Will Webbed Neck Surgery Improve Its Function?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hello, I have a webbed neck and would like to learn more about the surgical procedure. I have not been diagnosed with Turner’s Syndrome, however I was also never tested. I am very self-conscious about it and would love to improve the look and functionality of my neck. 

A: First, webbed neck surgery is done to improve the appearance of the webs. It does not, however, improve the function of the neck. (e.g., range of motion)

Thank you for sending your pictures. Non-syndromic webbed necks, also known as mosiacs, usually have stiffer or non-flexible tissues. Thus, even though the smaller neck webs would seem to be the most improvable, they usually are the most resistant. That is my general experience based on your pictures alone. But the effectiveness of webbed neck surgery ultimately depends on how mobile the posterior neck tissues are which obviously can’t be assessed in pictures.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon