The platysma is a broad flat muscle in the superficial neck, connecting the chest skin to the lower face. Its decussation at the midline of the lower neck produces the vertical bands visible with age as the platysmal bands of the ageing neck. Platysma repair (platysmaplasty) during facelift surgery addresses the platysmal bands by suturing or plicating the medial edges. The platysma is divided in neck dissection and elevated as a myocutaneous flap for cheek and lower lip reconstruction.
| Origin | Superficial fascia below the clavicle and anterior chest (subcutaneous) |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Lower mandibular border and modiolus — converges with depressor anguli oris and depressor labii |
| Nerve Supply | Cervical branch of the facial nerve (VII) |
| Blood Supply | Submental and suprascapular arteries |
| Actions | Depresses the mandible and lower lip; Tenses the neck skin; Draws the lip corner downward with the DAO |
|---|
Platysmal banding from decussation diastasis produces the prominent vertical neck cords visible in the ageing neck — the primary complaint of patients requesting lower facelift or necklift. Corset platysmaplasty (suturing the medial edges together from chin to sternal notch) creates the smooth contoured neck line of youthful appearance.
The platysma is visible as the thin neck skin contraction during forced jaw depression — its bands are prominent when the patient clenches the lower teeth.
Medial platysma diastasis producing vertical neck cords with ageing corrected by corset platysmaplasty during facelift surgery.
