Restore a smoother, more defined neckline by addressing loose platysma muscle, cords, and bands beneath the chin. David T. Morwood, MD, FACS, developed the Butterfly Neck Lift technique to reshape the underlying platysma muscles and create a firmer foundation for a cleaner jawline and naturally refined neck contour.
Before & After Butterfly Neck Lift
*Actual Patient Disclaimer: there is no guarantee of specific results and the results can vary.
In Dr. Morwood's Words:
A butterfly neck lift can be performed alone or combined with more complete facial rejuvenation; some patients would like to also elevate the jowls and cheeks along with improving their neck, other patients desire no change above the jawline.
David T. Morwood, MD, FACS
The Truth About Plastic Surgery: An Educational Guide for the Consumer
This Procedure Treats:
- Loose, crepey skin along the back and sides of the neck
- Horizontal neck lines and wrinkling
- Skin laxity not adequately addressed by front-focused procedures
- Poorly defined posterior neck contour
- Residual skin redundancy following significant weight loss
Smooth Neck Bands and
Redefine Your Jawline
With time, the platysma muscle beneath your skin can become loose and separated, creating the vertical “cords” and “bands” you see under your chin. When this muscular layer loses its natural support, it affects the entire cervical mental angle and the contour of your jaw and neckline. In patients where this is the primary issue, simply tightening skin is not enough: addressing the platysma muscle is an essential part of the Natural Neck Lift.
The Butterfly Neck Lift is Dr. Morwood’s personal approach to this structural problem. Through a submental incision, he gains access to the platysma, divides the muscle cords, and creates four “flaps”: the four “wings” of the butterfly. Once these wings are dissected, deeper structures such as redundant fat or enlarged submandibular glands can be addressed. A “pants over vest” maneuver is then performed, providing a smoother, firmer foundation for an attractive neckline.
Butterfly Neck Lift Treats:
- Loose platysma muscle beneath the chin
- Visible neck “cords” and vertical bands
- Separation and laxity of the platysma muscle
- A softened or poorly defined cervical mental angle
- Loss of definition along the jawline
- Irregular or uneven contours under the chin
- Enlarged submandibular glands affecting contour
- A less defined, aging neck appearance
How is the Butterfly Neck Lift Different From Other Neck Lift Techniques?
The Butterfly Neck Lift is Dr. Morwood’s personal approach to treating a loose platysma muscle and the visible “cords” and “bands” under your chin. Rather than simply tightening the skin, this technique addresses the underlying muscle. By dividing the platysma cords and creating four “flaps,” or “wings,” the muscle can be reshaped and supported in a more anatomical way. This allows for a smoother, firmer foundation and a more natural improvement in your neckline.
What to Expect From Butterfly Neck Lift With Dr. Morwood
Your experience begins with a consultation with Dr. Morwood, during which he listens as you describe what you would like to change while you look in the mirror together. He evaluates the quality of your skin, the presence of fat beneath the chin, and most importantly, the condition of your platysma muscle, whether it has separated into visible bands. He often reviews prior photographs and may use Vectra 3D imaging to analyze how your anatomy has changed and determine if a butterfly platysmaplasty is the most appropriate approach.
During the procedure, Dr. Morwood makes a small incision within the submental crease to access the platysma muscle beneath your skin. He isolates and divides the muscle cords that create the banding, forming four distinct flaps: the “wings” of the butterfly. Once these are dissected free, he gains access to the underlying structures and can refine redundant fat or, when present, enlarged submandibular glands. The upper flaps are then overlapped using a pants-over-vest maneuver, creating a reinforced, supportive layer that restores a smoother cervical mental angle and a cleaner, more defined jawline.
Butterfly Neck Lift FAQs
Why is the Platysma Muscle So Important in Neck Rejuvenation?
The platysma muscle is a thin sheet of muscle that plays a key role in defining the contour of your neck. When it loosens or separates over time, it creates the vertical bands seen under the chin. If this muscular layer is not addressed, even well-performed skin tightening may not fully correct the problem. In many patients, treating the platysma is essential to restoring a clean cervical mental angle and a more youthful neck contour.
Where is the Incision Placed, and Will It Be Visible?
The incision is placed in the natural submental crease beneath your chin. This allows safe and direct access to the platysma muscle while keeping the scar well concealed. In most patients, the incision heals very well over time and becomes inconspicuous.
From the Book: The Butterfly Neck Lift
Dr. Morwood details his personal approach to the Butterfly Neck Lift in his book, The Truth About Plastic Surgery: An Educational Guide for the Consumer. Explore these pages to see how he addresses the platysma muscle, creates the four “wings,” and creates crisper, more defined neckline.
Have More Questions?
Learn More About Butterfly Neck Lift in The Truth About Plastic Surgery: An Educational Guide for the Consumer
If you would like a deeper understanding of the Butterfly Neck Lift, Dr. Morwood explains this technique in detail in The Truth About Plastic Surgery: An Educational Guide for the Consumer. In his words, he describes the platysma muscle, the creation of the four “wings,” and the pants-over-vest maneuver, helping you better understand how a crisper, cleaner, and more beautiful neckline is achieved.
Client Testimonials
Request a Private Consultation
Define Your Neck and Jawline With Butterfly Neck Lift in Monterey
Dr. David Morwood is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience in neck rejuvenation. During your private consultation, he will listen carefully to your concerns, evaluate your anatomy, and determine whether a Butterfly Neck Lift is the most appropriate approach for your goals. You will review your options together in a relaxed setting. Schedule your private consultation today to learn more about the Butterfly Neck Lift in Monterey.
Book Today
