Cosmetic use of botulinum A exotoxin for the aging neck

BACKGROUND. The use of botulinum toxin for facial rhytides has become more popular. In the past, plastic surgery was the only choice for rejuvenation of the aging neck. We discuss the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin for the rejuvenation of the neck and review the anatomy. OBJECTIVES. We will review the four age-related neck degeneration categories and discuss how to inject botulinum A exotoxin into the platysmal neck bands. RESULT. We will discuss how botulinum can tighten neck jowls, eliminate horizontal neck rhytides, and improve skin laxity. CONCLUSION. Botulinum A exotoxin is a safe, effective, alternative treatment for rejuvenation of the aging neck and lower face. Patients are uniformly satisfied and complications are minimal. (C) 1998 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.