Submental/neck bands question - what could be done to improve this? (Photo)

Question

I’m 35 and have recently noticed some ffvertical lines forming where my neck meets my chin. I can’t tell if this is the beginning of platysma bands showing or loose skin or both. I have lost some weight this year and I’m also being treated for TMJ issues which has brought my lower jaw forward somewhat. I’m not sure if either of these have affected my neck. I’m wondering what this might be and what could be done.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The kind of neck laxity seen in the photo is rather common in my experience. Vertical bands can quite easily be softened with a series of microdroplets of Botox, the so-called "Nefertiti Lift."  Any residual contour defect can then be improved with the appropriate injection techniques of HA fillers--more robust HA fillers for the sides of the neck and skin boosters more centrally. In experienced hands, this all takes no more than about twenty minutes to perform and engenders little to no significant downtime. Make sure to consult with an experienced board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler expert and not just any venue hawking the expensive "bells and whistles" fraxel laser, RF or ultrasound device it just purchased. Buyer beware. Also make sure to ask to see the injector's before and after photos before agreeing to proceed. Best of luck. .

Submental/neck bands question - what could be done to improve this? (Photo)

Answers (1)