Anti-Wrinkle treatment
Neck Bands
Soften vertical neck bands for a smoother neck contour.
- Treatment time
- Around 15 minutes
- Results
- First changes in 2–3 days; full effect by about 2 weeks
- Longevity
- Typically 3–4 months
- Downtime
- None
- From
- £300
About Neck Bands
Platysmal bands are the vertical cords that stand out on the neck, especially when you tense your jaw or talk. They are the edges of the platysma muscle, which become more prominent as the muscle thickens and the overlying skin thins with age.
Small injections placed along each band relax the muscle so the cords soften and the neck looks smoother and more youthful. It's often combined with a jawline lift, because the same muscle contributes to both concerns.
Key Benefits
- 01Softens the vertical cords on the neck
- 02Smoother, more youthful neckline
- 03Can subtly improve jawline definition at the same time
- 04No surgery or downtime
- 05Quick treatment with a natural result
- 06Combines well with skin-quality treatments for the neck
Is this treatment right for me?
Neck-band treatment suits people who notice vertical cords on the neck at rest or when they tense, and who would like a smoother neckline without surgery. Loose skin or horizontal 'necklace' lines are different concerns and may call for other treatments.
You may be suitable if…
- You see vertical bands on your neck, particularly when you tense
- The bands have become more visible over time
- You'd like a smoother, less corded neck
- You're not pregnant or breastfeeding
Your consultation will consider…
- How the muscles in the area move and how strong they are
- Whether the lines are present at rest or only with expression
- Your medical history, any medication and previous treatments
- Realistic expectations and how the result fits your face as a whole
What to expect
Before treatment
Every course of treatment starts with a face-to-face consultation with John. He'll look at how your face moves, talk through what's bothering you and what a natural result would look like for you, and check your medical history. Because this is a prescription-only treatment, it is only offered after that assessment. There's nothing special to do beforehand, though it helps to arrive without heavy make-up on the area.
During treatment
The treatment itself is quick. John marks the points to be treated, then places a series of very small injections with a fine needle into the targeted muscle. Most people describe a brief pinch or sting rather than pain, and no anaesthetic is normally needed. The whole appointment, including a chat about aftercare, usually takes around 15–20 minutes.
After treatment
You can leave straight away and carry on with your day. There may be small raised bumps at the injection points for 15–20 minutes and occasionally a little redness or a tiny bruise. The muscle starts to relax gradually over the following days, so you won't see a change immediately.
Watch
Results & longevity
You'll usually notice the muscle beginning to relax two to three days after treatment, with the full effect visible at around two weeks — this is when we assess the result and make any small adjustment. Results typically last three to four months before movement gradually returns. How long they last depends on the area, the dose, how strong the muscle is and your own metabolism; regular exercisers sometimes find results wear off a little sooner. Further treatment can be planned once movement returns, and with repeated treatment some people find lines soften over time.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the gentlest treatments we offer in terms of recovery. There is no real downtime, and most people go straight back to work or their normal routine.
Side effects
Common temporary effects are a little redness, tenderness or a small bruise where the needle went in, and occasionally a mild headache in the first day or two. Less commonly the treatment can affect a nearby muscle — for example a temporarily heavier brow or, rarely, a drooping eyelid — which wears off as the product does. Very rarely people experience flu-like symptoms. Results are also temporary and can be slightly uneven at first; a review at two weeks lets us fine-tune if needed.
Aftercare
Stay upright and avoid lying down for around four hours after treatment. Don't rub, massage or apply pressure to the treated area for 24 hours, and skip make-up on the injection points for the rest of the day. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot baths and alcohol for 24 hours, as these can increase bruising. You can gently cleanse the skin as normal.
Please contact the clinic if you notice a drooping eyelid, significant asymmetry, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or anything that worries you — we'd always rather hear from you.
- Downtime
- None
- Redness
- Mild, usually gone within an hour
- Swelling
- Small bumps for 15–20 minutes
- Bruising
- Occasional small bruise, fades within a few days
- Normal activities
- Immediately; avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it affect swallowing or my voice?
At an appropriate dose, no. The injections are shallow and target the band itself; John avoids the deeper structures of the neck. Any unusual difficulty swallowing should be reported straight away, but this is rare.
Does it help crepey neck skin?
It relaxes the muscle bands rather than improving skin texture. For crepey or lax skin, a skin booster or NeoGen Plasma treatment for the neck may be more appropriate — often the two are combined.
When will I see results?
The muscle relaxes gradually. Most people notice the first change after two to three days, with the full effect visible at around two weeks. We offer a review at that point if anything needs adjusting.
How long do results last?
Typically three to four months, after which movement gradually returns. Longevity varies with the area, the dose and your own metabolism; repeat treatment can be planned at consultation.
Does it hurt?
Most people describe a quick pinch. The needle is very fine and each injection takes a second or two, so it's over quickly. No anaesthetic is normally needed.
Is there any downtime?
No. You can return to work or your normal day straight away. We just ask you to avoid strenuous exercise, lying down and touching the area for the first few hours.
What happens at the consultation?
John assesses how your face moves, discusses what you'd like to change and checks your medical history. Because this is a prescription-only treatment, it is only offered after that face-to-face assessment. You'll leave with a clear plan and price before anything is booked.
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Trusted Touch Aesthetics in Fulham and specialises in facial balancing, wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. He is CPD-regulated and fully insured, and is known for taking the time to assess your face properly, explaining every option honestly and never over-treating — the aim is always a natural result that still looks like you. Clients regularly mention his calm manner, attention to detail and the aftercare follow-up that checks in on how you're healing.