Platysmal Bands
IN NASHVILLE, TN
As we age, the neck muscles and platysma muscle naturally lose tone, leading to the development of platysmal bands, often called neck bands. These prominent platysma bands can make the lower face and neck appear older, even if the rest of the face maintains a youthful appearance. At Gilpin Facial Plastics, Dr. Gilpin offers advanced treatment options to smooth visible platysma bands, restore a defined jawline, and achieve a youthful neck contour that complements the face.
What Are Platysmal Bands?
Changes in the platysma muscle, a thin, superficial muscle layer that extends from the chest to the jawline, are the leading cause of platysmal bands. These appear as vertical neck cords or lines that run down the upper and lower neck, often becoming more visible as skin laxity, sagging skin, and decreased muscle tone develop. The skin overlying these muscles thins with the aging process, making prominent platysmal bands more noticeable and creating an aging neck appearance.
Causes of Platysmal Bands
Platysma bands develop over time due to a combination of factors:
- Natural muscle activity in the neck muscles: The constant pull of the platysma muscle contributes to the formation of vertical lines and horizontal lines.
- The aging process: Loss of elasticity, and presence of excess fat or excess skin all accelerate this change.
- Separation of the two strips of the platysma muscle: This is one of the main causes, especially when combined with changes in elastic tissue and saggy skin.
- Lifestyle habits, genetics, and repetitive muscular activity: Something as simple as lifting weights or straining can make neck bands appear more pronounced.
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Symptoms and Signs
Patients with prominent platysmal bands often notice:
- Vertical lines on the neck that become more noticeable when speaking or tightening the jaw.
- Prominent neck cords extending from the chin to the collarbone.
- A less defined jawline due to skin laxity and muscle pull.
- Saggy skin or excess skin contributing to an older, tired appearance.
These visible changes can disrupt the balance of the lower face and neck, making patients feel their outer appearance doesn’t reflect their energy or youthfulness.
Treatments for Platysmal Bands
At Gilpin Facial Plastics, Dr. Gilpin offers a range of treatment options for treating platysma bands, from minimally invasive procedures to advanced surgical procedures.
Botulinum Toxin Injections
Relax muscle activity in the platysma, softening the appearance of visible platysma bands. These are quick, have minimal risk, and allow patients to return to normal activities right away.
Dermal Fillers
Options such as poly-L-lactic acid may stimulate collagen and improve skin firmness, though they are less effective for significant improvement in severe cases.
Neck Lift Surgery
A facial plastic surgeon may recommend neck lift surgery or a full facelift/lower facelift to address excess skin, tighten the superficial muscle, and restore a youthful appearance.
Submental Liposuction
When platysmal bands are accompanied by excess fat under the chin, submental liposuction can help refine the upper neck and restore a more defined jawline by removing fat beneath the neck skin.
Thread Lift
A minimally invasive procedure, the thread lift uses dissolvable sutures placed beneath the skin to gently lift sagging skin and reduce the appearance of visible platysma bands.
Benefits of Professional Treatment
Professional cosmetic surgery for platysmal bands offers benefits such as:
- A smoother neck rejuvenation effect with a youthful neck contour.
- Restoration of a defined jawline and harmony between the face and neck.
- Customized care from a board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
- Both short-term and long-term treatment options, depending on patient goals.
- The possibility of combining follow-up treatments for ongoing maintenance.
What to Expect During Treatment
Results in
2-4 weeks
Recovery
1-2 weeks
Lasts
Several months
Surgical procedures are typically performed under anesthesia. Patients may experience swelling during the healing process, but the results typically become fully apparent within a few weeks. Non-surgical treatments, such as botulinum toxin, enable patients to return to normal activities almost immediately, although repeated treatments are necessary to maintain the results.
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David Gilpin, MD
Dr. David Gilpin is a native of Nashville, TN. After graduating from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering, Dr. Gilpin pursued his M.D. from The University of Tennessee…
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If you are bothered by prominent platysmal bands, saggy skin, or a less defined jawline, Dr. Gilpin can help you explore the right treatment options. Schedule a consultation at Gilpin Facial Plastics to begin your personalized plan for neck rejuvenation and a more youthful appearance.
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Dr. David Gilpin is Nashville’s most accomplished dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Gilpin Facial Plastics, the city’s largest facial plastic surgery and medspa practice. With advanced fellowship training under one of the world’s leading experts in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Gilpin is renowned for delivering natural, personalized results through both surgical and non-surgical facial procedures. Featured in Nashville Lifestyles, recognized as a RealSelf Top Doctor, and a national speaker, Dr. Gilpin is trusted by A-list clients and peers alike for his unparalleled expertise and compassionate care. His leadership and reputation firmly establish him as the most qualified and sought-after facial plastic surgeon in Nashville, TN