Age 38 - How can I fix these vertical neck bands? (photos)

Question

I’m 38 and my face is youthful but my neck is not. What are my options to fix these vertical neck bands sagging?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The problem here is a very common one in any active cosmetic dermatology practice. If there is a major platysma muscle component, this can be treated using microdroplets of Botox, for what is called the "Nefertiti Lift."  For the static presence of the neckbands, a robutst HA lifting filler can be used to tighten the peripheral areas and a cohesive, low viscosity filler may be used more centrally to further improve and smooth the area. The procedure can be done in about fifteen minutes in experienced hands and the results are typically immediate from the fillers and can take up to a week to see the results of the Botox if the Botox was necessary.  In your search, you will no doubt be offered expensive RF, ultrasound or fraxel laser treatments. Just know that the hard science to support any of these "bells and whistles" gizmos lags woefully behind the heavy marketing and social media influencer hype to promote them. Make sure to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and of course ask to see his/her personal befores and afters before agreeing to proceed. Best of luck.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Shah Facial Plastics. This is a great question. There are several different treatment options available. I highly recommend scheduling an in-person consultation in order to better assess your areas of concern and discuss an appropriate treatment plan to help achieve your aesthetic goals. Our office phone number is: (312) 944-0117. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"Injecting soft fillers like Belotero in this area can reduce lines, wrinkles and folds as well as improve skin texture with long-term collagen production. Fillers are being used more frequently to contour and lift rather than solely line fill. Of course, fillers are best used in combination with lasers and microneedling with PRP to get the optimal outcome.

I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist to create an individualized treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer"

I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist to create an individualized treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer"

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello !

Based on your pictures, it looks like you would be a good candidate for a necklift, which is an excellent procedure to correct saggy/wrinkled neck.

It is best to consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon for the best results.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Lisa Vuich, MD · Answer

Those are called platysmal bands and there are several of them in the neck- two in the front and one on each side. If they are prominent they can be treated with botox to relax the muscle, thus allowing it to "fall back" somewhat and appear less noticeable. Another option is skin tightening- consider a non-invasive, no downtime treatment such as Sofwave. I hope that helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You will have the best results from a combination of treatments.  Some options to consider are FaceTite, Morpheus8, and Botox.  FaceTite is a minimally invasive procedure which uses RF technology to tighten skin by stimulating collagen and elastin.  Results can be enhanced by adding Morpheus8 treatments.  Botox can be used to improve the appearance of platysmal bands.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. You have early platysmal banding which happens with natural aging of the neck. The best way to correct this is to have a necklift in which a small incision is made under the chin and the loose separated muscles are brought back together to restore your contour and remove the bands. Another option is to use botox directly in the muscles to relax them so they do create the bands with neck and jaw motion. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Age 38 - How can I fix these vertical neck bands? (photos)

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