One of the more common signs of aging or massive weight loss will be the appearance of neck banding. In essence, two distinct vertical bands can be seen leading down the neck from the bottom of the chin, sometimes all the way down to the collar bone. Although this is most often associated with the effects of facial aging, neck bands can also occur following dramatic weight loss as the face and neck lose fullness. Dr. Paul Pin can help patients that are unhappy with the appearance of neck bands.

What Can Cause Neck Bands to Form?

The platysma bands are the two muscles on either side of the neck. If you grimace through clenched teeth, you should be able to feel these muscles. Unlike other muscles, which are attached to ligaments and bones, the platysma muscles are free floating and will pull forward as they contract. Over time, these muscles may become lax, thus leading to the appearance of neck bands.

Loss of skin elasticity in the neck area can also contribute to the formation of neck bands. Some people may also develop loose areas of fat around the neck. Finally, the skin in the neck area may lose collagen as it ages. Collagen is a protein that the body forms in order to help fill out the body over the skeletal framework.

What Treatments Are Available for Neck Bands?

Some patients may think that the only possible way to treat severe neck bands is with a full facelift. In fact, a modified lift of just the neck area is the better choice. In this procedure, Dr. Pin will pull the platysma muscles further back toward the ears in order to address the sagging. This procedure is nowhere near as extensive as a full facelift, and patients will usually only have two small scars behind the ears.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a good non-surgical option to treat the appearance of mild to moderate neck bands, as it will help to loosen the platysma muscles, which are often contracted and tight in patients with neck bands. Dr. Pin will inject the BOTOX® Cosmetic just under the skin in the area of the neck banding. The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic generally last anywhere from 12 to 18 months.

For patients that have excess fat in the neck area, a liposuction procedure may be a solution. In this procedure, Dr. Pin will make a series of small incisions around the neck. He will then use a thin metal tube, called a cannula, to vacuum out the fat. A liposuction procedure can be done alone or in conjunction with a neck lift to address neck bands.

Many patients who come to see Dr. Pin about how best to treat neck bands may feel that their neck makes them look old, worn, or not very friendly. Fortunately, there are now a variety of options from which to choose in order to restore the appearance of the neck. Contact our practice today to schedule an appointment and find out which treatment is right for you.