Neck Bands

Neck bands, also referred to as platysmal bands, are lines that traverse the anterior region of the neck. While aging is the primary factor contributing to their presence, they can manifest prominently in younger individuals as well. These bands can create the illusion of drooping skin, leading to the emergence of a double chin, neck creases, and commonly known as “turkey neck.” Fortunately, various non-surgical treatment options exist to address noticeable platysmal bands. Let’s explore the causes of these bands and potential treatments.

What are neck bands?

As previously mentioned, neck bands are lines running across the front of the neck, either horizontally or vertically.

Horizontal neck bands, also known as necklines or necklace lines, extend horizontally across the front of the neck. They typically result from the natural aging process and may become more pronounced over time due to the relatively lower fat content in the neck area, along with factors like weight loss and prolonged sun exposure without adequate UV protection. These horizontal bands can contribute to the appearance of sagging or crepey skin in the neck area and may lead to a loss of definition beneath the jawline.

Vertical neck bands, on the other hand, consist of two strips of muscle running vertically down both sides of the neck. These bands arise from contractions of the platysma muscle, which constitutes the most superficial muscle layer in the face and neck.

What causes neck bands?

Neck bands often become more noticeable as we age, but genetics and lifestyle factors also impact their formation. Exercise and muscle activity can influence their appearance. These platysmal neck bands persist, varying in visibility over time. The main contributors to neck aging are:

Genetics

Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in determining the characteristics of our skin, including its elasticity and propensity for aging. Some individuals may inherit genes that make them more susceptible to developing neck age lines earlier or more prominently.

Weight loss

Significant weight loss, especially in a short period, can result in loose or sagging skin around the neck area. This occurs because the skin loses its elasticity gradually as the fat deposits beneath it decrease. As a result, neck age lines may become more pronounced due to the lack of support from underlying tissues.

Clenching your teeth and stress and anxiety

Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension, including the muscles in the neck and jaw area. Clenching your teeth or tensing these muscles frequently can contribute to the formation of neck age lines over time. The repeated contraction of muscles may cause the skin to crease or wrinkle, leading to the appearance of lines or bands on the neck.

During periods of intense stress or anxiety, the body, particularly the neck, shoulder blades, and jaw, tends to clench and tighten. This response occurs even during activities like high-intensity workouts, as certain muscles prepare for pressure.

Consequently, the platysmal bands in the neck may constrict and protrude forward. Unlike other muscles, these bands are not tethered by ligaments, allowing them to move more freely. Over time, repetitive movements can push them forward, making them increasingly visible.

Additionally, as skin ages, it becomes thinner, accentuating underlying muscles and bone structure, further contributing to the prominence of neck bands.

Preventing neck bands

Although there is no way to prevent the occurrence of neck bands, there are ways to delay the onset as long as possible.

• Minimize neck strain, particularly during weightlifting or strenuous activities.
• Limit prolonged periods of looking down, as often experienced when using electronic devices like smartphones.
• Utilize UV protection methods, including SPF sunscreen application and wearing protective clothing.
• Adhere to a skincare routine emphasizing anti-aging properties and antioxidants to safeguard against damage.

Can doing neck exercises help minimize neck bands?

While neck exercises can enhance muscle strength and tone in the neck region, their capacity to reduce neck bands is somewhat constrained.

Nevertheless, specific exercises targeting neck muscles, like the platysma muscle, may offer some advantages. These exercises have the potential to enhance muscle definition and firmness in the neck area, potentially leading to a decrease in the visibility of neck bands. It’s essential to acknowledge that individual results may vary, and the effect of exercises on neck bands may be modest.

Neck lines treatment

Various non-surgical options exist for addressing mild neck bands, such as Botox, dermal fillers, Sculptra, and microneedling. These treatments are best suited for individuals within a healthy weight range, with minimal fat beneath the jawline, and whose neck bands are considered mild to moderate with minimal grooving.

Botox for neck

Botox works by temporarily relaxing the muscles underlying the platysmal bands. Injected at specific points along these bands, Botox inhibits muscle activity, resulting in a softer and smoother appearance. By blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions, Botox effectively diminishes the visibility of neck bands. The procedure involves multiple small injections and is generally well-tolerated, with minimal discomfort. Results typically appear within days to a week and last around three to four months.

Filler for neck lines

Dermal fillers, often composed of hyaluronic acid, are used to restore volume and smooth out wrinkles caused by sagging skin in neck bands. Injected strategically into affected areas, dermal fillers plump the skin, reducing creases and wrinkles and promoting a more youthful appearance. They also enhance overall skin quality, texture, and volume, helping to tighten the skin and minimize neck bands. Results are immediate and can last several months to a year, depending on the filler used and individual factors. Maintenance treatments may be necessary over time.

Filler in neck before and after pictures

Microneedling neck wrinkles

Microneedling stands out as a particularly beneficial treatment for the neck, an area where the skin is notably thin and delicate, making it susceptible to various signs of aging such as wrinkles and sun damage.

This innovative procedure offers a multifaceted approach to rejuvenating the neck’s appearance. By stimulating collagen production and enhancing skin elasticity, microneedling effectively combats fine lines and wrinkles while restoring a youthful suppleness to the skin. Additionally, microneedling can help fade scars and blemishes, further contributing to a smoother and more even complexion.

One of the primary advantages of microneedling on the neck lies in its ability to significantly boost collagen production—up to 200%, in fact. This substantial increase in collagen not only aids in reducing the visibility of scars and blemishes but also improves skin elasticity, addressing one of the key concerns associated with neck aging. Moreover, microneedling can refine the appearance of pores, lending the skin a smoother and more refined texture.

At Direct Aesthetics, microneedling on the neck is performed using the SkinPen microneedling device. This state-of-the-art device features multiple tiny needles on its head, which gently penetrate the skin, creating micro-punctures. These controlled punctures stimulate the body’s natural healing response, prompting the production of collagen and elastin. Over time, this leads to significant improvements in the skin’s appearance, helping to restore a youthful, radiant glow to the neck area.

Microneedling neck before and after

Sculptra for neck

Sculptra, an FDA-approved dermal filler containing poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), is renowned for its efficacy in treating facial wrinkles, including nasolabial folds. Moreover, it is utilized off-label to rejuvenate and smooth neck skin.

As we age, collagen production declines, leading to diminished skin volume and the emergence of wrinkles. Unlike hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, which provide immediate volume, Sculptra works by stimulating collagen production. Injected deep into the dermis, Sculptra’s PLLA microparticles trigger the body’s collagen synthesis response.

Over several months, the body gradually degrades the PLLA, replacing it with newly produced collagen. This process rejuvenates the neck, restoring volume and reducing sagging and wrinkles.