The neck has much thinner skin than the rest of the face, which means it is one of the first places to show signs of aging. Sun exposure and environmental factors can contribute to loose and wrinkled skin on the neck.
There are non-surgical treatments that can address these problems and tighten the skin.
Non-surgical treatments are not as invasive as surgical alternatives so they do not offer as dramatic results and will need maintenance sessions. Their benefits include a quicker recovery period and fewer risks than surgery.
One treatment that can help iron out wrinkles and fine lines on the neck is neuromodulators such as Botox. Botox relaxes muscles to prevent wrinkle formation. The sessions are relatively painless. Patients will not need any recovery time, but maintenance treatments are necessary every 3-4 months.
Laser treatments help rejuvenate the skin and improve its overall appearance. Fractionated lasers target only small pieces of skin to give faster recovery time compared to more invasive non-fractionated lasers that remove an entire layer of skin. As a result of the treatment, the body produces collagen, which improves the skin's elasticity, structure, and texture. The procedure requires a topical, local, or general anesthetic, depending on the type of laser used. The recovery period can last several days to weeks depending on the laser used.
Injectable fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Sculptra, can be used off-label to add volume to the neck. Results from these fillers usually last 6-12 months.
Kybella helps candidates with excess fat in their jowls, below the chin, and neck. Good skin elasticity is essential for satisfactory results. Kybella contains deoxycholic acid, which breaks down fat cells. These remnants are then excreted from the body. Kybella can create a more contoured and slimmer neck and face. The procedure takes up to 30 minutes, and patients will experience swelling and redness after. Results become more noticeable after 4-6 weeks, but patients may need up to 4 sessions for the full effects to be visible.
Treatments including radiofrequency technology can also improve elasticity and firm up the neck. These devices heat the skin and trigger a healing response that initiates collagen production to help tighten the skin. As collagen continues to be produced over a few months, results will become increasingly noticeable over time.
Ultherapy uses ultrasound waves to improve wrinkles around the neck. It also boosts collagen production to rejuvenate the skin. A typical Ultherapy session lasts 60-90 minutes with no downtime needed. Patients will notice results 2-3 months later, which can last up to a year.
