Platysma: what it is and how it relates to the contour

November 11, 2026 · 1 min read

The platysma is a broad, very thin muscle that covers the front and sides of the neck. It originates in the region of the chest and shoulders and rises to the jaw, where it blends with muscles of the lower face and continues with the SMAS. When it contracts, it tenses the skin of the neck and pulls the corners of the mouth and the lower third downward.

Why does the platysma matter in HOF?

With aging, the medial edges of the platysma can separate and become visible as vertical bands on the neck, called platysmal bands. They show more when the person talks, strains or contracts the neck.

The platysma also takes part in defining the jawline. Because it is a muscle that pulls downward, its activity contributes to the loss of crispness in the lower contour and can accentuate the drooping of the mouth corners. That is why assessment of the jawline usually includes the neck at rest and in contraction.

Which options involve the platysma?

Botulinum toxin in the platysmal bands and along the edge of the jaw is a described use for softening the bands and improving contour definition, in selected cases. In the area there are structures involved in swallowing and speech, and spread of the product to deep muscles can cause difficulty swallowing or neck weakness. Indication, points and doses are defined by the qualified professional, after assessment.

When there is significant skin laxity or excess fat in the neck, injectable options have a limit, and referral for surgical assessment may be the best course.

In Harmy

The marking has the Jawline point, which represents filler in the area. Treatment of neck bands has no point of its own in the app.

Also known as: platysma muscle, platysma.

Terms mentioned

Jawline SMAS Botulinum toxin Lower third of the face

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