Defining the facial extent of the platysma muscle: a review of 71 consecutive face-lifts.
OBJECTIVE
To delineate the superior (facial) extent of the platysma muscle.


METHODS
A total of 142 facial halves were examined from 71 consecutive deep-plane rhytidectomies performed over a period of 3 months. The platysma muscle was identified and isolated during the procedure. The superior extent of the platysma was measured along the line created by the angle of the mandible to the malar eminence, also known as the malar mandibular line.


RESULTS
On average, the platysma extended 3.98 cm along the malar mandibular line, superiorly from the inferior border of the mandible. The platysma was located 3.09 cm inferiorly from the malar eminence along the malar mandibular line. On average, the platysma muscle occupied 56% of the malar mandibular line.


CONCLUSIONS
The platysma muscle may have a more significant facial extension than previously described.
Shah
Anil R
AR
Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Chicago, 845 N Michigan Ave, Ste 934E, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. shah@shahfacialplastics.com
Rosenberg
David
D
D015331:Cohort Studies; D004954:Esthetics; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012060:Rejuvenation / Q000502:physiology; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D015595:Skin Aging; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology