By Dr. Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon | Published: 10/10/2024 | Last Updated: May 2025
In our youth, the platysma muscle, which runs along the front of the neck, helps maintain a smooth, firm appearance. However, as we age, changes in this muscle can result in the formation of neck bands—vertical lines or cords that contribute to a more aged or tense look. These neck bands can be a cosmetic concern for both men and women, often making the neck appear more aged than we feel.
In this comprehensive guide, Dr Scott Turner, a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and specialist plastic surgeon in Sydney, Australia, explains everything you need to know about neck bands, why they occur, the role of the platysma muscle, and how neck lift surgery can help restore a youthful neck contour.
Understanding the Platysma Muscle
The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle that extends from the chest and shoulder area up to the jawline, continuing in the midface as the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System). Its primary function is to maintain the contour of the neck and plays a role in facial expressions, such as frowning or expressing tension.
As the platysma lies just beneath the skin, changes in this muscle can significantly impact the neck’s appearance. Over time, the platysma muscle can lose tone and separate along the midline, resulting in the formation of neck bands. Understanding the anatomy and function of the platysma muscle is crucial for Dr Turner’s approach to effectively addressing neck bands through targeted surgical treatments.
What Are Neck Bands?
Neck bands, medically known as platysmal bands, are vertical cords that run from the chin to the collarbone along the front of the neck. They naturally develop as part of the aging process and become more noticeable over time due to changes in the platysma muscle and a loss of skin elasticity. These bands are particularly common among patients Dr Turner sees at his Sydney clinics, often exacerbated by Australia’s sun exposure and active outdoor lifestyle.
Neck bands are generally classified into two distinct types:
Static Bands: These bands are visible even when the neck is at rest. They result from structural changes between the skin and muscle that occur over time. Static bands are often associated with skin laxity, loss of subcutaneous fat, and the natural effects of aging. These are more commonly seen in patients over 50 who visit Dr Turner at his Sydney clinics.
Dynamic Bands: These bands become prominent when the platysma muscle contracts, such as during facial expressions like smiling or grimacing. Dynamic bands are caused by hyperactivity of the platysma muscle and separation of the medial borders, where the inner edges of the muscle weaken or separate from each other with aging. Sydney’s active lifestyle and outdoor culture can contribute to increased muscle activity over time.
Why Do Neck Bands Occur?
Several factors contribute to the formation of neck bands, particularly relevant to Sydney patients:
Aging Process: With age, the skin loses elasticity and firmness, causing sagging that makes the underlying platysma muscle more visible. This process is accelerated by Sydney’s intense UV exposure and coastal climate.
Muscle Activity: Frequent muscle contractions can cause the platysma muscle to enlarge over time, making the neck bands more prominent. Active Sydney lifestyles often involve sports and outdoor activities that can contribute to this muscle development.
Genetics: Hereditary factors play a significant role in how the neck ages. Some individuals may experience early onset of neck bands due to genetic predisposition, which Dr Turner frequently observes in families across Sydney.
Environmental Factors: Prolonged sun exposure, smoking, and poor nutrition can accelerate skin aging, contributing to the formation of neck bands. Sydney’s outdoor lifestyle, while healthy, can increase sun exposure if proper protection isn’t maintained.
Weight Fluctuations: Significant weight loss can lead to excess skin and reduced fat in the neck area, revealing the platysma muscle bands. This is particularly relevant for patients who have undergone major lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery.
Are You a Good Candidate for Neck Lift Surgery?
Dr Turner evaluates each patient individually at his Sydney clinics to determine candidacy for neck lift surgery. Generally, good candidates include:
Age Considerations: While there’s no specific age limit, most patients are between 40-70 years old. Dr Turner has successfully treated patients of various ages across Sydney, tailoring approaches to individual needs.
Health Requirements:
- Good overall physical health
- Realistic expectations about outcomes
- Non-smoker or willing to quit smoking before and after surgery
- No significant medical conditions that would impair healing
Aesthetic Concerns:
- Visible neck bands (static or dynamic)
- Loose neck skin
- Loss of jawline definition
- Excess fat deposits in the neck area
Lifestyle Factors:
- Stable weight for at least 6 months
- Ability to take time off for recovery
- Strong support system during healing period
Psychological Readiness:
- Realistic expectations about results
- Understanding of the surgical process
- Commitment to post-operative care
During your consultation at Dr Turner’s Sydney practice, he will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if neck lift surgery is right for you.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Neck Bands
Before considering surgery, Dr Turner may discuss non-surgical options that could help reduce the appearance of neck bands. However, it’s important to understand their limitations:
Injectables: Muscle-relaxing injections can temporarily reduce the appearance of dynamic neck bands by relaxing the platysma muscle, with results typically lasting 3-4 months and requiring ongoing treatments. This option works best for younger patients with mild dynamic bands. Fillers can add volume to the neck skin and promote collagen production, helping to smooth minor wrinkles and may be effective for very early static bands caused by minor skin laxity, but have limited effectiveness for established neck bands.
Energy-Based Treatments: Laser therapy and radiofrequency treatments use energy to stimulate collagen production, firming the skin and potentially improving the appearance of mild neck bands. Multiple sessions are typically required with variable results.
Thread Lifts: Dr Turner generally does not recommend thread lifts for neck bands, as they do not address the underlying muscle separation or excess skin that causes significant neck band formation.
Important Limitations: While non-surgical treatments may help reduce the appearance of very mild neck bands, they are generally only effective for early changes. These methods often provide temporary and variable results, requiring ongoing treatments to maintain any improvements. For significant neck bands, surgical intervention remains the most effective long-term solution.
Surgical Treatment: Neck Lift Surgery in Sydney
A neck lift, often performed as part of a lower facelift, is an effective long-term solution for treating neck bands. This procedure targets all contributing layers—skin, fat, and the platysma muscle—offering comprehensive improvement in one surgery.
Dr Turner performs neck lift surgery under general anaesthesia in fully accredited hospitals in Sydney, with the support of qualified anaesthetists. Depending on the complexity, the procedure may take 3 to 4 hours. Dr Turner typically advises patients to stay overnight in the hospital for observation before being discharged the next day.
The Surgical Procedure
Incision Placement: Dr Turner strategically places incisions along natural landmarks to minimize visible scarring. Common incision sites include:
- Under the Chin (Submental Incision): Allows access to the central neck structures
- Behind the Ears (Postauricular Incisions): Facilitates skin tightening and muscle repositioning
Muscle Repair (Platysmaplasty): Every patient’s platysma muscle pattern is unique, and Dr Turner customizes the repair technique to ensure the most natural and harmonious outcome:
- Medial Platysmaplasty: Sutures the edges of the platysma muscle together at the midline, effectively tightening the muscle and reducing the appearance of neck bands
- Lateral Platysmaplasty: The platysma muscle is repositioned laterally (towards the sides of the neck) and secured, providing additional tightening
Liposuction (If Necessary): Excess fat deposits in the neck area can be removed using liposuction to enhance the neck’s contour and create better definition.
Deep Contouring: This may include removal of subplatysmal fat (deep fat pad), modification of digastric muscles, and addressing submandibular salivary glands that may affect neck contour.
Skin Redraping and Excess Skin Removal: The skin is gently redraped over the newly contoured neck, and any excess skin is carefully trimmed away to create a smooth, natural appearance.
Closure: Incisions are closed with sutures, and the area is bandaged to support healing and minimize swelling.
Recovery Timeline and What to Expect
Recovery from neck lift surgery typically involves initial rest and swelling management in the first week, gradual return to normal activities over 2-4 weeks, and final results becoming visible over 6-12 months. Most patients can return to work within 1-2 weeks, with exercise resuming after clearance from Dr Turner. Dr Turner provides comprehensive post-operative care instructions and remains available throughout your recovery period.
For detailed recovery information, visit our complete recovery guide for neck lift surgery.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, neck lift surgery carries potential risks and complications. Dr Turner ensures all patients understand these before proceeding:
Common Risks:
- Bleeding and hematoma formation
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Numbness or altered sensation
- Temporary muscle weakness
Less Common Risks:
- Infection (rare but treatable with antibiotics)
- Scarring (usually minimal and well-concealed)
- Nerve injury affecting sensation or movement
- Asymmetry requiring revision surgery
- Seroma formation (fluid accumulation)
Anaesthesia Risks: Adverse reactions to anaesthesia are possible but uncommon with qualified anaesthetists in accredited Sydney hospitals.
Managing Expectations: While neck lift surgery can provide excellent results, individual outcomes vary. Dr Turner emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations and open communication throughout the process.
Why Choose Dr Scott Turner for Neck Lift Surgery in Sydney
Dr Scott Turner brings extensive expertise to neck lift surgery in Sydney:
Qualifications and Training:
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)
- Specialist Plastic Surgeon with advanced training in facial procedures
- Member of the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)
- Continuous education in the latest surgical techniques
Personalized Approach:
- Detailed consultations to understand your goals
- Customized surgical plans for optimal results
- Comprehensive pre and post-operative care
- Ongoing support throughout your journey
Next Steps: Booking Your Consultation
If you’re concerned about neck bands and considering neck lift surgery in Sydney, scheduling a consultation with Dr Turner is your first step toward achieving your aesthetic goals.
Schedule Your Consultation:
- Phone: 1300 437 758
- Online: Visit drturner.com.au to book your appointment
Prepare for Your Consultation:
- Bring a list of current medications
- Prepare questions about the procedure and recovery
- Consider your aesthetic goals and expectations
- Review your medical history
Plan for Your Journey:
- Research financing options if needed
- Consider your recovery timeline
- Arrange support during initial healing phase
- Plan time off work as needed
Dr Turner is dedicated to helping Sydney patients achieve their aesthetic goals with personalized care, expert surgical technique, and comprehensive support throughout your neck lift surgery journey.
Important Medical Information: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual results may vary significantly between patients. All surgical procedures carry risks, and realistic expectations are essential for satisfaction with outcomes. Dr Scott Turner is a specialist plastic surgeon registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). A detailed consultation is required to determine your suitability for any surgical procedure and to discuss specific risks, benefits, and expected outcomes based on your individual circumstances.
