Botulinum toxin for the treatment of neck lines and neck bands.

Rejuvenation of the aging neck with botulinum toxin injections is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment modality with a very high patient satisfaction rate. Treatments are usually started early in the aging process of the neck to prevent further degenerative changes and are performed thereafter at 4- to 6-month intervals. It is the ideal alternative to rhytidectomy when the patient is too young for face-lift surgery or for patients unwilling to take recuperation time. Furthermore, botulinum toxin therapy can be used to correct jowl and platysmal band asymmetry occurring after suboptimal rhytidectomy. Botulinum exotoxin should not be used in pregnant or lactating women or in patients with a known sensitivity to human albumin or with a history of neuromuscular disorders.