What causes Platysmal banding in the neck, and how to treat it?
Two strips of muscle running vertically down your neck are called platysmal bands. These are caused by contractions in the platysma layer of muscle that is the most superficial in the neck and face.
They don’t pose any health risks, but they can be a cosmetic concern. It can lead to saggy skin that can cause double chins and neck creases. This is often called a ” turkey neck“.
Platypysmal bands can be treated. Let’s find out what causes them and how we can treat them.
What causes the platysmal bands?
Platysmal bands accompany the ageing process. The skin’s loss of elasticity causes platysmal bands. The skin that lies over the platysma begins to sag and weaken. The skin also droops as the platysma muscles become less flexible with age.
Genetics may also play a part since the bands might become visible earlier in people with thinner skin.
Other factors can also cause platysmal bands. These include:
Muscle activity
Experts believed that platysmal bands were caused by ageing skin. A 2017 study disproved this belief. A 2017 study examined 25 people with unilateral facial paralysis after otoneurosurgical treatment. After 10 years, 76% had visible platysma bandings on the sides of their necks.
Researchers concluded that prominent platysmal lines caused muscle activity and natural ageing.
Exercise
This type of activity is more concentrated.
Next time you lift weights, look at yourself in the mirror to see what happens to your neck. Your platysmal bands are likely to stick out. Tension strains your neck.
The platysmal bands will become more obvious over time. High-intensity training can also affect facial muscles. The overlying skin can stretch and sag if it is used more frequently.
Platysmal bands can be prevented by being aware. It would be best if you always looked in the mirror before you start working out to relax the tension in your neck.
How to treat Platysmal Bands
Platosmal bands are not considered a medical problem, so treatment is unnecessary. Some people might wish to reduce the appearance of platysmal bands. These treatments might help.
Botox treatment for Platysmal Bands
Botox is not just for wrinkles. A 2018 research review found that it can reduce the appearance of platysmal lines by relaxing the neck muscles.
Botox can be used to remove platysmal bands. This will result in unbunching and lifting the jaw. It’s called the Nefertiti Lift,” Dr Paul Jarrod Frank is a cosmetic dermatologist and chief medical officer at PFRANKMD. He also wrote “The Pro-Aging Playbook “.
Botox is not approved for use in the neck and lower face. However, it is safe and relatively painless and only costs about $400. Some side effects include minor swelling and discomfort. It’s temporary, so you must keep track of the results every 3-4 months.
Dermal fillers
Dermal Fillers are injectable treatments that plump up the skin. It uses gel-like substances such as Hyaluronic Acid, poly L-lactic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite.
Although it can be used for plumping up the skin above the platysmal bands, Dr Barry Goldman, MD, says it is best used to fill deep horizontal lines on your neck.
Platysmaplasty, (neck lift).
Platosmaplasty is a great option if you are looking for dramatic results.
The injectables won’t work well if someone has a sagging, heavy neck. Frank states that surgical platysmaplasty will be the best treatment.
This cosmetic surgery tightens the skin at its weakest points. This will result in a more smooth neck and a sharper jawline.
