Reduce muscles around neck area?

Question

Hi, I'm not sure what they're called but the muscles between my neck and shoulders are very bulky. I'm a 21 year old woman and they've looked like this all my life. I'd like a smooth/elegant/long neck area and these muscles make my neck look really short, awkward and bulky. I'm desperately trying to find out if there's any kind of safe surgery out there that can fix this. I know it's purely cosmetic but it's an insecurity I've been dealing with all my life and it would really help to address it. Thank you

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

It sounds like the muscles you are referring to our either the sternocleidomastoid muscle, or the trapezius muscle.  I doubt you are referring to the platysma as this sits more in front.  Unfortunately, there is no way I know of two reduced the size of this safely.  Botox would not work here either, as it would only serve to weaken this functionally necessary muscle group and the doses would need to be prohibitively high and repeated at intervals.  The only possibility is if there are were a significant fatty component superficial to these muscles which could potentially be addressed via liposuction, but more likely this is a musculoskeletal structure which cannot be addressed.  Visit a plastic surgeon in person to get examined see if indeed there is any solution.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, Phoenixforever. I suggest you consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon. The Laser-Assisted Weekend Necklift provides a natural appearance in a short and comfortable recovery time after a procedure that leverages minimal invasiveness under local anesthesia. I leverage both surgical and nonsurgical techniques for this procedure. While you may be young for this procedure, injectables/liposuction and other techniques may work well for you. Best wishes,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You can botox this area to help soften the muscle but any surgery here is hi risk for issues and scars.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

The neck muscle that run from the clavicle to the jawline is call the platysma muscle.  It is commonly manipulated and tightened during a neck lift or facelift.  At 21 years old, I believe it would be highly unlikely you would need to tighten these muscles.I would attach a picture in the future. I hope this helps.

David Q. Santos, MD · Answer

Simple answers initially are always best.  An initial attempt at Botox to the area of muscle particularly the platysmaplasty muscle that is most concerning.  If one attempt doesn't do the trick, try it a few more times.  Surgery to reduce muscle is a challenging option.  Removal of fat is routine but muscle trimming alone is not as common a practice so be wary.

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

Hi Pheonix, the main muscle in the neck that is involved in the aging process is the platysma muscle. It is highly unlikely that, at 21 years old, you would benefit from any type of platysmal tightening procedure. The sternocleidomastoid muscle is a larger muscle on the side of the neck. There are no cosmetic procedures used to reduce the size of this muscle.

Kailash Narasimhan, MD · Answer

Dear Pheonixforever,There are a few muscles in the neck which can appear prominent on exam.  One is the platysma which is superficial and gives bands in the neck and can loosen and make the neck appear older.  The other muscle is the sternocleidomastoid which is broad and thick and along each side of the midline.  This is not treated in necklift.  A picture might help to know what specifically you are referring to.Dr Narasimhan

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.While there are procedures to tighten the muscle in the front of your neck (the platysma), there are no surgeries that are commonly performed to reduce the muscles of the neck.  I recommend visiting with a plastic surgeon who can evaluate you, and see if there are any other treatments that can be done to achieve your goals.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question but if you are referring to the sternocleidomastiod muscle that muscle is not and should not be treated in cosmetic surgery.  The playsma muscle is treated. So be evaluated by an expert in your area and see what you would benefit from.Dr. Corbin

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