Correcting the aging platysma.

The aging neck in which the stringy appearance is due to hyperactive platysma can be surgically treated. The technique involves partial transection of the anterior border of the platysma and has been used in more than 160 cases during the past 2 1/2 years with results that seem to be more predictable and longer lasting than previously described methods. Further studies under way that involve sectioning of the cervical branch of the facial nerve may yield an even better solution to this problem.