You can be fit as a fiddle and have beautiful skin, but prominent platysma bands may make you feel less confident about your appearance. You're certainly not alone. Nora Ephron tapped into how many women feel about their necks in her hilarious book, “I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman.” I’m here to help you feel good about your neck and educate you about treatment options.
The platysma is a broad thin layer of muscle that originates at the collar bone and inserts along the jawline, in the skin of the cheek, and at the commissures of the mouth. As we age, the muscle starts to separate, platysmal bands form, and the lower face is pulled downwards. The appearance of platysmal bands is usually viewed as a sign of aging, but that’s not always the case. Genetics and lifestyle can also be factors. For instance, weightlifting and strenuous activities that strain the neck can also cause platysmal banding.
Before cosmetic injectables, surgery used to be the only option to improve the appearance of an aging neck. Platysmaplasty or surgical neck lift is very effective, but not everyone wants to go under the knife.
The Nefertiti lift is a great option for women who want to enhance the appearance of their lower face and neck. Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport) can help smooth out dimpling on the chin, lessen jowls, and minimize platysmal banding on the neck.
There have been several studies that looked at the efficacy of Botox for the treatment of platysmal bands. The studies found that Botox is a safe and highly effective treatment for platysmal bands if the procedure is performed by a skilled injector.
The treatment is not painful and there is no downtime. Results will take full effect about three weeks after treatment. The cost of a Nefertiti lift is anywhere from $300 to $800. Platysmal bands can require more units than any other area of the face because they are large muscles. Clients who lift weights or clench their jaws often require higher doses.
As always, I’m here to help and answer your questions. I hope to see you soon.
