When it comes to signs of aging, the neck often reveals our years before our face does. Those vertical bands that become more prominent when speaking or turning your head – technically called platysmal bands – can be a concern for many. And they are hard to erase the worse they get.
At Severn River Medspa, we offer an effective, nonsurgical solution using neurotoxin injections to soften these bands, restore a more youthful appearance to your neck and help prevent turkey neck.
Understanding Neck Bands
The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle that extends from your chest up through your neck to your jaw. As we age, this muscle can become more visible as distinct vertical bands, mainly when we speak or move our neck. This occurs due to natural aging, sun damage, loss of skin elasticity, and the gradual thinning of the fat layer that once kept these muscles less visible.
These bands aren't just an aesthetic concern – they can make the neck appear older than the face, creating a disconnected look that many find frustrating. While surgery (platysmaplasty) was once the only option for addressing this concern, modern aesthetic medicine offers a far less invasive alternative: strategic neurotoxin injections.
The Science Behind Neurotoxin Treatments
Neurotoxin treatments, including products like Botox and Jeuveau, temporarily relax the platysma muscle. When expertly injected into specific points along the bands, these products interrupt the nerve signals that cause muscle contractions. This relaxation softens the appearance of the bands, creating a smoother, more youthful neck contour.
What makes this treatment particularly effective is its ability to target the root cause of visible neck bands – muscle hyperactivity. While topical treatments might temporarily improve skin texture, they can't address the muscular component that creates these bands. Neurotoxin treatments provide a solution that works at the structural level.
The Treatment Process at Severn River Medspa
Your journey to a smoother neck begins with a thorough consultation. Our experienced practitioners, led by our board-certified physicians, will evaluate your neck anatomy, discuss your concerns and develop a customized treatment plan. We take time to understand your goals and explain how neurotoxin treatments can help achieve them.
The treatment itself is relatively quick, typically taking about 15-20 minutes. We inject small amounts of neurotoxin along the platysmal bands using ultra-fine needles. The number of injection points varies based on the severity of the bands and your unique anatomy, but most patients require multiple injection sites to achieve optimal results.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
During the procedure, you might feel slight pinching sensations at the injection sites, but most patients find the treatment very tolerable. Though many find it unnecessary, we can apply topical numbing cream if you're particularly sensitive.
After treatment, you can return to your normal activities immediately. However, we recommend you avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours and stay upright for 4 hours following treatment.
Don't massage or manipulate the treated area for at least 24 hours. Skip facial treatments or neck massages for two weeks for optimal results. Results typically begin to appear within 3-7 days, with full effects visible after two weeks. The improvement can last 3-4 months, though individual results may vary.
Beyond Basic Band Treatment
While neck band treatment with neurotoxins offers impressive results on its own, many patients choose to combine it with complementary therapies for comprehensive neck rejuvenation.
At Severn River Medspa, we might recommend the following:
- Dermal fillers to restore volume loss in the neck area
- RF microneedling for skin tightening
- Chemical peels or laser treatments for texture improvement
- TruSculpt iD for submental fat reduction
This multi-modal approach can simultaneously address various signs of neck aging, creating more dramatic and longer-lasting results.
Who Makes an Ideal Candidate?
Neurotoxin treatment for neck bands works best for patients with visible platysmal bands who want improvement without surgery. Not everyone is an ideal candidate. During your consultation, we'll evaluate factors like skin laxity, band prominence and overall neck anatomy to determine if this treatment will give you the results you desire.
The treatment is particularly effective for:
- Those noticing early to moderate neck band development
- Individuals who've developed more pronounced bands with age
- People who want to prevent bands from becoming more prominent
- Those seeking to maintain results after neck lifting procedures
Long-Term Management and Prevention
While neurotoxin treatments effectively address neck bands, maintaining results requires ongoing care. We recommend regular maintenance treatments every 3-4 months, though this can vary based on individual factors like muscle strength and metabolism.
Additionally, we encourage patients to adopt preventive measures that can help minimize band development. Always protect your neck from sun damage with a daily SPF of at least 30. Stay well-hydrated to maintain skin elasticity and bounce. Practice good posture, especially when using the computer, to reduce neck strain. Consider starting treatments early for preventive benefits.
The Importance of Expert Treatment
While neurotoxin injection might seem straightforward, treating neck bands requires extensive anatomical knowledge and technical expertise. The neck area demands precise injection placement and appropriate dosing to achieve natural-looking results while maintaining normal neck function.
At Severn River Medspa, our practitioners bring years of experience in facial anatomy and injectable treatments. We understand the complex interplay between the platysma muscle, surrounding tissues and overall neck aesthetics. This allows us to create customized treatment plans that provide optimal results while maintaining natural movement and expression.
Your Next Steps
If neck bands are affecting your confidence or making you look older than you feel, neurotoxin treatment could be your solution. At Severn River Medspa, we're committed to helping you achieve natural-looking results that enhance your appearance while maintaining normal function and expression.
During your consultation, we'll discuss your concerns, evaluate your neck anatomy and create a customized treatment plan. We'll explain the process in detail, answer your questions and ensure you feel confident about your choice.
Contact us at (410) 573-9191 or click here to schedule your consultation. Let us help you achieve the smooth neck contour you desire and look and feel younger.
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