Discover the Causes, Treatment Options, and Prevention for Neck Bands Following Chin Lipo
If you’ve undergone or are considering chin liposuction to sculpt and contour your jawline, you may be concerned about potential neck bands forming afterwards.
Medically known as platysmal bands, these vertical ridges or creases on the neck can occur due to the impacts of swelling, skin laxity, or muscle tightness following any chin liposuction procedure.
In this complete guide, leading board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Darren M. Smith covers everything you need to know about neck bands after chin lipo. You’ll learn what causes bands to occur, whether surgery is necessary to treat them, and ways to help prevent visible platysmal bands from forming.
What are Neck Bands and What Causes Them?
Neck bands are vertical lines that run from the jawline down to the collarbone, appearing due to the tightening or contraction of the platysma muscle located under the skin surface along the neck.
The platysma muscle is a broad, thin muscle that runs vertically on both sides of the front of the neck, and it can lose elasticity due to natural aging, weight changes, or surgical impacts, causing the skin above it to pucker into visible ridges or bands.
Loss of fat deposits under the skin as we age also reduces smoothness and can make neck bands more noticeable. Some factors that contribute to the appearance of neck bands include:
- Aging
- Genetics
- Weight loss
- Exercise
A 2017 study concluded that muscle activity is a potential cause of visible vertical lines on the neck and loose platysma bands, as the muscle pulls apart and rolls up into bands over time.
Exercise can also exacerbate the appearance of neck bands, as the more face and neck muscles are used, the more the overlying skin may stretch and sag.
Discover How Dr. Darren Smith Can Help You Address Neck Bands Effectively. Schedule a Consultation Now for a Personalized Assessment
Chin Liposuction and Neck Bands
Chin liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat from the area under the chin and along the jawline. It is performed by making small incisions under the chin and inserting a thin tube called a cannula to suction out the unwanted fat.
The benefits of chin lipo include:
- Contour the neck and jawline for a slimmer facial profile
- Reduce the appearance of a double chin or excess fat that creates jowls along the jaw
- Enhance facial harmony by balancing facial proportions
By removing fat deposits under the chin through liposuction, it can minimize the appearance of horizontal neck bands. The procedure creates a smoother neck contour which can make bands less noticeable.
Chin lipo is often a complement to other surgeries like a facelift or platysmaplasty that specifically target neck laxity and bands.
Can Liposuction Cause Platysmal Bands?
Liposuction can be an effective complementary treatment for reducing the appearance of platysmal bands however, in some cases, neck bands can actually worsen or develop following chin liposuction.
There are several potential causes for this unintended consequence of an otherwise beneficial procedure. This include:
| Cause | Explanation |
| Swelling/edema | Post-surgical inflammation and swelling pushes out on the skin, making neck muscles appear more visible temporarily. As swelling resolves, bands typically improve. |
| Loose skin | Skin laxity along the neck and under the chin won’t be resolved with lipo alone. Sagging skin can still pucker into visible ridges. |
| Muscle laxity | Pre-existing loose platysma won’t be tightened with chin lipo. Loose neck muscles lead to persistent bands without muscle tightening. |
| Tissue damage | In rare cases, bands may form from ischemic muscle damage during liposuction. These often soften over time as tissues heal. |
| Natural aging | Lipo can’t reverse skin and muscle changes that occur naturally with age. Bands may still develop eventually. |
How to Treat Neck Bands After Lipo
If unwanted platysmal bands develop following your chin liposuction, there are multiple potential treatment options to improve their appearance:
Massage and Ultrasound
Massage and ultrasound treatments can help break up scar tissue over time, allowing bands to soften. Regular massage helps improve circulation and lymphatic drainage which can reduce swelling and soften tissue. Ultrasound uses sound waves to gently vibrate tissue, stimulating healing.
Botox
Neuromodulators like Botox or Dysport relax the platysma muscle when injected, smoothing away bands temporarily. These injections paralyze neck muscles for 3-6 months, allowing bands to release. Repeat injections are needed to maintain results.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency skin tightening uses heat energy to stimulate new collagen production in the dermis. This helps smooth and tighten neck skin, reducing the appearance of bands. Multiple treatments are usually needed for optimal tightening.
Laser Lipo
Laser-assisted liposuction uses laser energy to help emulsify fat prior to suction. This may help reduce risk of bands versus traditional techniques. The thermal effect helps tighten tissue.
Surgery
Direct muscle modification like platysmaplasty surgery cuts or stitches neck muscles for permanent tightening and band reduction. During this outpatient procedure, excess muscle is removed and tightened via sutures through small incisions under the chin.
Dr. Smith will determine the best treatment plan based on the severity of your bands and their suspected underlying cause after chin lipo.
Learn About Our Innovative Treatments to Address Neck Bands Post-Liposuction. Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Smith for Personalized Solutions
When is Surgery Necessary for Neck Bands?
Mild to moderate platysmal banding is considered normal after liposuction procedures, especially in the early post-operative period when swelling is most pronounced.
In most cases, these bands will significantly improve and soften within a few months without need for additional surgery. Wearing a chin strap as recommended can help expedite resolution.
However, patients who had noticeable neck banding prior to chin liposuction often find that the procedure alone is inadequate to eliminate these muscle bands long-term. The lipo smooths the area under the chin but does not tighten the platysma muscle or lift sagging neck skin.
Combining the chin lipo with a platysmaplasty (neck lift) procedure allows for a complete neck contouring with both fat reduction and muscle tightening.
In rare instances, some patients may develop ischemic muscle damage during liposuction, resulting in rigid, cord-like bands that do not improve over time. In these cases, a procedure like platysmaplasty may be required to cut and release the stiff bands.
When performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon, neck lift surgery done in conjunction with chin lipo can provide very effective and long-lasting reduction of platysmal neck bands.
Prevention of Bands with Botox Before and After Chin Lipo
Many plastic surgeons now commonly use Botox or other neuromodulators as part of the treatment protocol before and after chin liposuction to help prevent visible platysmal bands.
When injected along the neck muscles a few weeks prior to the procedure, Botox relaxes the platysma and helps prevent stiff banding from developing afterwards as swelling peaks. Botox also gives the skin time to shrink wrap over the newly contoured area following liposuction.
Platysmal bands are still possible after Botox, but typically appear much softer. Botox along with lymphatic massage is also often used starting a few weeks after surgery to further relax tight neck muscles and smooth early bands until swelling fully resolves.
These non-surgical injections do not produce permanent tightening, however, so bands may recur over time as the Botox wears off. But they are very effective at minimizing risk of platysmal banding and speeding resolution when used properly around the time of chin liposuction.
Take Proactive Steps to Prevent Neck Bands with Botox and Expert Care from Dr. Darren Smith
Consult The Expert
If you’re concerned about potential neck bands arising after chin lipo or want to proactively prevent them, consult with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Darren M. Smith. An expert in facial rejuvenation, Dr. Smith will evaluate your individual anatomy and concerns to determine the optimal combination of procedures to help you achieve your goals.
From Botox neck band prevention to possible neck lift surgery, Dr. Smith has the skill, experience and latest techniques to address this potential side effect and enhance your results.
Get in touch with Dr. Darren Smith today to learn more about treating or preventing neck bands after chin liposuction. Call +12126330627 or request an appointment online to meet with this highly trained facial plastic surgeon.
With proper planning and care from an expert cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Darren Smith, you can feel confident achieving an improved jawline contour without the concern of visible neck bands developing. Book your consultation today.
