Vertical neck band at age 23? Can I do anything about it? (Photo)

Thank you for your question and for the picture you posted.I can't say if the medication you took would have caused this.  In my 14 years experience in facial plastic surgery, most patients start showing the separation (dehiscence) of their plastysmal muscle bands in their 40's.  That being said, there is a small group of people where the muscles never were really or strongly attached and consequently, will show the separation early in time.Now I should add that your neck is very slim and that most people with thin neck can demonstrate some forms of banding with exaggerated mouth down-frowning, i.e. with muscle contraction.  In those cases, Botox can be tried, usually 12-15 units per band.  Botox only helps tight bands in the neck, not the loose ones.Otherwise, a small incision can be performed under the chin and the muscle can be repaired (reapproximated) and sutured from the chin to the throat cartilage.  This is a one-hour procedure and can often be done under intravenous sedation.Let us know if this information was useful!Best regards,Dr. Marc DuPéré, Toronto aesthetic plastic surgeon and facialist.

These bands are the result of contraction of the platysma muscle. Dysport or Botox injections represent the treatment of choice.

You neck appears very skinny and your neck bands show so early. This may be constitutional and/or it may be related to your underlying medical condition.Treatment with Botox and Botox-like agent will help for some time. Skin condition, unfortunately,  will not improve with this treatment.You should consult a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss your options of short and long term treatment. Good luck. 

Your bands are a result of a hyperactive muscle called the platysma. This muscle can be relaxed with some Botox or Dysport quite easily and affordably. Do not let someone recommend a neck lift for you, that is a gross overkill and waaaay down the road for you. Starting Botox now will likely delay ever needing a necklift as well. 

I suggest seeing a cosmetic dermatologist who does a significant amount of neck rejuvenation.  This is easily treated with botox/dysport and can be improved significantly with Thermi.  Best, Dr. Emer.

It appears you are grimacing to create the bands... and if so, then Botox can be used to paralyze the muscles and eliminate the bands but this only temporizing and needs to be repeated to maintain the effect.  If you're at rest, then technologies that employ radiofrequency such as Thermi or ultrasound (Ulthera) could be beneficial.  But you should know what the policy is in case it does not do anything.

Thank you for the question and photos and the simple answer is Yes.  They can be corrected with Botox or more permanently with surgery so see some experts in your areaDr Corbin

It is normal to see these bands when you grimace and tighten the neck. If they are visible at rest, Botox or Dysport can help.

Your best option is to have Botox or Xeomin injected into the length of the bands.  Most of the time the improvement is remarkable and should last several months.  Remember that it is natural to have muscle bands in the neck when you do contract the muscle (as it appears you're doing in the photo).  They shouldn't be seen at rest however until you're in your late 40's +

The vertical neck bands you are experiencing is more a function of a hyperactive and split muscle in the neck (Platysma muscle).  Although, a neck lift surgery can correct this problem, at your age, I would agree with Dr. Corbin, a trial of Botox injections would probably be the best option.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.