Relevant Anatomy

The platysma is a large, thin sheet like muscle running obliquely from the clavicles (collar bones) up to the under surface of the chin on each side of the neck. The midline edge of each of these muscles can become prominent with time, causing the vertical banding apparent in some peoples necks. Surgically reinforcing and tightening the muscles assists in the definition of the neck to chin angle and removes the associated vertical bands. Frequently there is excessive fatty tissue between the surface of this muscle, and the over lying skin. This fatty tissue is liposuctioned as part of a neck lift when required.