When you look in the mirror, do you see loose skin around the neck? Are deep creases developing from looking down at screens? Sagging skin or jowliness? You’re not alone. This is a common complaint. Because the neck ages more quickly than other areas, many people find themselves feeling self-conscious about their neck and seek options to slow or reverse signs of skin aging on the neck. According to Dr. Jennifer Holman of U.S. Dermatology Partners in Tyler, Texas, “Many of my patients, who are as young as their thirties, come to me concerned with the appearance of their necks. This skin is more sensitive and needs additional care, but the increased time people spend looking down at devices seems to be contributing to younger and younger patients developing creases and lines in their necks. So, it’s no surprise that so many people visit me for the express purpose of developing a plan to improve the appearance of their neck. Luckily, there are numerous treatment options to slow the signs of aging as well as more advanced procedures available to reverse skin aging.” In this blog, Dr. Holman walks through dermatologic products and treatments available to improve the appearance of an aging neck.
Why the Neck Ages Differently
As we age, collagen and elastin production slow as does skin cell turnover. This leads to the telltale signs of skin aging like fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and age spots. You will likely start seeing these skin changes first in areas where the skin is thinner. According to Dr. Holman, “The areas around the eyes and on the neck are the most common sites for early skin aging. Repeated movements can also lead to increased risk for wrinkles and skin laxity.”
Skincare Routine
Because the neck ages differently, it requires special care. Unfortunately, many people neglect this area altogether during their daily skincare routines. When it comes to good neck care habits, Dr. Holman says, “As you’re going through your daily skincare routine, make sure to include your neck. The products used on your face are typically a good first step toward keeping the skin on your neck healthy. This should include a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening, vitamin C serum in the mornings to prevent UV and pollutant damage, retinols in the evening to promote cell turnover, a good moisturizer in the morning and evening, and an effective sunscreen during the day to protect against sun damage. Consistently sticking with this skincare routine will dramatically improve the health and appearance of the skin around the neck.”
Skincare Products Made for the Neck
In addition to maintaining a consistent general skincare routine, you may also want to incorporate products that are specifically formulated for the neck. Two of Dr. Holman’s favorite neck treatment products are Revision Skincare Nectifirm and Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced. According to Dr. Holman, “Both the original and advanced formula lead to a smoother, firmer neck with regular use. Plus, it’s safe for all skin types, so anyone can enjoy the benefits of this firming neck cream. Revision Skincare Nectifirm and the other neck creams I recommend have one thing in common – they are developed by clinical professionals and scientific researchers to ensure patients achieve the desired results without any unnecessary side effects. I look for products that have deep moisturizing ingredients, antioxidants, and peptides that are proven effective in making the skin look and feel youthful and healthy.”
Kybella
Kybella is a treatment that reduces the submental fat deposits beneath the chin by injecting deoxycholic acid directly beneath the skin. After injection, the deoxycholic acid destroys excess fatty deposits. It also prevents the cells from storing fat, so the results last for the long term. To initially achieve the desired results, your dermatologist may recommend a series of treatment sessions with a month or longer between them. Each person’s needs and goals will vary, but a good dermatologist can help you develop a personalized treatment plan.
Laser Treatments
BBL or broad band light is a type of gentle, non-invasive laser treatment that can be used to improve the appearance of age spots and discoloration on the neck. The HALO laser skin resurfacing technology will improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as create a smoother overall appearance.
Vivace RF Microneedling
Vivace RF Microneedling treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) technology. The microneedling application creates minute injuries on the surface of the skin to trigger the body’s healing response, which includes removing dead skin cells to reveal the underlying layers of healthy skin. The RF technology stimulates collagen production for smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
Radiesse Dermal Fillers
For deep neck lines, Radiesse dermal fillers can be used to plump up the skin. Unlike traditional fillers that dissolve relatively quickly without leading to long-term improvement, Radiesse also stimulates collagen production for long-term improvement in the appearance of skin.
Neurotoxin Injections
Botulinum toxin injections are an excellent option to smooth and tighten the platysmal bands. These are the muscles running down the neck. When neurotoxins are injected into this area, it leads to a more youthful-looking neck by reducing the appearance of platysmal bands by relaxing these muscles. It can be used in conjunction with Kybella to improve the appearance of the neck, chin, and jawline.
CoolSculpting
Like Kybella, CoolSculpting is a non-surgical treatment option for reducing excess stores of fat. While Kybella relies on an injectable medication to remove excess fat, CoolSculpting uses extremely low temperatures to freeze and destroy unwanted fat.
Thermage FLX
Thermage FLX is an innovative skin-tightening treatment. For those who notice laxity, crepiness, or deep wrinkles on the neck, Thermage FLX offers a minimally invasive treatment solution. This treatment device uses radiofrequency energy to cause skin to tighten by inducing the production of healthy collagen and elastin over time. People will continue to see improvement in the appearance of the skin for several weeks or even months after treatment. In the short term, the radiofrequency causes the existing collagen fibers to tighten, leaving skin looking smoother and firmer right away.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you want to prevent aging skin on the neck or undo the signs of aging, the knowledgeable dermatologists at U.S. Dermatology Partners are here to help. Take a few minutes to complete our online scheduling request form. Once we receive your information, a member of our team will be in touch to finalize the details of your consultation.
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