Botox For Platysmal Bands Bellevue & Kirkland

The neck—like the face—is rarely fully covered by clothing. Thus, it is more exposed to environmental factors and tends to age faster than the rest of the body. The signs of aging on the neck can include wrinkles, thinning skin, sagging, crepey skin, and the appearance or increased prominence of the platysmal bands. Several different treatments for the skin, muscles, and fat of the neck and surrounding structures can help provide a more youthful neck appearance. One of the most effective non-surgical solutions is Botox. The injectors at the Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery offer the best Botox for platysmal bands Bellevue and Kirkland provide.

Overview: What Are The Platysmal Bands?

The platysmal bands are formed by the platysma muscle which extends down each side of the neck in a fan-like shape. It is normal at any age for bands to appear when flexing the platysma muscle, but over time, these bands can become more prominent or even a permanent fixture of the neck. Some patients find the bands unsightly or feel like they make them look older than they are.

The reasons the vertical bands appear have to do with the natural aging process. First, the skin slows collagen production and the skin can begin to thin and not rebound from damage as quickly. Environmental factors such as sun exposure and damage along with free radicals also are a large contributing factor. From there, genetics and your medical history also play a role. Large weight loss—particularly in a short period—can also exacerbate neck banding.

Even with a good skincare routine and sun protection, the formation of platysmal bands is not completely preventable. If you do develop uninvited neck banding, there are ways to treat it.

Possible Treatments

The recommended treatment for platysmal bands will depend on the severity of the bands and your goals. Once the bands have formed, Botox injections are generally the best treatment. However, if you have concerns about future neck bands, or you notice them becoming more prominent, then skin treatments like chemical peels and microneedling may help slow the progression of aging.

Occasionally, in cases where sagging or excess skin is present, a neck lift can also address platysma bands. However, if you still have fairly tight skin, your provider will likely recommend Botox injections as the best treatment for platysmal bands.

Benefits

Botox treatments of all types come with benefits and risks. Usually, the benefits outweigh the risks. However, patients need to be fully informed of both to safely proceed with treatment. Some of the benefits include:

• Relaxes platysmal bands and neck muscles
• More youthful appearance
• Helps prevent future and worsening neck bands
• Reduces neck lines and wrinkles
• May help improve the contour of the jawline
• Smoother neck contour
• Nearly painless
• Safe and effective
• Quick injection process
• Little to no aftercare or recovery
• Non-surgical and minimally invasive
• Performed by a highly trained injector

Risks

Botox risks are minimal. However, when performed incorrectly, on an unideal patient, or in rare instances, Botox can cause complications. The possible risks include:

• Infection
• Unexpected results
• Difficulty swallowing
• Prolonged or severe side effects
• Allergic reaction

Overall, the risk of Botox injections into the platysmal bands is minimal and most patients tolerate the treatment well. Your injector will review your medical history, lifestyle, and anatomy to determine if you are a good candidate.

Botox Neck Lift vs. Surgical Neck Lift

Knowing whether a Botox neck lift or a surgical neck lift will adequately address your neck bands is not always evident to the untrained eye. Your provider will help you determine this during your consultation. Additionally, the table below provides some insight into which option may best suit your needs.

The two procedures do have a few similarities. For example, the biggest similarity is that they can promote a more youthful looking neck and address the appearance of platysmal bands. Your injector will generally evaluate you for Botox first because it is less invasive and comes with little to no downtime. However, if they believe that Botox alone will not provide the results you want, they may recommend a surgical solution.

The Injection Process

Your injector will start your injections by cleansing your neck skin with alcohol. Not only does this disinfect to prevent infection, but it also removes surface debris and makeup. From there, they may apply numbing cream if requested. The injections themselves are performed down each vertical band with injections roughly two centimeters apart. This usually takes around ten or twenty minutes.

Occasionally during the treatment, your injector may ask you to flex the platysma muscle by saying “e” or a similar exercise. This helps them inject more precisely for better results. When they finish the injections, they will clean up pinpoint bleeding, if present, and give you aftercare instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Age Do Vertical Neck Bands Form? 

There is not one single age when neck bands form. Most people who get neck bands will usually see them form some time between the ages of forty and sixty. Factors that can impact when or if you see platysmal bands form in the first place include:

• Sun damage
• Genetics
• Environmental damage
• Skincare
• General health

How Long Does Botox In The Neck Last?

Botox is not a permanent solution for platysmal bands. However, it can help promote a long lasting reduction when treated regularly. Botox lasts about three to four months in the neck. This is comparable and sometimes a little longer than other treatment areas.

What Should I Avoid After Botox?

Botox injections usually do not require an extensive recovery like a surgical procedure would. However, you may need to make some minor adjustments to your everyday routine. Your injector will tailor your aftercare instructions to your particular needs and medical history. Some of the common recommendations after Botox for platysmal bands include:

• Do not drink or smoke
• Keep out of direct sunlight
• Prevent your skin or body from becoming overheated
• Do not partake in strenuous exercise
• Avoid bending over or laying down for a few hours after Botox injections
• Sleep on your back
• Do not unnecessarily touch or massage the area
• Keep the area clean
• Refrain from applying heavy makeup in the treatment area for a few days

For the most part, patients can return to their full routines in about three days. Though, it is important to note that the final results will not settle in for about two weeks. Thus, using caution when touching the neck or applying makeup until the Botox has fully taken effect is a good idea.

Do Other Neurotoxins Work For Neck Bands?

Yes, other neurotoxins including Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau all provide similar effects and results. Therefore, if you already use one and see good results, you can likely use it to treat the platysmal bands as well. Some people simply see longer lasting or better results from one Botulinum toxin product than the others. Regardless of your preferences, they all similarly treat neckbands.

How Much Is Botox For Platysmal Bands?

The cost of Botox for platysmal bands depends on how many units you need, the product you choose, and your provider. Northwest Face & Body’s injectors offer package pricing as follows:

• 20 Units with Nurse: $199
• 30 Units with Nurse: $269
• 20 Units with Injector: $219
• 30 Units with Injector: $299

You can find our full suite of pricing on our price list. You can also use Price Simulator to add up the cost of multiple procedures. Northwest Face & Body does work with Allē Rewards and offers outside financing through Care Credit and United Medical Credit.

The Best Neck Botox In Bellevue At The Gallery Of Cosmetic Surgery

Platysmal bands may seem difficult to treat without surgery. However, Botox has shown great results in treating unwanted vertical neck bands. The injectors at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery come from diverse backgrounds and include plastic surgeons, aesthetic medicine physicians, and registered nurses. They all have undergone rigorous training and education to employ the best techniques and treatment philosophies. The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery performs the best Botox for platysmal bands Bellevue and Kirkland offers.

The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery upkeeps a warm and welcoming environment. You can enjoy hot coffee, tea, water, and cookies in our lobby. With on-site parking and a private suite, The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery places your safety and comfort first. Located just off I-405, the office is easily accessible from Bellevue, Kirkland, and Seattle.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also contact us online via chat, contact form, or the Price Simulator app.