
TREATMENT FOR PROMINENT PLATYSMAL BANDS
If you’ve started noticing vertical cords standing out on your neck, particularly when you speak, smile or tense the area, these are usually caused by the platysma muscle. With this treatment, carefully placed anti-wrinkle injections can relax selected parts of this muscle, helping the bands appear softer and reducing some of the downward pull through the neck and lower face.
Appointments available in Leytonstone, East London.
TREATMENT COST
Included in our lower face anti-wrinkle treatment for £350 or full face anti-wrinkle treatment for £590.
SESSIONS NEEDED
Usually one treatment session, with a review if needed.
RESULTS
Visible neck bands gradually soften over approximately two weeks.
The platysma is a thin sheet of muscle that runs from the upper chest and collarbone area towards the jaw. As it contracts, parts of the muscle can become visible as vertical cords running up the neck.
These are known as platysmal bands. They may become more noticeable over time or when you speak, grimace, smile or tense the lower face.
Neck band treatment uses carefully placed muscle-relaxing injections to soften the activity of selected parts of the platysma. This can make prominent bands less noticeable and reduce some of the downward pull the muscle creates around the jawline.
This treatment is specifically for visible muscle bands. It won’t remove loose skin or every line on the neck, so we’ll assess the area first and explain what it can realistically improve. It’s important to distinguish vertical muscle bands from horizontal neck lines or loose skin, as these concerns may need a different treatment.
This treatment may be suitable when active platysma muscles are creating visible vertical cords through the neck. It can help with: • Prominent vertical neck bands • Bands that become more visible when speaking or moving • A tense or strained-looking neck • Downward muscle pull through the lower face • Early loss of definition around the jawline caused by muscle activity • Creating a smoother, more relaxed-looking neck • Softening the transition between the neck and jawline It won’t remove excess skin or completely tighten the neck. If your main concern is skin laxity, horizontal neck lines or changes in skin texture, HIFU, RF microneedling or another treatment may be more appropriate.
Your appointment will always start with a consultation so we can chat through your concerns, take a look at the treatment area and understand what you’d like to achieve. We will take time to understand what has been bothering you, explain what this treatment can realistically do for you, and answer any questions you have.
Everything is tailored 100% to you, and your unique goals. If you decide to go ahead, we'll apply a numbing cream, if appropriate, and begin the treatment. We won't start until you're 100% happy. At the end of the appointment you’ll also be given clear aftercare advice so you know exactly what to do afterwards and how to get the best from your results.
RESULTS
Visible neck bands gradually soften over approximately two weeks.
SESSIONS
Usually one treatment session, with a review if needed.
DOWNTIME
Minimal; small bumps, redness or bruising may briefly appear.
PAIN
Brief pinpricks; most clients find the treatment easily tolerated.
Aesthetic and skin treatments can feel daunting when you have never visited a clinic before. At Facebox London, you will not be expected to know any terminology or make a decision before you feel ready. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible. We pride ourselves on this in our friendly East London clinic.
Facebox London is based in Leytonstone, London, providing treatments in a private, welcoming clinic setting, with free parking nearby. The location is convenient for clients travelling from nearby areas including:
Vertical neck bands are usually caused by sections of the platysma muscle becoming more prominent. They may stand out when the muscle contracts or remain visible while the neck is relaxed.
Ageing, genetics, muscle activity and changes in the skin can all affect how noticeable they become.
It can soften neck bands caused by an active platysma muscle, but we wouldn’t promise to remove them completely. The treatment reduces the strength of selected muscle contractions, helping the bands look less prominent.
It won’t remove loose skin or treat every type of neck line, which is why we’ll assess the area first.
Results usually last for around 12 weeks, although everyone responds differently. The strength of your platysma muscle, your metabolism and your individual treatment plan can all affect this.
The bands will gradually become more noticeable again as muscle movement returns.
It may improve the appearance of the neck by softening prominent bands and reducing downward muscle pull, but it doesn’t directly tighten loose skin.
If skin laxity is the main concern, we may recommend exploring HIFU, RF microneedling or another skin-tightening treatment instead.
The platysma sits close to other important neck muscles, so accurate assessment, careful placement and an appropriate treatment plan are essential.
Temporary neck weakness or swallowing difficulties are possible but uncommon risks of treatment in this area. We’ll discuss these risks properly during your consultation and won’t recommend treatment if we don’t believe it is suitable for you.