Exercises to Improve the Platysma Muscle
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4 Exercises to Improve the Platysma Muscle in Your Neck

4 Exercises to Improve the Platysma Muscle in Your Neck
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Updated on July 31, 2025
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The platysma muscle is found at the front of the neck, under the chin. Platysma banding is known as a "turkey neck,” and many people seek cosmetic surgical procedures, such as a neck lift, to reduce the appearance of a sagging platysma muscle.

But before you opt for surgery, read on and take a look at some lower face and neck exercises that may tighten and firm this area of your jaw and neck.

Platysma Muscle Anatomy

The platysma muscle extends from the upper portion of the chest to the lower jaw and part of the face, a system of muscles known as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system plane.

This group of muscles, when toned, holds your neck and jaw line upward in your youth but may separate during the normal aging process, leading to a drooping chin, sagging jaw line and loose skin under the chin known as the turkey neck.

Range of Motion

Movement promotes toning, so tilting your head slowly from side to side or front to back will exercise all of the muscles of the lower face, jaw and neck, engaging the platysma muscle group.

Such exercises can be performed several times a day, repeating each side-to-side or front-to-back motion 5 to 10 times for each set.

Hanging-head Exercise

Lie on your back on a firm surface, such as a bed, with your head hanging slightly over the side. Rest your arms by your sides.

Exhaling, slowly lift your chin toward your chest. Hold the contraction for a few seconds and then relax your head back to your starting position. Repeat this exercise 10 times, increasing repetitions as your neck muscles grow stronger.

Chin-firming Exercise

Stand or sit with your shoulders relaxed, facing forward. Place your lower lip over your upper lip and tilt your head back, feeling the stretch along the sides of the jaw and along the front of the neck. Stretch until you can see the ceiling, and hold this position for several seconds.

For an extra boost, thrust your chin upward slightly to feel added resistance along your lower jaw line and all of the muscles of the platysma, from chin to chest. Slowly return to your starting position. Perform 10 repetitions, working up to three sets in a row.

Use Your Tongue

Use your tongue to help strengthen your platysma muscle. Sit up straight and open your mouth as far as you can, without discomfort. Stick your tongue out, then reach it down toward your chin.

Hold for three to five seconds, then relax. Begin with 10 repetitions and work up to three sets in a row.

The Takeaway

  • The platysma neck muscle is located under the chin. Platysma banding is known as a "turkey neck.”
  • Some people choose surgery to reduce this effect, but neck exercises can be an alternative option.
  • Try the range of motion, hanging head, chin-firming, or tongue exercises mentioned above to see if they can give you the results you're looking for.

Resources We Trust

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty). Cleveland Clinic. June 28, 2022.
  2. Hoerter JB, et al. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Platysma. StatPearls. August 7, 2023.
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Scott Haak, PT, DPT, MTC, CSCS

Medical Reviewer

Scott Haak, PT, DPT, has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 2000. Dr. Haak serves as faculty for the Sports Medicine Fellowship program at Mayo Clinic Florida. He is certified by the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) as a CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), is a Certified USA Weightlifting Coach and Certified USA Football Coach, and possesses a MTC (Manual Therapy Certification) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

Haak is an exercise enthusiast and enjoys running, weightlifting, and sports performance training. He is the president and director of coaching of a youth tackle football organization, JDL Providence Football, and currently coaches high school football and weight lifting.

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Denise Stern is an experienced freelance writer and editor. She has written professionally for more than seven years. Stern regularly provides content for health-related and elder-care websites and has an associate and specialized business degree in health information management and technology.

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