Why do platsymal bands form at a young age? Underlying medical condition? I'm 23 and my neck looks 40. What can be done? (Photo)

Question

I am 23 years old and ever since I stopped taking the medicine Accutane, my skin aged rapidly and my muscles and joints have been in extreme pain and dysfunction.my muscles are in constant agony and I feel like I'm 60 years old. Do platsymal bands form with age related muscle conditions? What forms them and could they be a symptom to help with my diagnosis for muscle weakness and dysfunction? Has any doc seen this happen after the medicine accutane? What can be done?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I have been using Botox for aesthetic reasons for well over two decades and for successfully reducing the appearance of ropey, platysmal neck bands almost since the beginning. More recently, treating these bands directly with a series of microdroplets along each band is also accompanied by treating the jawline area--a technique known as the "Nefertiti Lift" owing to its benefits in straightening the jawline, as well, in attempt to create that chiseled jawline look in profile of the famed King Tut's step-mother, Nefertiti.That having been said, given your history of Accutane use, your young age, and your disabling pain and symptoms, it would seem wise, before embarking upon any aesthetic interventions,  to seek consultation with the appropriate specialists in order to determine the precise nature of your musculoskeletal pains and limitations in function.Accutane (which I feel very strongly should be reserved for only those patients suffering severe nodulocystic, scarring acne vulgaris who have failed all combinations of the most intensive oral and topical therapies currently available) is a strong medication with many potential short and long-term side effects, including all forms of musculosketal issues. However, it would be unwise in my opinion to automatically ascribe everything you are suffering to the Accutane without exploring other possible underlying causes with the appropriate medical specialists. The aesthetic issues can be addressed once the medical issues are in tow.Feel better, and good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

there are many ways to improve the laxity and banding in the neck.  it requires a combination approach. I suggest speaking to a very well trained dermatologist who specializes in both surgical and non surgical options.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Why do platsymal bands form at a young age? Underlying medical condition? I'm 23 and my neck looks 40. What can be done? (Photo)

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Why do platsymal bands form at a young age? Underlying medical condition? I'm 23 and my neck looks 40. What can be done? (Photo)

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