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The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle that extends from the mandible and perioral musculature to the dermal attachments at the inferior cheek. It is a superficial muscle, located close to the skin, and plays a role in opening the jaw and producing facial expressions. The platysma muscle is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve and receives arterial blood supply from the submental branch of the facial artery as well as the suprascapular branch of the thyrocervical trunk. As people age, the platysma muscle can shorten and thin, leading to sagging neck skin. This muscle is also vulnerable to tears, strains, and injuries due to its superficial and thin nature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Broad, thin muscle |
| Location | Superficial layer of the cervical fascia |
| Origin | Fascia that covers the clavicle, pectoralis major and deltoid muscles |
| Insertion Points | Lower border of the mandible, skin of the lower lip, skin and subcutaneous tissue of the perioral region, muscles surrounding the mouth |
| Blood Supply | Branches of the submental artery and suprascapular artery |
| Innervation | Cervical branch of the facial nerve, transverse cervical nerve |
| Function | Contributes to producing facial expressions, aids in oral care, prevents compression of the jugular veins during strenuous activity |
| Ageing | Muscle tone decreases, leading to thinning and shortening, causing wrinkly skin on the neck |
| Clinical Significance | Superficial location means it is at risk of damage during surgical dissections of the neck |
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What You'll Learn
Platysma muscle anatomy
The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle that lies superficially within the anterior aspect of the neck. It is located close to the skin and is responsible for various functions, including facial expressions and opening the jaw.
The platysma originates from the fascia that covers the clavicle, the acromial region, and the superior portions of the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles. It passes over the clavicle and ascends through the anterolateral sides of the neck, extending upward through the front of the neck to attach to the skin and connective tissue in the lower face and cheeks. The platysma is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve and receives arterial blood supply from branches of the submental and suprascapular arteries.
The platysma has several insertion points. The medial fibers insert into the lower border of the mandible or the skin of the lower lip, while the lateral fibers attach to the skin and subcutaneous tissue around the mouth. The muscle contributes to the formation of the modiolus, a fibromuscular chiasm of facial muscles found in the corners of the mouth, and helps form the orbicularis oris complex along with other muscles of facial expression.
As a superficial muscle, the platysma is vulnerable to neck injuries that penetrate it. Its location over the bottom jaw and its role in facial expressions make it an important landmark in neck surgeries. During surgical dissections of the neck, the underlying neurovascular structures must be carefully considered to avoid damage to nearby structures, such as the cervical branch of the facial nerve.
With age, the platysma muscle can shorten and thin, leading to sagging neck skin. This ageing process can be exacerbated by factors such as weightlifting or facelift procedures, resulting in what is commonly known as "turkey neck." Conservative management or interventions like botulinum toxin injection and platysmaplasty surgery can be employed to address this condition.
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Platysma muscle function
The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle that extends from the mandible, perioral musculature, and dermal attachments at the inferior cheek to the cervicopectoral fascia inferiorly. It is a superficial muscle, located close to the skin, and covers many deeper structures in the neck, such as the external carotid artery, the external jugular vein, and the parotid gland. The platysma muscle is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve and receives arterial blood supply from the submental branch of the facial artery and the suprascapular branch of the thyrocervical trunk.
One of the main functions of the platysma muscle is to help produce a wide range of facial expressions. It does this by drawing the skin around the lower part of the mouth down or out, creasing the skin in the lower face. This allows for facial movements such as frowning, sipping beverages, and kissing. The platysma muscle also plays a role in opening the jaw, although this is a minor function compared to its role in facial expressions.
In addition to its role in facial expressions, the platysma muscle also has some other important functions. For example, it helps to hold certain positions with the mouth during oral care routines, such as drawing the cheeks back when brushing the back teeth. The platysma muscle can also be seen bulging out during strenuous physical activity, possibly to prevent the compression of the jugular veins and soft tissues of the neck due to intense respiratory efforts.
As people age, the platysma muscle can shorten and thin, leading to sagging neck skin. This has implications for cosmetic surgery, as surgeons often target this muscle during neck lift procedures to tighten it and improve the appearance of the neck. The platysma muscle is also vulnerable to various conditions such as tears, strains, and muscle atrophy, as well as neck injuries that may penetrate it due to its superficial and thin nature.
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Platysma muscle ageing
The platysma muscle is a thin, superficial muscle located in the front of the neck, extending from the chest and shoulder area to the jaw. It plays a role in facial expressions and movements, such as lowering the bottom lip and depressing the lower jaw. As we age, the platysma muscle, like other muscles in the body, undergoes changes that can impact its appearance and function.
Ageing of the platysma muscle is a natural process that typically begins around the fourth decade of life and progresses with time. One of the most noticeable changes is the loss of elasticity and tone in the muscle. This can lead to a phenomenon known as "platysma bands," where the muscle takes on a more prominent and rope-like appearance, with visible vertical bands running along the neck. These bands are more evident when the muscle is tensed, such as during facial expressions or when turning the head.
Additionally, the ageing process can cause the platysma muscle to undergo atrophy, resulting in a decrease in muscle mass and thickness. This atrophy is often more pronounced in the lower portions of the muscle. As a consequence, the neck may appear less defined, and the jawline may lose some of its sharpness, contributing to a less youthful appearance. In more advanced cases of ageing, the platysma muscle may even develop fatty infiltrates, further altering its appearance and texture.
The ageing of the platysma muscle is influenced by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures. For example, individuals who spend a significant amount of time in the sun without proper protection may experience accelerated ageing of the neck, leading to changes in the platysma muscle and the surrounding skin. Smoking and certain dietary habits can also impact the rate of ageing and contribute to the development of wrinkles and loss of elasticity in the neck area.
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Platysma muscle injuries
The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle in the anterior aspect of the neck. It is a superficial muscle, which means it is located close to the skin. The platysma is involved in opening the jaw and producing facial expressions. It is also responsible for drawing the skin around the lower mouth down or out, allowing for functions like sipping beverages, kissing, or frowning.
Due to its superficial nature, the platysma is susceptible to various injuries and conditions. Here are some key aspects of platysma muscle injuries:
- Vulnerability to Tears, Strains, and Atrophy: The platysma muscle, like other muscles, is vulnerable to tears, strains, and muscle atrophy. These injuries can occur during physical activities or as a result of trauma to the neck region.
- Surgical Considerations: The platysma's superficial location and proximity to underlying neurovascular structures are crucial considerations during surgical procedures in the neck. Incisions and suturing must be carefully performed to avoid scarring and potential nerve damage.
- Ageing and Neck Sagging: With age, the platysma muscle can shorten and thin, contributing to sagging neck skin. Neck lift procedures may target this muscle to tighten it and improve skin elasticity.
- Facial Synkinesis: Platysma synkinesis is a potential complication of facial palsy. It involves abnormal synchronization of facial movements, resulting in involuntary movements during voluntary actions of different facial muscle groups. This condition may cause discomfort, aesthetic concerns, and functional impairment.
- Lip Depression: While the platysma plays a role in depressing the lower lip, this function is primarily performed by the depressor anguli oris and depressor labii inferioris muscles.
- Vascular Supply Vulnerability: During surgical procedures, such as neck dissections or flap surgeries, special care must be taken to avoid injuring the vascular supply to the platysma muscle.
- Nerve Vulnerability: The platysma muscle is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve. This nerve runs close to the platysma and is at risk of damage during surgical procedures, which could result in paralysis of the platysma and other facial muscles, distorting the shape of the mouth and neck region.
- Liposuction Considerations: Adipose tissue is found above the platysma muscle, so liposuction of the neck can be performed without piercing the muscle. However, care must be taken to avoid damage and bleeding.
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Platysma muscle surgery
The platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle that spans from the collarbone to the lower face. It is responsible for drawing the skin around the lower part of the mouth down or out, which creases the skin in the lower face. This muscle is crucial for producing a myriad of facial expressions, such as frowning or kissing.
As people age, the platysma can shorten and thin, leading to sagging neck skin. This ageing process can cause the platysma to separate into rope-like bands, resulting in wrinkly skin on the neck, often referred to as "turkey neck". In some cases, individuals may experience platysma synkinesis, a complication of facial palsy, leading to abnormal synchronisation of facial movements and causing involuntary facial movements.
During the procedure, a small incision of approximately 1-3 cm is made under the chin to access the area where the platysma muscle has separated. The two muscle bands are then sutured together in the midline, creating a strong and resistant sheet of muscle. Liposuction may also be performed simultaneously to remove excess fat. The results of platysmaplasty are immediate and continue to improve over approximately 12 weeks.
It is important to note that platysmaplasty is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with psychiatric problems, such as body dysmorphic disorder or major depression, and heavy smokers are not recommended for this surgery. Additionally, patients are advised to discontinue certain medications and supplements, such as aspirin and herbal supplements, several weeks before the procedure.
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Frequently asked questions
The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle that spans from the collarbone to the lower face. It is located superficially within the anterior aspect of the neck.
The platysma muscle helps to produce a wide range of facial expressions by drawing the skin around the lower part of the mouth down or out, creasing the skin in the lower face. It also plays a role in opening the jaw.
The platysma muscle is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve and receives arterial blood supply from the submental branch of the facial artery and the suprascapular branch of the thyrocervical trunk. It is located within the superficial cervical fascia, just deep to the subcutaneous fascia and fat.
As people age, the platysma muscle can shorten and thin, leading to sagging neck skin. This can be associated with the first signs of ageing, known as "turkey neck", where the muscle separates into rope-like bands, causing wrinkly skin on the neck.
Due to its superficial location, the platysma muscle is important to consider during surgical dissections of the neck. It can be vulnerable to tears, strains, and injuries that penetrate the neck. Computed tomography angiography may be used to visualise arteries and veins and assess damage to the muscle.
