Botox for Relaxing Neck Bands?

Botox injections are effective at softening the neck bands (also known as platysmal bands). The treatment can also be combined with a “Nefertiti Treatment”, which will improve the definition of your jaw line and create a beautiful neck lift at the same time. The cost of your treatment depends on the number of units administered.

Thank you for your question.  Botox can be a very safe and effective way in helping to soften the appearance of neck bands by relaxing the muscles. I would recommend visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist in your area to address your concern as it is an advanced area to treat. And in addition, there may be alternatives that can be used as a standalone or in conjunction with Botox to provide an even more effective treatment.

There is some retraction of the neck bands, making them look better in some, but not all individuals. When used in this off-label approach, it involves the same side effects as Botox when administered in facial regions such as brusing, but there is a risk that the neck muscles might be so relaxed that you could find it difficult to raise your head out of the hair salon’s shampoo sink, and a few cases of hoarseness have been reported.
Also, a very, very rare but serious side effect had been reported where a patient had difficulty swallowing, but this was not permanent. These worrisome side effects are possibly dose-related so reasonable number of units delivered to the area of the neck bands do not cause this to happen. Alternative treatment is a surgical neck lift. External radiofrequency devices may help minimally.

I routinely use Botox to treat platysmal neck bands.  I usually start with 40 to 60 units and dilute this in twice the normal amount of saline to provide uniform coverage.  It is safe and effective and cost much less than a traditional neck lift or platysmaplasty.

Hi lk,
Botox can be very effective at relaxing platysmal neck bands. It can also be used to lift the neck (The Nefertiti Lift). It does take higher units to achieve excellent results, so do speak to you injecting physician about costs prior to your treatment.
The neck is an area where you should seek out an expert because of the higher doses used, and the possibility of significant complications is placed improperly. Good luck and be well.
Dr. P