This might be getting too deep here, and I can hear you all collectively yelling “just tell us about Botox for the neck already!” at your screens. But, indulge me. I find it incredibly strange that beauty is one of the only forms of meritocracy that is considered to be undercut by our effort made to achieve it, and needed to maintain it. Basically, we applaud beauty, of course, but only if that beauty is (or is perceived to be) achieved naturally. While absolutely breaking through to the more mainstream stages now, thank god, Botox and injectables in general for a long time existed as a kind of taboo subculture. One which, while almost everyone was partaking, no one was talking about. Beauty is not just a performance, but a whole production.
But at Caci, we believe wholeheartedly that the beauty conversation should exist front and centre stage. That is for a number of reasons, one being that beauty, while entirely subjective, is more accessible than you might think. Gone are the days of having to live with insecurities that could actually be mitigated, if not ‘fixed’ altogether, with a few injections put in the right place. And, most importantly, we don’t want to be comparing our completely natural faces to people who have had some tweakments done. These can be dangerous and harmful comparisons, especially for young people.
When we think about beauty labour and its permissibility, Botox tends to be at the centre of the discussions. More popular than ever, Botox is indeed a wonder product when it comes to treating the signs of premature ageing. But when most people think of Botox, their mind probably immediately jumps to soothing forehead lines or softening crows' feet. But Botox is actually a lot more versatile than people realise. Of course, the softening, ironing, smoothing, glow-inducing effects that Botox can have on the face are widely documented, but one of the most exciting upcoming treatments is its ability to treat the neck.
Botox for the neck
Botox for the neck is usually targeted at those vertical bands or ridges (Platysmal bands) that appear on the neck. When we are youthful the muscle is like a flat sheet with more subcutaneous fat over it, as we age we loose the subcutaneous fat showing the platysmal bands more so.
The face gets a lot of love and attention when it comes to beauty in general, but this is especially true when it comes to skincare and skin treatments. We cleanse it, we moisturise it, we mask it, and some of us laser it. But the neck? Often overlooked. And yet, it’s actually one of the first areas to ‘give our age away’ if you will. The skin here is thinner, it moves constantly and gravity is unfortunately always pulling on it.
Over time, those vertical lines (platysmal bands) that we touched on earlier will start to stand out more. They are caused by the platysma muscle, which tightens and pulls against the skin as it contracts. Add in a little collagen loss and the natural downward pull of time, and suddenly the neck doesn’t look as smooth and firm as it once did. It’s why a lot of people refer to their neck as their ‘giveaway’ even if their face is still looking glowy and youthful.
Everything you need to know about platysmal bands
Let’s get specific about these bands we keep harping on about because they are central to the inquiry. Platysmal bands are those two vertical ridges that pop out when you clench your jaw or pull a tight smile. When you’re younger, they might only show up when the muscles are really working. As the years pass, though, they can become more visible even at rest.
All of this happens because the platysma muscle starts to lose its elasticity and tone, while the overlying skin gets thinner and less resilient. In combination, this results in a more prominent banding effect, which can make your neck look saggy or aged.
The great news is that Botox offers a simple and effective way to soften them. This treatment is sometimes nicknamed the ‘Nefertiti Lift,’ after the Egyptian queen whose strong, sculpted jawline became a symbol of timeless beauty. The name is fitting, because Botox for the neck is all about restoring elegance and definition in a way that looks natural, not ‘done’ if done right, of course!
How Botox works on the neck
If you are new here, Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin type A that temporarily relaxes the muscles where it’s injected. On the face, that means softening expression lines like frown lines or crow’s feet. On the neck, it works by targeting the platysma muscle, relaxing its pull so the bands look less obvious.
When the platysma is relaxed, it also has a two-for-one bonus effect on the jawline. Normally, the muscle can drag the lower face downward, which can contribute to jowls and sagging around the chin. Botox steps in to save the day by reducing this downward pull, giving a subtle lift that restores that youthful contour we are all after.
It’s important to note that this treatment uses Botox specifically, not Xeomin or other neuromodulators. Different brands exist and are great, but for the neck specifically, Botox is the tried and true option with the strongest track record for safety and effectiveness. In fact, Botox has even received FDA approval for treating platysmal bands, which adds an extra layer of reassurance!
What the treatment involves
If you’re picturing dozens of needles all over your neck coming from all different angles, don’t panic. The process is much more straightforward than most people imagine. Your nurse practitioner will usually start with a consultation, examining how your platysmal bands present when you tense your neck and how they affect the overall contour of your lower face.
Once the plan is mapped out, Botox is injected in small, precise amounts directly into the platysmal bands. The number of injections depends on how pronounced the bands are, but the procedure typically takes less than 20 minutes. Most people describe the sensation as a quick pinch, similar to Botox injections on the face. There’s minimal downtime, which makes it a true lunchtime treatment. You might notice tiny marks at the injection sites for a few hours, but these usually fade quickly.
How long until you see results
If you have had Botox before, you will know that, sadly, it is not instantaneous. It’s not magic, okay, but it’s pretty quick! Most people notice improvement within a week, with full results starting to set in after about two weeks. The bands will appear softer, the neck will look smoother, and your jawline will start to resemble its former early to late twenties self.
One of the best parts is that it doesn’t look like you’ve ‘had something done’, if this is something you care about (which you shouldn’t). Instead, it looks like you’ve had a really good night’s sleep, or maybe a holiday, and suddenly your neck looks fresher and less strained. Friends and colleagues might notice you look rejuvenated but not be able to pinpoint why, which is exactly what most people want from cosmetic treatments.
Results from Botox in the neck generally last three to four months. Over time, the muscle activity gradually returns, and the platysmal bands may become visible again. For many people, maintaining the effect simply means scheduling touch-up treatments three or four times a year. Some people, however, find that after regular treatments your muscles will begin to train themselves and will relax more without Botox, meaning that results can last a little longer.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. Botox is one of the most studied cosmetic treatments in the world, with decades of research behind it. When performed by a trained and experienced practitioner, treating platysmal bands is considered very safe. The main risks are minor and temporary, such as small bruises at injection sites or slight neck weakness if too much product is used. That’s why precision is key, and ALWAYS choose your injector wisely. No back alley Botox, alright team.
Why the neck deserves love too
There is no permissible beauty effort; it is completely up to you how much you wish to indulge or refrain from beauty’s labour. But no matter where you sit on this spectrum, don’t neglect the neck! It’s almost ironic that the face gets daily SPF, serums, retinol and masks, while the neck often gets whatever product is left over on our fingertips. The reality is that the skin on the neck is thinner and has fewer oil glands than the face, meaning it is more prone to dryness and lines. It also moves constantly, whether we are talking, laughing or scrolling on our phones.
Botox is one part of the equation, but looking after the neck should ideally be a holistic strategy. That means remembering to apply sunscreen all the way down to the collarbone, incorporating hydrating serums and moisturisers, and even considering in-clinic treatments such as skin tightening procedures to complement the effects of Botox.
So, don’t just settle for the jowls you have, ladies, get the jowls you DESERVE.
