Top 5 Treatments for a Younger-Looking Neck
Did you know that your neck will show signs of aging before they are visible on your face? As such, no matter how many treatments or products you choose for your face, neglecting your neck will undermine all your anti-aging efforts. Several factors contribute to a saggy, dull neck appearance including genetics, environment, and lifestyle.
Neck skin is thin and delicate and has fewer oil glands—making it more prone to showing signs of aging, including sun damage, sagging, and fine lines and wrinkles.
While a surgical neck lift is the gold standard for achieving a younger-looking neck, there are a number of effective, minimally invasive options to consider. Here, we share our top 5 treatments and procedures and how each one can rejuvenate your neck area.
1. BOTOX®
Why we love it: Softens platysma bands on the neck
One of the most telling signs of aging, the tight, bulging vertical bands along your neck are actually two strips of muscle that become more prominent with muscle activity. These muscles can be relaxed with BOTOX—an injectable neuromodulator that temporarily prevents some nerve signals to the muscle, fading the bands and smoothing the neck with no downtime. To maintain the softening effects, touch-up treatments should be scheduled about every 4-6 months.
2. Laser skin treatments
Why we love it: Diminishes signs of aging and retextures crepey skin
A thin, crepe-like skin texture on the neck is another obvious marker of neck aging. UV exposure accelerates the skin’s breakdown of collagen and elastin, which leads to wrinkle formation and loose, saggy skin. Laser skin resurfacing delivers laser energy within the subdermis to boost collagen and elastic production, reduce signs of aging, and improve skin tone and texture. Most patients see noticeable improvement after their first treatment, however, we recommend a series of 3-5 treatments for optimal anti-aging results. If you are genetically predisposed to neck aging, consider having laser skin treatments a few times a year to prevent early skin aging.
3. Physician-grade Microneedling
Why we love it: Increases collagen and elastin production to rejuvenate your skin from the inside out
When gravity, genetics, and signs of aging start taking their toll on your neck, reset your skin with microneedling—but, be sure to choose a physician-approved option.
SkinPen microneedling creates micro-injuries that trigger your body’s natural healing response to renew tissue and boost collagen and elastin production. SkinPen improves the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and signs of aging without any heat or chemicals, making it safe, yet effective for all skin types. You can return to work immediately after SkinPen treatment, however you may experience temporary, mild redness for 1-3 days.
Morpheus8 combines traditional microneedling treatments with advanced radiofrequency (RF) technology to lift and tighten the skin and reduce signs of aging. This unique treatment sculpts the face and neck by contracting the skin and encouraging fat to coagulate. The addition of RF energy accelerates collagen production and helps breakdown scar tissue. For optimal results, a series of 2-4 treatments is recommended with results gradually improving in the months following each treatment. Morpheus8 requires no downtime, though you will likely notice mild swelling and redness for 1-3 days.
4. FaceTite
Why we love it: Minimally invasive fat removal for a lifted, refreshed appearance that lasts
Fat bulges in the neck area can be difficult to target with diet and exercise alone—and even the most active lifestyles can’t address sagging skin. Enter FaceTite fat removal and skin tightening!
Through tiny incisions, the FaceTite wand is inserted beneath the skin. The wand uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat up and contract tissue, produce collagen, and rupture fat cells—suctioning away fat deposits as it’s gently maneuvered under the skin. Traditional liposuction cannot address skin sagging, making FaceTite ideal for those who want to both slim and tighten the neck area.
FaceTite can be safely and comfortably performed with a topical anesthetic and you may resume most normal activities in about 2 days. Results will start to form instantly with complete results visible after approximately 3-6 months.
5. Neck lift
Why we love it: Lifts and tightens underlying muscles, removes excess skin, and contours the jawline for sculpted, optimal neck rejuvenation results
Performed as a standalone procedure or commonly as part of a facelift, a neck lift achieves the most dramatic neck rejuvenation by addressing both the underlying musculature of the neck and surface skin. Through discreetly placed incisions around the ears, a neck lift tightens weakened tissues and removes excess fat. The skin is lifted and trimmed for a pleasing contour. Most patients take 2-3 weeks of social downtime as swelling and bruising gradually fade, though you may feel well enough to return to desk work in as little as 1 week. Full results are visible after about 3 months and are long-lasting, turning the clock back about a decade.
Pro tip: Extend the results of any neck treatment or procedure with medical-grade skincare
To maintain your results, take the clinically proven products that you apply to your face and extend them down your neck. Medical-grade skincare products contain higher concentrations of active ingredients and achieve quicker, more effective results. Our licensed aestheticians have an intimate knowledge of skin and have spent years vetting skincare products to make expert recommendations for improving your skin health and protecting your anti-aging results. (We carry several lines of professional skincare products at our Reading plastic surgery center, which are also available in our online shop.)
Schedule your neck rejuvenation consultation with Berks Plastic Surgery
Led by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian K. Reedy, our expert medical and aesthetics team at Berks Plastic Surgery has helped patients achieve a refreshed, youthful neck appearance with a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical options. Proudly serving Wyomissing, PA and the surrounding areas, we are committed to personalizing your treatment to optimize your results with options that suit your lifestyle and timeline. Schedule your consultation by calling our practice at 610.320.0200 or contact us online.
