Neck Platysmal Banding or vertical neckbands are one of the early sings of aging in patients. This is especially true in females. Presence of vertical neck lines (Platysmal Bands) that become more prominent with grimacing and facial animation may be present even when the remainder of the face and jawline shows very few signs of aging. This physical finding can causes significant anxiety to patients.

 

There are several ways (non-surgical and surgical techniques) to treat and correct the neck platysma bands. Dr. Long examines each patient carefully and determines the best technique to give the correction the patient desires, according to his or her anatomy, while taking into account their lifestyle and needs with regard to post-procedure downtime.

 

Patients have multiple options for the treatment and correction of neck platysma bands (vertical neck bands):

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Non-surgical:

Platysmal bands can be treated with BOTOX: The application of very small amounts of concentrated Botox in the vertical neck bands (platysma band) act to relax the platysma muscle, and therefore improve the severity of the Platysmal banding with minimal downtime. This procedure can be done in office on a walk-in / walk out basis. Longevity of the result requires serial treatment with BOTOX.

 

Surgical:

Percutaneous Platysmotomy: Consist in the transection of the platysma muscle at several points along the band through a percutaneous approach. The transection of the muscle avoids the formation of the band with animation or grimacing. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia. The downtime is generally associated with mild swelling and bruising that may last several days.

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Retro-auricular Platysma band correction: Consists of reshaping of the Platysma muscle through small-concealed incisions behind the ear. This can significantly correct the Platysmal banding with a long lasting effect.

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Submental Platysma band correction: Consists of reshaping the Platysma muscle through a submental (under the chin) incision. This approach allows direct liposuction beneath the chin as well as removal of fat from the subsurface of the Platysma muscle (subplatysma fat excision) to improve neck contour and address the double chin deformity in selected patients.

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Neck Lift: Is indicated in patients with moderate to severe Platysmal banding that are associated with signs of aging like loose skin (turkey neck), excess submental (underneath the chin) fat. This technique is the GOLD STANDARD for neck rejuvenation and correction of Platysmal banding.

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Neck Platysmal Band Correction FAQs:

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How can a Platysmal band treatment / correction improve my neck?

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Platysmal band treatment / correction surgery with Dr. Long, corrects the signs of aging of the neck (vertical platysma bands, loose neck, lack of neck definition, etc.) through different techniques / approaches making you look more youthful. Sometimes Dr. Long may accompany the procedure with Face Lift surgery for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The benefits of Platysma band treatment / correction include (depending on technique used):

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• Correcting visible vertical bands on the neck (loose neck muscle or platysma bands)

• Removing loose, sagging skin from under the chin

• Eliminating areas of fat from under the chin (double chin) and on the neck

• Recreating a smooth, youthful looking neck

 

Who is a candidate for Platysmal band correction / treatment?

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You are a candidate for Platysmal band correction / treatment if you have:

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• Visible neck vertical bands while in rest

• Visible or loose neck muscle bands grimacing and facial animation

• Lack of pleasing neck definition

• Excess fat deposits in your neck in association of platysma bands

 

Although a successful Platysmal band correction can set back the clock, no cosmetic procedure can permanently prevent the effects of aging.

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How is a Platysmal band treatment / correction performed?

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Dr. Long will perform your Platysmal band treatment / correction with a complete evaluation in advance of planning your intervention. Your neck will be evaluated to determine the degree of muscle and skin and the excess of fat in the neck. Also the definition of the jaw line, angle of the mandible and the chin will be evaluated.

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Generally, Dr. James Long performs your surgical platysma band treatment / correction with a discreet, well-hidden incision behind the ears and or below the chin. The incisions are designed to allow you to show off your beautiful results without being worried about or having to hide your scar. Through this incision, he restores a more youthful contour the muscles of your neck. Dr. Long my perform Liposuction of the neck if there is any excess fatty tissue in the neck bellow the chin. After shaping the underlying neck muscle, he will close the small incision for a well-rested rejuvenated look. For non-surgical platysma band, Dr. James Long will inject Botox in precise locations of the platysma band(s) to relax the muscle and therefore decrease the severity /improve the platysma banding. Treatment of platysma bands with Botox is performed in the office setting.

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Where is surgical platysma band treatment / correction performed?

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Dr. James Long almost always performs your surgical platysma band treatment / correction as an outpatient surgical procedure. Although some of our patients prefer to have general anesthesia, most patients are comfortable under local anesthesia without general anesthesia. You will recover quickly after surgery and normally go home the same day. You will need to have a close friend or family member drive you to and from the surgery center and care for you for the first 24-48 hours.

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How long does a surgical platysma band treatment / correction operation take?

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Platysma band treatment / correction  Board certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. James Long may take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on the severity of the bands and therefore the surgical technique chosen. Dr. James Long will consult with you to fully outline any pre-surgical requirements, what procedures we will be performing and what you can expect afterward.

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Can a surgical platysma band treatment / correction be performed under local anesthesia?

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Surgical platysma band treatment / correction can be safely performed under local anesthesia without having to go to sleep (general anesthesia), twilight sedation (IV sedation) or heavy oral sedation with Dr. James Long, Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon.

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What can I expect after a surgical platysma band treatment / correction?

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Bruising and swelling are common after your surgical platysma band treatment / correction. Each patient is different, but for most, these side effects normally resolve within 2-3 weeks for the surgical treatments. We remove your bandages the next day after, and place you in a face and neck garment that should be wore for at least 7 days. Sutures are usually removed 5 or 7 days after surgery.

It is extremely important that your newly rejuvenated neck to be protected from sun damage after surgery. Avoid sun exposure, wear a broad-brimmed hat, and liberally apply SPF 50 or stronger sunscreen as instructed by Dr. Long.

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When will I see results a surgical platysma band treatment?

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Within a week, you should see a significant improvement. Once the swelling and bruising are gone, you may have minor scars that are hidden behind your ears. These too, will fade over time. Gradually, your new, younger neck will emerge a few weeks after surgery. Most of our patients enjoy the benefits of a surgical platysma band treatment / correction for many years. Depending on your age, you may have more than one surgical platysma band treatment in your lifetime.

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How long does a non-surgical plasma band treatment / correction with BOTOX take?

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Platysma band treatment with Dr. Long may take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.

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How long is recovery after non-surgical platysma band treatment / correction with BOTOX?

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Very likely, you’ll be able to return to work next day after treatment of Platysmal bands with BOTOX. You may develop mild swelling or mild bruising that last just few days. We will closely follow your progress to ensure a smooth recovery.

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When will I see results a non-surgical surgical platysma band treatment with BOTOX?

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Within 3 to 4 days, you should see a significant improvement. If you develop any swelling and bruising these will fade in few days. Depending on the severity of the platysma bands and your age, you may require a touch up with BOTOX within a week to improve the results.

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Why choose Dr. Long for your Platysmal Band Correction?

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Dr. Long is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, neck, breast and body. His residency and fellowship training followed by teaching at prestigious institutions have given him a unique set of skills to perform cosmetic surgery. Dr. Long wants his patients look their best and is dedicated to helping them achieve their personal, social, and professional goals by providing natural looking results.

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Why go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for your Platysmal Band Correction?

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Practitioners who are not residency trained and Board Certified to perform Platysmal Band Correction have been found to have a higher rate of surgical complications. Among the most common patient complaints are minimal to no improvement, asymmetries, wound healing problems or worse. Always look for a surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Look for the ASPS logo, The Symbol of Excellence.