The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Allergan’s OnabotulinumtoxinA for treating moderate to severe vertical platysma bands. The same injectable has been US FDA-proved for temporary improvement of the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. The approval for platysma bands is the first beyond facial use and the fourth for aesthetic indication.Â
What are platysma bands?
Also known as neck bands, platysma bands are the two vertical strips located on both sides of the neck, connecting the jawline and the neck. They are caused by aging and the contraction of platysma, the superficial muscles that run from your lower face (bottom jaw) to your collarbone. The platysma muscles aid in making facial expressions, such as shock, sadness, horror, and disgust.Â
Although these neck bands don’t pose serious health risks, they make some people self-conscious. This is because these bands cause the appearance of loose or wrinkly skin, as well as contribute to turkey neck or the combination of double chin and neck creases. They also become noticeable with age but some people may develop them sooner than others.
What causes platysma bands?
Platysma muscles have always been present in your neck, but they become more visible through the skin due to aging. Youthful skin hides their appearance, but as the skin thins, along with collagen reduction and tissue loss, veins, muscles, and tendons can show through the skin. Â
Apart from aging and loss of skin elasticity, a few other factors can also cause them to show up sooner.
- Genetics – traits such as having thin skin and naturally visible platysma muscles can be inherited.Â
- Muscle activity – eating, talking, and certain facial expressions use the platysma muscles. And along with aging, this can contribute to visible platysma bands.Â
- Strenuous exercise – this is especially true for workouts that cause more tension in the neck areas, like weight lifting or high-intensity workouts. Â
How can onabotulinumtoxinA help
According to a press release from Allergan Aesthetics, the makers of OnabotulinumtoxinA, the injection of said neurotoxin along the jawline and vertical bands that connect the jaw and the neck with one of the approved doses (based on severity) can temporarily reduce the activity in the underlying muscles. Patients, of course, need to consult their provider to determine if this procedure suits them best.Â
What the clinical studies revealed
The approval for platysma bands was attributed to the positive results in the Phase 3 studies. According to the same press release, the clinical studies demonstrated statistical significance in the improvement of the appearance of platysma bands, compared with placebo based on investigator and patient assessments.Â
The press release also mentioned that the injectable also met secondary endpoints based on patient-reported outcomes. In two clinical trials, for instance, 65% and 63% of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the appearance of their neck and jawline. This was two weeks after receiving 26, 31, or 36 units of onabotulinumtoxinA.Â
Can you prevent neck bands?
There is no sure way to prevent their occurrence, but there are things you can do to take better care of your neck and potentially delay their onset.Â
- Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen or use protective clothing on your neck.
- Make sure to always include your neck and upper chest in your skincare regimen.
- Use anti-aging serum and antioxidant skincare on your neck and chest area.
- Try to avoid extra or unnecessary neck strain when exercising or lifting weights.
- Try not to spend lots of time looking down for prolonged periods, like when using your phone.
How can Cutis help?
Our aesthetic clinic in Singapore offers botulinum toxin for wrinkles or aesthetic purposes. A consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors can help determine if this injectable is right for you or if you can benefit from other non-surgical treatments, such as:
Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) – naturally lifts and tightens the skin on the face, neck, brow, and under the chin. It uses microfocused ultrasound energy to heat the deeper layers and stimulate collagen production. It can lift the jawline, tighten loose skin, and improve fine lines and wrinkles on the upper chest.
Bio-remodelling injectable – bio-stimulates collagen and elastin to hydrate the skin and address laxity and other signs of aging. It can help improve sagging and wrinkling on the jowls, neck, and upper chest area, as well as reduce the look of lines and wrinkles. Additionally, it can improve skin firmness and help you achieve a glowing or luminous complexion.
Laser skin rejuvenation – gently heats the upper dermis using micro-pulses of laser energy. It helps stimulate collagen growth which can also restore the health, clarity, and youthfulness of the skin. It can help correct signs of aging on the neck and face, as well as sun damage, scarring, and facial redness.Â
Want to learn more about our neck treatments and how we can help you achieve a more youthful neck area? Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore and schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.Â
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/platysmal-bands#summary
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