Botox ForNeck Bands

Neck bands are the horizontal fine lines that appear on our necks as we age causing the neck skin to become loose which leads to sagging skin. You may also have very apparent platysmal bands – the neck muscles that run vertically down your neck area – which become more prominent as you get older. Sometimes, platysmal bands are described as causing a 'turkey neck' appearance.

A decline in collagen and elastin contributes to fine lines and wrinkles, alongside excessive sun exposure and pollution. Additionally, thinning skin makes the platysmal bands more visible over time. Weight loss and teeth clenching associated with stress can also mean your platysmal bands are more noticeable.

Botox treatment (or other brands of botulinum toxin such as Bocouture, Azzalure, Letybo, or Nuceiva) can be a great way to reduce the appearance of your necklines and wrinkles. As a muscle relaxant, botulinum toxin will reduce the pulling platysma muscle movement which will then reduce their appearance.

Treatment with neck Botox is not a permanent solution though; you'll need top-ups every three to six months.

Your practitioner reduces your neck lines by injecting Botox along the neck muscles and sometimes it can be combined with a low-face treatment. The total amount of injections will depend on the size and severity of your concerns. Treatment is not painful and you will only feel a sharp scratch as the needle goes in.

You may notice some redness and swelling around the injected area, which will subside after a few hours.

After two weeks, the results of your neck band treatment will be fully visible.

It all depends on the severity of your neck lines and/or platysmal bands, along with the experience of your practitioner and the location of their clinic.

The cost of neck Botox can vary from £200 to more than £400. Always see someone with experience in Botox treatments over getting a cheap deal!

Side effects to neck Botox and other brands of botulinum toxin are rare, but can include:

• Headaches

• Swelling and redness around injection sites

• Allergic reaction

• Muscle weakness in the neck

The most dangerous complications are double vision and difficulty breathing, but these are thankfully extremely rare.

If you experience any side effects or complications due to your neck Botox, contact your practitioner immediately.

Not all practitioners will have training and experience in treating horizontal fine neck lines and wrinkles with Botox so choose your practitioner carefully.

We highly recommend that you only undergo neck Botox treatment with a medically-qualified professional, who will have undergone training in anatomy and physiology, as well as being accountable to a regulatory body such as the General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or General Dental Council (GDC).

They should also be able to advise you of the risks of injectable treatment and be confident in handling complications if they arise.

Check out our handy guide for finding a practitioner you can trust.

As always, if you have any questions you can use our Botox Q&A where you can ask for more advice direct from a trusted, experienced medical practitioner.