Management of Platysmal Banding in Face and Neck Lift Surgery

SUMMARY: Central platysmal banding is a common reason patients seek surgical rejuvenation of the lower face and neck. Numerous surgical methods have been described to address platysmal banding, but all are associated with high recurrence rates. Many theories have been proposed to explain causes of both primary and recurrent platysmal banding; however, persistent innervation by the cervical branch of the facial nerve has recently been implicated as the primary cause. This article summarizes the available evidence on platysmal banding and reviews surgical and nonsurgical methods to address primary and recurrent banding.