The platysma is a large thin muscle that extends from the collarbone to the jawline. It can contract unevenly and form unsightly banding patterns. Muscle relaxing injections can be used to target these bands to relax the platysma and gradually remove the bands. Relaxing the platysma also has the benefit of reducing horizontal wrinkles that form on the neck. Micro-injections can also be used to reduce the appearance of individual wrinkles. The procedure typically takes less than half an hour.

Also useful in the treatment of neck wrinkles are micro-needling and rejuvenating lasers.

The treatment has similar pain to anti-wrinkle injections on the face and is minimal, especially if a topical anaesthetic is used. Ice can also be used to reduce pain and the chance of bruising.

Patients can return to work on the same day. There may or may not be some redness and small bumps at the injection sites which resolve quickly. The injections will start to work after about a week with a maximum effect at about 3 weeks. A follow up is advisable at this time.

It is generally a safe treatment. As per anti-wrinkle injections, injection site reactions are possible such as redness, bruising, swelling and rarely infection.

There is a low risk of difficulty swallowing or difficult holding up the head. The risk increases with larger doses. At our clinic, we have never seen a case of this and we have been injecting for over a decade.

Some patients may have saggy skin which cannot be resolved with anti-wrinkle injections. In some cases, laser treatments will be better while in others surgical correction may be required. Neck fat might be better treated with fat dissolving injections or liposuction.

After about 3 months, the effect of the previous injection will have started to wear off and a touch up is recommended.

Prices start at approximately $200.