Botox for Neck Bands is Here: Highlights from Allergan’s Distinct Definition Meeting

I was privileged to attend Allergan’s Distinct Definition Meeting, Sydney 29th July 2025 

I have always been proud of being part of a team that is committed to excellence in cosmetic medicine. We know that growth comes from continuous learning—and we’re incredibly fortunate to have Allergan Aesthetics walking alongside us on that journey. 

Our team was privileged to be invited to attend the Allergan Distinct Definition conference in Sydney, where Marilou and I, alongside 8 other nurse-injectors from New Zealand, had the opportunity to listen as renowned speakers shared insights on the Distinct Definition approach, which focuses on sculpting and defining the lower face using advanced injection techniques with Allergan’s portfolio of injectables. 

The conference was designed for aesthetic professionals to deepen their understanding of facial anatomy, refine their injection techniques, and explore how to deliver personalised, high-definition results for patients seeking a more natural and well-balanced look. It was also the official launch of Botox approval for a new on-label treatment area: vertical neck bands, also known as platysma bands. 

My takeaways: 

Dr Steven Liew, ever the disruptor, showed us how the word “lift” has been used excessively, and can lead to distorted patient expectations. He also shared his insights on the global challenges that aesthetic medicine is facing, that filler use is shifting and we should adapt our practice accordingly. He showed a recording of a plastic surgery procedure he performed, wherein excessive, unintegrated filler, was sitting in and literally scraping it off with a scalpel. It was a stark reminder that we must always use the right product, the right volume, in the right area or depth! 

Using minimal amounts of robust dermal filler products in strategic areas for structural support, combined with Botox on the lower face depressors, would be ideal in achieving a well-defined chin and jawline rejuvenation. 

Renowned Dermatologist and Cosmetic Injector Dr Cara Macdonald shared her excitement, now that Allergan now has on-label indication for Botox use on platysmal muscles/neck bands, we can have a more structured approach treating this area. 

How many of us see ourselves in the mirror and feel we want to look less saggy, or we want to look best for our age, but the jowls are getting in the way? Dr Cara shared information from a study done a few years ago, showing that 1 in 4 people stated that their chin or jawline is one of their main concerns. However, most people do not know how to ask for treatments that would address these concerns, or know how they feel, but attribute that feeling to one feature on their face and just focus on that. There are also situations where a person has a perception drift, perhaps as they have had several treatments already, and have lost sight of what they looked like before they started having treatments, and instead the person only focuses on chasing lines on the face. Then, on the other side of the equation, there are injectors who are afraid of telling their patients what they need, and just do what they ask for. For example, Jane Doe comes in saying “I want to not have a resting bitch face,” and points to her very strong frown. Injector treats her frown. She comes back two weeks later for a follow up, and while she is no longer able to frown, she’s not happy, because she still has “a resting bitch face.” What the injector failed to do was to take time to do a full assessment, use education techniques to show the patient how ageing happens, show the depressor muscles – frown, upper eye muscles, mouth frown, chin, platysmal bands, and present options to consider addressing the full-face concern. 

Our team has always done a full-face consultation; we listen deeply to understand why you have come to see us and what motivates you to have treatment. You invest in your time with us, and we guide you on how to achieve your aesthetic goals, educate you on how you are ageing, tell you about treatments you can consider, what the journey will be like, and write up a treatment plan for you to consider. No pressure, we only do treatments that you are comfortable with. 

Are you curious about treating vertical neck bands aka platysma bands? 

What it is: Platysma bands—vertical lines that appear on the neck due to aging and muscle activity. 

What are the benefits: Smoother neck appearance, improved jawline definition, and a more youthful profile. 

What we use: Botox is injected into specific points along the platysma muscle to relax it and reduce the appearance of bands. 

Who is it for: Individuals noticing early signs of neck aging or seeking a non-surgical alternative to neck lifts. 

Book in for a chat if you are curious enough to try it. If you are an injector wanting to upskill in treating the lower face and neck, chat with our team at The Face Place Academy. See you soon!