Creating a Clean-Cut Look for Men: The Complete Guide to Platysmaplasty and Submental Liposuction

I’m concerned about the sagging under my chin.

When people have this concern, the first treatment many of them look into is liposuction.

However, did you know that, particularly for men, liposuction alone often produces limited results?

Today, we’ll introduce the case of a man in his 30s.

By combining Platysmaplasty (submental muscle tightening) with submental liposuction, his jawline changed dramatically.

Why is liposuction alone often insufficient for men? What is Platysmaplasty? Let’s take a closer look.

This is a case involving Platysmaplasty (submental muscle tightening) combined with submental liposuction.

The procedures were performed by Dr. Fukabori (liposuction) and Dr. Takada (Platysmaplasty).

The two doctors worked together to perform the treatment.

The sagging under the chin has been significantly improved.

The result creates a cleaner, more refined appearance, transforming the patient’s overall impression from the front, side, and three-quarter views.

Fat beneath the chin can be broadly divided into two types.

1. Subcutaneous fat: Fat located in the superficial layer above the platysma muscle

2. Subplatysmal fat (deep fat): Fat located in the deeper layer beneath the platysma muscle

In women, subcutaneous fat accounts for approximately 75% of the fat beneath the chin. Therefore, liposuction alone can often provide sufficient improvement.

Men, however, are different. The ratio of subcutaneous fat to subplatysmal fat is approximately 1:1.

In other words, men tend to have more fat in the deeper layer beneath the chin.

Liposuction, which targets subcutaneous fat, can therefore address only about half of the problem.

Platysmaplasty is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made beneath the chin to directly remove and suture deep fat, the platysma muscle, and other tissues.

The main steps of the procedure are as follows:

1. Make an incision beneath the chin.

2. If there is excess subcutaneous fat, remove an appropriate amount.

3. Separate the platysma muscle from the underlying layer.

4. Thoroughly remove the deep fat (subplatysmal fat).

5. If the digastric muscles are enlarged, treat them as necessary.

6. If necessary, suture the platysma muscle together at the midline to tighten it.

7. Close the incision.

The greatest advantage of Platysmaplasty is its ability to provide reliable access to deeper tissues.

WOM Clinic Ginza is home to a team of specialists.

Dr. Fukabori specializes in facial and submental liposuction, while Dr. Takada specializes in incisional surgery and Platysmaplasty.

By working together, the two doctors can bring the highest level of expertise to their respective fields.

We also pay close attention to the sequence of procedures.

First, submental liposuction is performed to separate the subcutaneous tissue.

This eliminates the need for the subcutaneous dissection normally required during the subsequent Platysmaplasty.

This approach does more than simply improve surgical efficiency.

It also helps minimize the burden on the patient.

Even cases that cannot be treated by clinics offering liposuction alone can be handled comprehensively at our clinic.

This photo shows the results three months after surgery. The boundary between the chin and neck is now clearly defined.

From the side, the sagging beneath the chin has been eliminated, creating a sharper, more defined jawline.

Please also take a look from an oblique front angle. The heaviness and lack of definition along the facial contour have been resolved.

The line from the cheeks to the chin appears more refined, creating the impression of a smaller face.

The cleaner, more polished appearance also makes the entire face look brighter.

Many people worry that incisional surgery may leave a visible scar.

For Platysmaplasty, the incision is placed in an inconspicuous area beneath the chin, making it almost invisible from the front.

In this case, the incision was limited to approximately 2.5 cm to minimize scarring.

This is shorter than the typical incision length of 3–5 cm.

Despite the smaller incision, a substantial amount of deep fat was present and was thoroughly removed.

This case achieved both a smaller incision and optimal results.

Three months after surgery, the scar is barely noticeable unless the patient raises their chin.

It will continue to fade over time.

Peak swelling: The day of surgery to the following day. Major swelling usually subsides in approximately 3–7 days (varies by individual). Face band: Wearing it continuously for 24 hours a day is recommended during the first three days after surgery.

Sutures will be removed one week after surgery. Makeup, face washing, and showering are permitted from the day of surgery. Please avoid strenuous exercise for approximately two weeks after surgery.

This procedure involves the following risks.

If you experience any discomfort or feel concerned during your recovery, please contact us immediately.

“Will this treatment work for me?” “Would liposuction be a better option?”

Please start by discussing your concerns with us during a consultation. We will assess the area beneath your chin and recommend the most suitable treatment.

At WOM Clinic Ginza, we have a team of doctors specializing in various fields and can provide collaborative treatments when necessary.

You do not have to worry alone. Please feel free to visit us.