For those who wonder what is the platysma muscle, it is a long band that stretches from the jaw bones to the pectoral muscles of the chest. It is fairly close to the surface of the skin and affects many of the facial movements and expressions we make. It acts to pull on the corners of the mouth. Therefore, it can affect a smile or frown. Because the muscle runs below the jaw, on both sides of the neck, it can contribute greatly, to a double chin. It may also lead to a wrinkled neck, which may also be known as turkey neck.
Many people want to get rid of the excess tissue or pouch under the chin. There are many ways to approach this problem areas. Some surgical procedures include a neck lift and liposuction. A neck lift is more involved and requires more time for recovery. Because it involves moving the skin, it may also leave the long muscle feeling sore and bruised.
Liposuction removes the excess fat that many people with a double chin have. The skin can then be pulled taught. It is less invasive and can be done under local anesthesia. There is less bruising of the surrounding muscles, that connect to the neck,jaw an chin. Another treatment involves the use of Botox, to plump up or fill in the obvious ridges in skin folds or flaps.
Many people are unaware of the length and width of the platysma muscles. They are one of the largest muscles connected to the face. This is why it can have such a great affect on facial expressions. This muscle is activated when someone is sad, happy or surprised. It helps us express emotion, so that others know how we feel.
Others means of getting rid of the double chin involve exercises, which can make the usually flat muscle firmer and smoother. It is the ridges or bands of muscle fibers, that create pouches of wrinkled or sagging skin. Most movements involve tilting the head back,as far as it will go. Then, the mouth is slowly opened and closed, causing the muscle to contract. Placing tennis ball under the chin and pushing downward with the chin, works the platysma as well. Other movements include sticking out the tongue, as far as it will go and pushing the tongue to the roof of the mouth, with lips closed.
The platysma can be toned, just like other muscles in the body. In stands to reason, that the area below the chin can be made to look smoother. The exercises do not take much time each day. They can be done in front of a mirror after a bath. They can be done at work, on a lunch break. It is important to remember to do many repetitions, for optimal effect.
This muscle is connected to cranial nerves. It can be affected by conditions that affect the cranial nerves. A person who develops Bell’s Palsy, experiences partial facial paralysis. When the nerve is activated, it sends a message to the brain, which then activates chemicals to put the muscle into action. Paralysis usually involves one eyelid and part of the mouth. Speech and chewing may be affected, on one side.
This condition is typically treated with steroid medications. Today, some physicians may use Botox to treat the condition, though its use has not been standardized. The temporary paralysis usually lasts a few weeks. It can take a few months, for complete recovery. During the recovery stage, the neck muscles can experience occasional spams. They usually go away, when the inflammation and irritation of the nerve subside.
The platysma muscle can give the neck a wider appearance, such as after running or strenuous exercise. It may also twitch, when a man shaves his neck. This is due to nerve receptors on the skin’s surface, that are activated upon touching the skin of the neck. The platysma does not usually affect the rest of the chest muscles, as the deeper groups are responsible for breathing and many necessary functions. It does help to support the pectoral group somewhat.
When a person turns his or her head, the muscle moves in the direction the head is turned. It is a very flexible muscle, that can help the neck maintain its flexibility. When a person tilts the head from one side to another, the platysma it stretched to a point, where a gentle pulling or pressure is felt.
Maintaining flexibility of this area is essential, for giving an athlete an edge in certain sports. Those that require the head to be turned frequently are most affected. Playing baseball, tennis, soccer and others, can benefit from conditioning of this muscle, along with others. Dancing and acrobatics also can be enhanced by flexibility of this muscle. Most people are not aware of how much the platysma affects common every day activities.
