How can I get rid of these bands on my neck? (Photo)

Thank you for your question and for sharing the photo. The vertical lines visible on your neck appear to be platysmal bands, which are common, especially after submental liposuction as the deeper fat is removed and the underlying platysma muscle becomes more prominent, particularly with age.

Since you're in your 50s and report having generally tight skin, that's encouraging—this suggests we’re likely dealing with muscle-related banding rather than loose, sagging skin.

Thank you for your enquiry regarding neck bands following liposuction under your chin.

The liposuction procedure you had two years ago successfully reduced the fatty tissue volume under your chin. However, this reduction has revealed some natural skin laxity in the area. This is unfortunately a potential occurrence after fat removal procedures in this area.

To address the neck bands, a neck lift procedure would be the most appropriate treatment option. This surgical intervention would:
- Tighten the skin in the under-chin (submental) region
- Allow access to deeper tissues through a deep plane technique
- Enable reduction of underlying muscle (digastric) and gland (submandibular) volume as weel as deeper seated fatty tissue
- Improve the overall neck contour

During the procedure, it is possible to strategically redistribute a small amount of fatty tissue just beneath the skin. This helps create a smoother appearance by providing appropriate tissue thickness in the right areas.

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. It sounds like you're dealing with those neck bands that can sometimes appear after liposuction, even with tight skin. Botox is a common and effective treatment for platysmal bands. It works by relaxing the muscles in that area, which can smooth out the appearance of those bands. Many people find that the results last for several months, and repeat treatments can help maintain a smoother neckline. I hope this helps and best of luck!

I’ve seen these type of bands Develop after liposuction a few times.
There are two different ideologies.
The first our regular soft platysmal bands that were present before the liposuction, but the fat removal made the bands visible. When that’s the case, they’re usually soft one pressed upon, and can respond to Botox injections.
These tend to be further down on the neck.
The second version are firm bands of scar tissue that form after liposuction and are not related to the platysma muscle. I had one patient personally who developed this that I followed for a year.
I’ve also had several patients I’ve followed remotely who described this on real self.
For most patients, they saw improvements overtime, but it required six months to a year before they saw improvements.
This second type of band usually feel really tight, especially when you extend the neck.
I don’t know of any definitive treatment to speed up the process.
They seem associated with previous overly excessive liposuction, which is very difficult to correct.
I wish I had a better answer for you.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD