What is a contraindication for performing a submentalplasty?

A crucial contraindication for performing a submentalplasty is severe platysmal banding. This condition indicates significant muscle tone issues and skin laxity in the platysma muscle that can complicate both the aesthetics and functional outcomes of the procedure. When the platysma exhibits severe banding, it often indicates that there are underlying muscle structures that may not respond well to surgical alteration or could lead to a suboptimal cosmetic result.

In cases where severe platysmal banding is present, the risks associated with the procedure may outweigh the benefits, making it an unsuitable choice for surgery. Proper evaluation of the platysma is essential prior to surgery, as addressing banding during submentalplasty could result in complications that affect patient satisfaction post-operatively.

Other factors, such as excess skin laxity or a history of keloids, might influence the decision to proceed, but they do not necessarily contraindicate the surgery itself. Additionally, age alone is not a strict barrier, as many patients under 18 may be candidates depending on their individual development and specific reasons for surgery. The presence of severe platysmal banding stands out as a definitive reason to avoid this surgical approach.