart below:
Through a small, hidden incision beneath the chin, Dr. Karter accesses the deeper structures of the neck, going beyond the subcutaneous fat to reshape the deep fat pads, underlying neck muscles, and salivary glands—the primary sources of persistent fullness. This technique creates a sharper neck angle and improved definition by carefully reducing excess fat, refining the muscle structure, and sculpting the jawline.
He completes the procedure by repositioning and securing the platysma muscle, forming a supportive “hammock” that maintains long-lasting results. This advanced approach ensures a contoured and refined neck that cannot be achieved with liposuction or traditional neck lift methods alone.
From your first conversation with our team to your one-on-one time with Dr. Karter, we provide a concierge-level experience tailored to your needs.
Start with a free one-on-one call with Erin, our patient care coordinator. She’ll listen to your concerns, discuss treatment options, and go over important details like technique, recovery, and cost considerations. If we feel like the right fit for you, she will schedule your in-person consultation with Dr. Karter.
During your visit, Dr. Karter will examine your facial anatomy and explore your surgical options in-depth. He will walk you through the details of a deep plane facelift, discuss what to expect after surgery, and create a customized plan based on your goals.
When you are ready to move forward, we will coordinate every detail with the surgical center and anesthesia team. We recommend bringing your calendar to your appointment so you can choose your ideal date. A fully refundable 20% deposit is all that is needed to secure your surgery.
We make sure that you are 100% prepared for your procedure. You will receive a comprehensive recovery kit with everything you need for postoperative care, have presurgical photos taken, and review all necessary consent forms and instructions.
We see patients several times throughout their recovery to ensure optimal healing and results. As part of our commitment to exceptional postsurgical care, we also provide laser resurfacing treatments to refine incision lines and support smoother scar healing.
Dr. Karter is personally invested in your experience and results. As part of his commitment to your comfort and well-being, he provides you with his personal cell phone number so you always have a direct line to your surgeon when you need it.
Dr. Karter and his caring team take a personalized, proactive approach throughout your aesthetic journey, including the healing process. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:
Closely following your postoperative instructions is essential for optimal healing and results. While most patients achieve a dramatic difference in their neckline after 2 weeks, full healing and results continue over the next few months.
Since aging occurs in multiple areas simultaneously, many patients benefit from combining a deep plane neck lift with other rejuvenating procedures.
At Karter Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, surgical costs are always tailored to the individual. Once we have a better idea of what you are looking for, we can give you an initial quote during your free phone consultation. We also accept financing through CareCredit® and can help you plan for your investment in your transformation.
Ideal candidates for a deep plane neck lift have excess skin, platysma muscle laxity, and neck fullness. They are also nonsmokers in good overall health with realistic expectations about the procedure and the ability to set aside adequate downtime for recovery. Patients with isolated neck fullness may be better candidates for neck liposuction.
A mini neck lift is a modified, less invasive neck lift procedure designed to improve mild sagging in the neck and jawline rather than address pronounced sagging and neck bands. Therefore, it’s best suited for individuals with early signs of aging who don’t require extensive liposuction or correction.
Truthfully, there’s no “best” age for the procedure. The deeper structures in the neck are often enlarged throughout a patient’s life. For this reason, the surgery may be suitable for someone as young as their early twenties. As patients get into their mid-to-late 40s, we often start to think about the need to address the cheeks and jowls at the same time through a deep plane facelift procedure.
If you’re ready to explore neck rejuvenation options with a top facial plastic surgeon in Connecticut, we invite you to request a consultation online or call Karter Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery at (860) 775-5595 to get started today.
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