Fixing “Turkey Neck” and Vertical Banding: The Role of Platysmal Myotomy
A sagging neckline and the thin vertical cords running from the chin toward the collarbone are two of the clearest signs of an aging neck, and both usually trace back to the same cause: a weakened platysma muscle. Platysmal myotomy is a surgical technique that selectively weakens specific muscle fibers to soften those bands and smooth the neck’s contour. Dr. Anthony C. Corrado, a triple board-certified facial plastic surgeon serving Philadelphia, Cherry Hill and South Jersey, incorporates platysmal myotomy into neck lift surgery when muscle laxity is the main driver of a patient’s concerns.
In this blog, Dr. Corrado explains what causes “turkey neck” and vertical banding, how platysmal myotomy compares to other neck lift techniques, and what recovery looks like.
What Causes “Turkey Neck” and Vertical Banding?
This broad, thin muscle runs from the collarbone up across the neck, thinning as it nears the chin, according to the National Institutes of Health. As skin and muscle lose elasticity with age, the two halves of the platysma can separate along the neck’s midline. Where that happens, two vertical bands appear, usually most visible when the neck is tense or the jaw is clenched. Combined with loose skin and excess fat, this muscle separation is what creates the classic “turkey neck” look.
Could Platysmal Myotomy Help You?
Not every patient with neck concerns needs the same correction. Platysmal myotomy tends to help patients who notice:
- Vertical bands that remain visible even when the face is at rest
- A loose, hanging appearance beneath the chin
- A blunted, undefined angle between the jaw and neck
- Muscle banding as the main concern, with only modest excess skin
How Platysmal Myotomy Works
Platysmal myotomy is performed through the same incisions used for a neck lift, typically placed under the chin and behind the ears. While platysmaplasty tightens the platysma muscle with sutures, myotomy selectively weakens specific muscle fibers to reduce banding directly at the muscle. Dr. Corrado often combines the two techniques in a single procedure for optimal results, and may add the platysmal hammock technique or deeper neck work when a patient needs additional support. The right combination depends on the degree of muscle separation, the amount of excess skin, and each patient’s anatomy.
Recovery After Platysmal Myotomy
Because platysmal myotomy is typically performed as part of a traditional or deep neck lift, recovery follows that same timeline: about two to three weeks for initial healing, with swelling and bruising improving gradually and final results emerging over the following two to three months. Less invasive neck lift options generally involve shorter downtime, often five to seven days, though they’re best suited to patients with earlier, milder signs of aging. Dr. Corrado provides individualized post-operative guidance so patients know what to expect at every stage, and tailors his neck lift technique to the degree of correction each patient needs.
Dr. Corrado’s Precise, Triple Board-Certified Approach to a Smoother Neckline
Correcting “turkey neck” and vertical banding calls for an accurate read of what the underlying muscle is doing, built on years of focused experience with the face and neck. Dr. Corrado has devoted his career exclusively to facial and neck surgery, and he brings that precision to every neck lift consultation. Patients curious whether platysmal myotomy fits their anatomy are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Dr. Corrado to discuss a tailored plan.
More Resources
- 5 Signs It’s Time for a Neck Lift: Understanding the Telltale Aging Signs
- Combining Neck Lifts with Other Procedures: Maximizing Facial Rejuvenation
