16.  How do you correct platysmal bands?

Answer:
Interruption of platysmal bands is performed via a submental incision by plication of the anterior medial borders of the platysma.  A series of small, buried simple non-absorbable sutures are placed to avoid visible or palpable midline irregularities.  In order to avoid bowstringing of the platysma muscle across the neck, a wedge of platysma muscle is removed from each medial border inferoposterior to the plication site.  See also question 19.

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