Platysmal bands are vertical lines that form on the neck from neck tightening and forced jaw opening. This superficial muscle extends from the upper chest to the lower face. The excessive contraction of the platysma muscle, combined with skin sagging due to ageing, distorts the jawline, causing patients to appear older. Injections into the platysma muscle block its contraction, leading to a weakened muscle that pulls the face downwards. This procedure allows patients to have a non-surgical facelift and is suitable for both young and old patients who do not desire surgery.
These are ring-like lines that cross over the neck. Present from birth, they deepen with ageing and are worsened by factors like elastin and collagen deficiency, genetic inheritance, hormonal changes, excess sun exposure, obesity, alcohol intake, and smoking. The number of these lines can increase in the future at the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) attachments found under the skin. Botox injections in these areas can help to soften necklace lines. However, some necklace lines cannot be completely removed with botox alone and may require the support of dermal fillers.
This treatment option is ideal for patients who seek a more defined jawline, often referred to as the Nefertiti Neck Lift. This lift is achieved by defining the border of the jawline that is lost due to skin sagging from the mid-face or by the overactive downward pull of the depressor neck muscles. Blocking the downward pull of the cheek and chin by the platysma muscle allows facial elevators to raise the sagging facial skin, enabling patients to have a more defined jawline and corner. However, in cases of extreme sagging of the mid-face due to excessive fat at the mid-cheek and loss of skin elasticity, which gives patients a bulldog appearance at the jowl region, patients lose their defined jaw. In these instances, botox injections are not sufficient on their own. Treatment should be combined with lipolysis (breakdown of fat tissue) or dermal fillers that are commonly used to define the jaw.
