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While neurotoxin treatments for the upper face are a cornerstone of aesthetic medicine, a significant opportunity for practice differentiation lies just below the jawline. As Dr. Saami Khalifian recently noted in Dermatology Times, neglecting the neck can be a major oversight for skilled practitioners.
"Not incorporating neurotoxin treatment for platysma bands may represent a missed opportunity... platysma bands are where we differentiate our expertise... This isn’t just adding injection points; it’s elevating your entire approach.”
This perspective reframes platysma band treatment from an add-on service to a core component of a comprehensive aesthetic practice. However, this opportunity comes with a responsibility to master the complexities of the neck.
Treating the platysma also carries specific risks—including dysphagia, dysphonia, neck weakness, and aesthetic asymmetry—risks that underscore why a deep understanding of this complex anatomy and mastery of advanced injection techniques are central to a provider’s duty of care.
True expertise is demonstrated not just in identifying the opportunity, but in mitigating these potential complications through comprehensive training and meticulous technique.
The FDA approval of BOTOX® Cosmetic for treating platysma bands from October 2024 officially made BOTOX® Cosmetic the first and only neurotoxin approved for four distinct aesthetic indications. While the clinical trials demonstrated meaningful aesthetic improvement with generally low rates of treatment-related adverse events, it’s crucial to remember that this data assumes strict adherence to the approved indication, dosing, and injection technique. This validation provides a clear, evidence-based foundation for incorporating neck rejuvenation into your practice.
Learning how to treat platysma bands is not simply about a new injection pattern; it demands a sophisticated understanding of the underlying anatomy. The platysma is a thin, superficial muscle sheet that plays a pivotal role in both neck contour and lower facial dynamics.
As a review in the Archives of Plastic Surgery notes, a thorough grasp of this muscle’s structure is crucial for achieving desirable outcomes and avoiding complications like bruising, hematoma, or discomfort from diffusion into deeper muscles.
This is where physicians have a distinct advantage. Your ability to visualize the intricate interplay of the platysma with surrounding structures allows for a level of precision that ensures natural-looking results and enhances patient safety. It’s about moving beyond a formulaic approach to a truly customized treatment plan.
It’s also important to recognize that neurotoxins are one tool in a comprehensive toolkit for neck rejuvenation. A holistic, pan-facial/neck assessment is essential. Patients with significant skin laxity or submental fat may not achieve their desired results with toxin alone.
In these cases, they may be better served with, or in addition to, other modalities such as surgical platysmaplasty, energy-based devices, submental fat reduction where appropriate, or other skin quality injectables. Counseling patients on the full spectrum of options is a hallmark of a top-tier provider.
Treating platysma bands is more than just an additional service—it’s a declaration of your commitment to comprehensive, state-of-the-art aesthetic care. It’s a chance to meet growing patient demand for neck rejuvenation with the highest level of skill and confidence.
The IAPAM’s Certified Aesthetic Provider™ (CAP) program is designed to provide physicians with the in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to master advanced techniques safely and effectively. Our curriculum emphasizes detailed neck anatomy, complication avoidance, and proper patient selection.
We teach you how to evaluate the true risk-benefit for each patient and determine when to favor neurotoxins, recommend non-toxin approaches, or use a combination of therapies. This is the advanced botox training that ensures you can confidently and safely integrate the latest, most effective procedures into your practice.
The developments from December 2025 reflect practical advances in patient safety, treatment efficacy, and clinical options. Staying informed about these trends—whether you choose to adopt them or not—helps you make informed decisions about your practice and deliver better outcomes for your patients.
To stay at the forefront of this evolving field, consider becoming a Certified Aesthetic Provider™ (CAP). The IAPAM offers comprehensive, CME-accredited training in all aspects of aesthetic medicine, from injectables to regenerative therapies. Enroll in the CAP program today and demonstrate your commitment to the highest standards of care.
Q: What are platysma bands?
A: Platysma bands are the vertical bands that can appear on the neck, running from the jawline to the collarbone. They are caused by the contraction of the platysma muscle, a thin sheet of muscle that covers the neck.
Q: Is BOTOX for platysma bands FDA-approved?
A: Yes, BOTOX® Cosmetic is the first and only neurotoxin that is FDA-approved for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe platysma bands in adults.
Q: What are the risks of platysma band injections?
A: While generally safe when performed by a trained professional, potential risks include bruising, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), dysphonia (voice changes), neck weakness, and aesthetic asymmetry. These risks are minimized with a thorough understanding of neck anatomy and proper injection technique.
Q: Why is special training needed for neck botox?
A: The neck contains many delicate and important structures. Specialized neck rejuvenation training is crucial for learning the correct dosage, depth, and placement of injections to avoid complications and achieve optimal, natural-looking results.
Earn your certification and designation as trusted Certified Aesthetic Provider™ (CAP) and show your patients your commitment to the highest standards in training and care.
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Contains: Emerging trends, expert discussions, recommendations, technique comparisons… and more!