Horizontal neck lines (Venus necklace)
- Nerve
Quick facts
- Definition
- Transverse grooves in the skin of the front and sides of the neck, usually two or three, parallel to each other.
- Location
- Anterior neck, between the jaw and the collarbone.
- Associated factors
- Genetics, repeated neck flexion, photoaging, loss of collagen and volume and, in some cases, platysma action.
- Approaches mentioned
- Low-crosslinked hyaluronic acid, skin booster, biostimulator, botulinum toxin, and technologies, depending on the cause.
- Relevance in orofacial harmonization (HOF)
- Frequent concern and a thin-skinned area, with a risk of irregularity and the Tyndall effect.
Horizontal neck lines are transverse grooves in the skin of the front and sides of the neck, usually two or three, parallel to each other. The popular name Venus necklace comes from the necklace-like look they form. They differ from platysmal bands, which are vertical cords formed by the platysma when it contracts. They can appear early, even in young people, and deepen as the skin of the neck ages.
Why do horizontal lines appear?
| Factor | How it contributes |
|---|---|
| Genetics and anatomy | Points where the skin is more tightly attached to the deep layers form predictable folds |
| Repeated flexion | Frequently looking down, as when using a phone, marks the same folds |
| Photoaging | The neck gets sun and is often left unprotected |
| Loss of collagen and volume | The skin thins and the folds become marks visible at rest |
| Platysma | In some cases, contraction of the muscle accentuates the lines |
| Weight changes | Major weight loss leaves excess skin that folds |
In practice, the lines start as folds that disappear when the neck is extended, similar to dynamic wrinkles, and over time they also show with the neck straight, as static wrinkles.
Which approaches are usually discussed?
- Low-crosslinked hyaluronic acid: used to soften the groove itself, in small amounts. The choice of product matters a lot, because the skin is thin.
- Skin booster: aimed at skin quality and hydration. See skin booster for the neck.
- Biostimulator: aims to improve skin firmness over months. See biostimulator for the neck.
- Botulinum toxin: considered when the platysma is involved, a topic close to botulinum toxin for platysmal bands.
- Technologies and skin care: lasers, microfocused ultrasound, and sun protection come in as a complement.
The choice, combinations, and technique are decisions for the qualified professional, after assessment. Improvement is usually partial and varies between patients.
How does it show up in the assessment?
- Neck in neutral position and in flexion: shows whether the line exists at rest or only in the fold.
- Depth and number of lines: guide the choice between softening the groove and improving the skin.
- Skin quality: spots, laxity, and texture change the indication.
- Platysma contraction: separates horizontal lines from vertical bands.
- Photo with standardized head position: tilting the head creates or erases lines, so the position must be the same before and after.
Also called: Venus necklace, neck wrinkles, transverse neck lines, neck lines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Venus necklace?
It is the popular name for horizontal neck lines, transverse grooves that resemble a necklace. They can appear early because of genetic factors and the habit of flexing the neck, and become more marked with photoaging and collagen loss.
Can neck wrinkles be treated?
They can be softened. Depending on the cause and depth, low-crosslinked hyaluronic acid, skin booster, biostimulator, botulinum toxin, and technologies are discussed, at the discretion of the qualified professional after assessment. Improvement is usually partial and varies between patients.