IS IT NECESSARY TO SUTURE THE PLATYSMA MUSCLES ON THE MIDLINE TO IMPROVE THE CERVICAL PROFILE - AN ANATOMIC STUDY USING 20 CADAVERS

To ameliorate the cervicomental angle, most surgeons suggest different techniques of platysmaplasty. The aim of this anatomic study is to fi nd a simple answer to the following question: Is suturing of the anter ior edges of the platysma muscles during platysmaplasty the best proce dure to use to obtain ?he best concave anterior neck angle? Three diff erent surgical techniques using platysma muscle flaps were used on 20 cadavers prepared for anatomic dissection. Each piece of dissection wa s controlled by a radiograph of the profile of the cervical region bef ore and after the application of-these different techniques. Cephalome tric measures were made and statistically analyzed. The analysis of th e results demonstrates that the best concave anterior neck angle to pe rform platysmaplasty is one in which the platysma muscle flap is shift ed posterosuperiorly but without suturing the medial borders of the pl atysma muscles. Suturing the midline does not deepen the concavity in the front of the neck.