Vertical Neck Bands

Vertical neck bands, also known as platysmal bands, are a sign of aging of the neck. They result from the weakening and sagging of the platysma, which cause the medial fibers of the muscle to separate and become hyperkinetic, making them more prominent. Loss of elasticity of the skin over the platysma was thought to be the cause of the vertical neck bands, but recent studies suggest that the sagging of the muscle causes changes in the neck's structural integrity. There are several options for treatment of vertical neck bands, including botulinum toxin injection and facelift surgery.