Neck Lift Without Surgery: Treating Platysma Bands with Botox at ER WellnessPlatysmal bands are vertical lines that can appear on the neck, often becoming more noticeable as we age. These bands are caused by the contraction of the platysma muscle, which can create unsightly sagging or tension in the neck area. Fortunately, Botox offers a minimally invasive solution for addressing these bands, providing a smoother, more youthful appearance. At ER Wellness, I specialize in Botox treatments designed to rejuvenate the neck and jawline area, helping you look and feel your best.
In this blog, I’ll delve into how Botox works for treating platysmal bands, the necessary dosage, and its effectiveness. Let’s break down everything you need to know.
How Many Units of Botox Are Typically Needed for Treating Platysmal Bands?
The number of Botox units required to treat platysmal bands depends on the severity of the bands and the type of treatment needed. Typically, you can expect to need anywhere from 20 to 50 units of Botox. A lighter treatment for mild cases may only require 20–30 units, while moderate to severe cases may need 40 to 50 units to effectively smooth the bands.
For those seeking a more comprehensive treatment that targets both the jawline and platysma muscle, which is known as the full Nefertiti lift, the required dosage may range from 50 to 60+ units. This treatment focuses on not just the platysmal bands but also the lifting effect around the jawline, providing a youthful contour to the lower face and neck.
Recommended Dosage of Botox for Platysmal Banding
When it comes to Botox for platysmal bands, the recommended dosage varies based on the severity of the bands and the treatment goals:
- Mild cases typically require 20–30 units of Botox.
- Moderate to severe cases often need 40–50 units for optimal results.
- For a full Nefertiti lift, which involves treating both the jawline and platysma, the dosage can go up to 60+ units.
By tailoring the dosage to the individual’s needs, Botox can effectively reduce the appearance of platysmal bands, smooth the neck area, and even offer a subtle lift to the jawline.
How is Botox Injected into the Platysmal Bands?
Injecting Botox into the platysma muscle requires precision to ensure the best possible results. During the procedure, a small, fine needle is used to inject Botox into each superficial platysma muscle. The injections are spaced out approximately 1 to 1.5 cm apart along each visible band. The goal is to relax the platysma muscle fibers, which causes the bands to flatten and the skin to appear smoother.
The treatment is typically quick, and the injections themselves are relatively comfortable due to the small needle used. Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure.
Does Botox Effectively Reduce the Appearance of Platysmal Bands?
Yes, Botox is highly effective at reducing the appearance of platysmal bands. By relaxing the platysma muscle fibers, Botox helps flatten the bands, creating a smoother neck appearance. This treatment not only diminishes the appearance of the bands but also alleviates the downward pull on the jawline, which can result in a mild lifting effect. The neck appears smoother and more youthful, and the overall contour of the lower face is improved.
How Long Does It Take for Botox to Show Results in Platysmal Band Treatment?
One of the great advantages of Botox is how quickly it works. For platysmal band treatment, most patients notice a softening of the bands within 3 to 7 days. The maximum results are typically visible after about two weeks, when the full effect of the Botox has settled in. It’s important to note that Botox doesn’t provide instant results, but the gradual improvement can be quite dramatic.
What Factors Influence the Number of Botox Units Required for Platysmal Bands?
Several factors influence the number of Botox units required to treat platysmal bands:
- Severity of the Bands: Mild, moderate, or severe cases will all require different amounts of Botox. Mild bands may only require a light treatment, while severe bands could require higher doses to achieve the desired effect.
- Number of Bands: The more bands you have, the more Botox may be needed to treat each one effectively.
- Length of the Bands: Longer bands can require additional Botox to achieve full smoothing and relaxation of the muscle.
Each patient’s treatment is customized based on these factors to ensure optimal results.
Are There Any Side Effects of Injecting Botox into the Platysmal Bands?
As with any cosmetic treatment, there can be minor side effects, but these are generally temporary. Some common side effects of Botox injections into the platysma area include:
- Mild bruising at the injection site
- Swelling or slight redness
- Small bumps at the injection points
- Tenderness in the treated area
These side effects usually subside within a few hours to a few days after treatment.
How Often Should Botox Be Administered for Platysmal Band Maintenance?
For maintenance, Botox treatments for platysmal bands are typically recommended every 3 to 4 months. This is because the effects of Botox are temporary, and regular treatments will be needed to maintain the smooth, lifted appearance. Over time, as the platysma muscle becomes more conditioned to Botox, the treatment may last longer before requiring a touch-up.
Best Practices for Injecting Botox into Neck Muscles
When it comes to injecting Botox into the platysmal bands, it is important to follow best practices to ensure safety and effectiveness. These include:
- Choosing the right candidate: Botox is best for individuals with visible platysmal bands who are looking for a non-surgical solution.
- Proper dosing: Accurate dosing is essential to ensure the best results without over-relaxing the muscle or causing an unnatural look.
- Skilled injection technique: The Botox should be injected precisely into the superficial platysma muscle to avoid affecting other nearby muscles.
A skilled and certified practitioner is key to achieving natural, safe results.
Can Botox Be Combined with Other Treatments for Better Results in Platysmal Banding?
Yes, Botox can be combined with other treatments to achieve even better results. One popular combination is Botox and dermal fillers. While Botox relaxes the platysma muscle and helps with the downward pull, dermal fillers can be used to add structure and support to the jawline and chin. Together, these treatments provide a more youthful, lifted appearance around the neck and jaw, often referred to as a full Nefertiti lift.
Case Studies: Real Results at ER Wellness
Case Study: Smoothing Platysma Bands with Jeuveau at ER Wellness
Client Background:
My client, a 57-year-old female, came to ER Wellness feeling self-conscious about visible vertical bands on her neck—commonly known as platysma bands. These muscle bands had become more prominent over the past few years and were beginning to impact her confidence, especially in photos.
She wanted a non-invasive treatment with minimal downtime to help her achieve the look she desired. After receiving 48 units of Jeuveau to the vertical neck bands and around the jawline, she was thrilled with the results.
2-Week Follow-Up:
The platysma bands were significantly softened, and her neck appeared smoother and more youthful. She felt more confident and was excited to share her transformation with friends and family.
Slimming & Jowl Softening with Botox in Batavia, IL
Client Background:
A 45-year-old client from Batavia, IL visited ER Wellness looking for a non-surgical way to slim her jawline and improve the appearance of early jowling. She noticed that her lower face had started to lose definition, and her facial expressions often made her look tired. She wanted subtle, natural-looking improvements and a refreshed appearance.
Treatment Summary:
For this customized “mini facelift” approach, I used 38 units of Botox, distributed across key areas:
- Platysma Bands – to soften neck tension and create a subtle upward pull along the jawline.
- DAO (Depressor Anguli Oris) – to reduce the downward pull at the corners of the mouth.
- Jawline/Lower Face – to ease tension and allow natural elevation of the tissue.
2-Week Follow-Up:
The client was thrilled with her slimmer jawline, softened jowls, and smoother neck. She felt her appearance was more lifted and refreshed—exactly the subtle transformation she had hoped for.
Ready to Address Your Platysmal Bands?
At ER Wellness, I am dedicated to helping you achieve a smoother, more youthful neck and jawline with Botox and Jeuveau. Whether you’re looking to eliminate platysmal bands, define your jawline, or restore a more youthful contour, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Book your consultation today by calling +1 (630) 492-0172 or visiting my website. I proudly serve clients in Geneva, IL and surrounding areas.