# *Platysma.*

> The platysma in the lexicon: anatomy of the neck muscle, how neck bands form, effect on the jawline, botulinum toxin treatment and its limits.

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-platysma-en.html
- Language: en
- Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711
- Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin)
- Updated: 2026-10-05

The flat neck muscle whose edges become visible as vertical bands. Botulinum toxin there ('Nefertiti lift') dampens the downward pull.

## A closer look.

The platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle running from the upper chest over the neck to the lower jaw and the corners of the mouth. It hardly contributes to chewing but is involved in expression and neck movement. With age its edges lose support and stand out as vertical bands – especially when speaking and tensing.

In addition the platysma pulls chin and jawline downwards, accentuating jowls and a blurred transition to the neck. Botulinum toxin along the bands and at the lower jaw border weakens this pull; colloquially 'Nefertiti lift', because the jawline can look more defined.

Limits: excess skin or fat on the neck is not changed – other procedures are needed there. The dose is deliberately conservative so swallowing and speech are not affected. The effect lasts four to six months.

This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).

## At a glance.

- **Location:** chest to lower jaw
- **Visible as:** neck bands
- **Treatment:** botulinum toxin, off-label
- **Duration:** 4–6 months

## Frequently asked questions.

**Is it a lift?**

No. The muscle's downward pull is dampened; skin is not tightened or removed.

**Why 'off-label'?**

There is no aesthetic licence for the neck; the use is permitted for physicians but requires specific consent.

## Related pages.

- [Botox neck & platysma](https://www.vivaderm.de/botox-platysma-neck-en.html) – Treatment
- [Jawline](https://www.vivaderm.de/jawline-en.html) – Contour with hyaluronic acid
- [Off-label use](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-off-label-en.html) – Lexicon

## Sources

- [NHS: Botox injections – patient information](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/botox-injections/)
- [DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy](https://www.dgbt.de/)
- [BfArM – Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices](https://www.bfarm.de/)
- [European Medicines Agency (EMA)](https://www.ema.europa.eu/)
- [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html)
- [AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines](https://www.awmf.org/)

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This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.