It’s often said that it’s not your face giving away your age, it’s your neck. While there are many reasons why your neck shows tell-tale signs of aging like sagging skin earlier than anywhere else on the body, it generally comes down to simple human physiology.

Board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon and Mohs surgeon Dr. Daniel Schlessinger explains, “Unlike skin on the face, skin on the neck has fewer oil glands, is much thinner and is mostly unsupported by bone, so when we naturally start to lose collagen after about age 25, even the smallest decrease can make skin look saggy and crepey and make the neck muscles on either side of the neck appear more prominent.”

While many may like to start with serums and creams for signs of neck aging, if you want to take your anti-aging efforts up a notch, there is now a new, FDA-approved treatment to help you achieve a smoother, more sculpted-looking neck, and it’s an injectable treatment you most likely already know and love!

BOTOX®, which has been FDA-approved for treating moderate-to-severe frown lines on the face since 2002, is now officially FDA-approved for treating moderate-to-severe vertical neck bands, also referred to as platysmal bands. Board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon and Mohs surgeon Dr. Joel Schlessinger says this is a great new area of treatment for BOTOX® that he’s already very familiar with: “I was delighted to be a part of the clinical trials that led to this approval and allowed us to see, firsthand, what a huge benefit this is for people with neck bands and unwanted wrinkles on the neck.” 

Our board-certified dermatologists are offering up their expertise and discussing this new treatment area for BOTOX®, including:

• What causes platysmal bands on the neck?
• How does BOTOX® for neck bands work?
• Are you a good candidate for neck BOTOX®?
• What to expect during your appointment

What causes platysmal bands on the neck?

The platysma muscle is a broad, thin muscle that hangs like a drape from the jawline to the collarbone. When it contracts, such as when you speak, make certain facial expressions or clench your jaw, it can contribute to the look of prominent bands on the neck, sagging skin and a less defined jawline over time. 

These muscles also sag as we lose natural collagen and elastin with aging, weight fluctuations, genetics and sun exposure. While very common, they are a cosmetic concern for some people, because it also creates the look of sagging skin on the neck commonly known as turkey neck. 

Technology can  also contribute to this phenomenon. Everytime you hunch over a computer screen or smartphone for an extended perior of time, it contributes to horizontal lines on the neck that are now often referred to as tech neck.

Dr. Joel expands, “The poor posture we often use from looking down at our phones and other screens further activates the platysma neck muscles and contributes to vertical bands as well as the deepening of horizontal creases across the neck.”  

How does BOTOX® for neck bands work?

BOTOX® is the most well-known brand of injectable treatments known as neuromodulators or wrinkle relaxers. It uses an active ingredient called botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily relaxes the muscles underneath the skin to smooth wrinkles and creases. It also helps prevent new wrinkles from forming and existing wrinkles from deepening. Dr. Daniel says, “Think of your skin like a piece of paper. If you crumple it repeatedly, the creases worsen and are harder to smooth out. If the paper is always allowed to lay flat, those creases never happen in the first place.”

BOTOX® for neck bands works to relax muscles in the same way. During treatment, our board-certified dermatologists will inject an FDA-approved dose of BOTOX® along the jawline and into the vertical bands that connect the jaw and neck. Once injected, it will reduce underlying muscle movement in the neck, helping to relax those muscles to create a more lifted-looking, smooth appearance. You may start to see improvement within one to three days post-injection, but it can take up to two weeks for the BOTOX® to take full effect.

Dr. Daniel says, “It is exciting to be able to use BOTOX® to help treat these platysmal bands that run vertically up and down the neck. It’s an easy treatment that produces great results!”

Are you a good candidate for neck BOTOX®?

Adults who want an improvement in the look of moderate-to-severe vertical bands between the jaw and neck should consider this treatment. BOTOX® for neck bands is a great option if you prefer a softer approach than invasive plastic surgery or have enjoyed getting BOTOX® in other areas of the face and want to try it on the neck area as well.

Most people are good candidates for BOTOX®. However, there are some instances in which this will not be the right treatment for you, including if you are currently pregnant or nursing, are allergic to BOTOX®, have an active skin infection, are on certain medications or experience certain neuromuscular disorders.

What to expect during your appointment

Your first step is to schedule a consultation with Drs. Joel or Daniel Schlessinger and our knowledgeable patient coordinators where you will discuss your specific concerns, your medical history and goals to determine if BOTOX® for neck bands is the right treatment for you.  Depending on your concerns, it may be decided that a treatment like Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen production in the neck and other areas of the face, or Kybella, which helps to dissolve fat below the jawline, might be a better option for your specific neck concerns. Skin resurfacing lasers like BBL SkinTyte, BBL SkinSmooth, or Halo may also be used to tighten the skin or subcutaneous tissues of the neck and lower face.

During this initial complimentary BOTOX® consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the treatment, including cost, post-treatment instructions and expected results. Finally, we can usually accommodate same-day injections immediately after your consultation, so you can begin your journey to a more youthful-looking neck as soon as possible.

For the most natural-looking BOTOX® results, especially in delicate areas like the neck, always choose an expert. At Schlessinger MD, only board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons administer BOTOX®. As Verified Expert Injectors with extensive experience in both traditional and innovative BOTOX® applications, including neck wrinkle treatment, Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger possess the in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy to deliver results that keep you looking like you, just naturally refreshed. Visit our appointment portal to book your consultation with expert injectors Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger today.

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