Do I need Botox for my platysma bands? Or is it just stubborn fat? (Photos)

Since you've had significant weight loss I think you are mostly seeing platysma muscle bands and not much fat. Botox should work well for you. If not, the next step is a neck lift with suturing of the platysma bands. Hope that helps!

Hi there! This is a common thing we see amongst the community who have gone through a significant weight loss. Based off of the photos you have provided, it appears the issue is a combination of skin laxity and strong platysma band constriction. You would benefit from a combination of Botox into these bands AND a skin tightening treatment such as morpheus8. This will help tighten the skin and build collagen. Typically you will need a minimum of three treatments to see your best results.

Based on the photos you provided and your description, the vertical neck bands you’re referring to are prominent platysmal bands—these are muscular cords that become more visible with age or when the platysma muscle contracts. These bands are best treated with Botox (botulinum toxin) injections, which help relax the muscle and reduce their appearance significantly. Botox works by weakening the muscle activity, which leads to a smoother and more youthful neck contour.

However, the residual fullness under your chin—despite significant weight loss—also suggests the presence of submental fat or loose skin. If there’s laxity or persistent fat deposits, Botox alone may not address the entire issue. In those cases, combination treatments such as:

Kybella (deoxycholic acid) for dissolving fat

Radiofrequency-based skin tightening

Ultrasound therapy (Ultherapy)

Or eventually surgical options (like liposuction or a neck lift)

might be required for more comprehensive contouring.

Summary:

Botox can effectively reduce the appearance of platysmal bands.

Stubborn fat or loose skin may need additional or alternative treatments for optimal results.

A multi-modal approach may yield the best cosmetic outcome, depending on your goals.

Platysmal bands Botox should help with this issue. I would recommend injecting minimum of 8-10 units of Botox into each band.

Hello,
My name is Lauren, and I’m the aesthetics injector at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center. It sounds like you're dealing with a combination of muscle bands and possibly some remaining fat in the chin and neck area. This is a common concern, and there are several options to consider when deciding between Botox or more advanced treatments.

The bands you're noticing when you contract your platysma (the neck muscle) can often be treated with Botox. Botox works by relaxing the muscles, which softens the appearance of the vertical bands in the neck and can enhance the definition of the jawline. This can be a great first step, especially if the primary issue is muscle-related. Additionally, treating platysma bands with Botox is now FDA-approved.

Another option to consider is Kybella. Kybella is an injectable treatment designed to target and reduce submental fat (the fat beneath the chin). It works by breaking down fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body.

Kybella is a non-surgical procedure that can help define the jawline and chin contour, making it ideal for those with stubborn fat under the chin.

Let me know if you’d like more information!

Hello and thank you for your question. Botox can definitely be a non-invasive way to see if your goals are met non surgically. The platysma are vertical muscle bands that run down the neck and become more visible or prominent as we age. These muscles can actually become more apparent following weight loss. Botox has been newly FDA approved to treat moderate to severe platysmal bands which once relaxed, reduces the downward pull on the neck and jawline. Hope this helps! Esther Litenatsky AGACNP-BC on behalf of Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein, facial plastic surgeon in Newburgh, NY and Montvale, NJ.

Botox is a safe and effective treatment to reduce the appearance of platysmal bands in the neck. It's important to find a skilled provider by asking - how many people have they injected in the platysmal bands. There are so many new injectors - it's important to ask.

Please watch the link below for information regarding Botox for Platysmal bands.

ealSelf Reply

Hello Considerate256500,

Congratulations to you for losing the weight. The pictures show an animated plantsman with skin. This a normal muscle but may have Botox or neck/face procedure options. Seeing you in-person is really the best way to know what options are available to you. Hope to see you here!

Sincerely,
Dr. Yao
(480) 657-2000

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. Yes, Botox can be a viable option for addressing the appearance of neck bands and improving the definition of your jawline before considering more invasive procedures. By injecting Botox into the platysma muscle, it can help relax the bands that contribute to the turkey neck appearance, potentially giving you a smoother look and enhancing your jawline's definition. This approach is less aggressive than surgical options and can provide a subtle lift, making a noticeable difference in your profile. I hope this helps and best of luck!

We occasionally use Botox to improve platysma bands and it works. I am not sure that it will be a good option in your case? An anterior neck lift with platysmoplasty will be a better long term option. Good luck.