The neck is one of the first places to show our age. Years of sun exposure, as well as repetitive movements such as talking and stretching, can eventually take their toll, leading this delicate skin to age prematurely. Most people forget about the tissue below their chin until the day they look in the mirror and notice the appearance of crepey, sagging skin. For patients over the age of 40, the neck can become one of the most disliked features.
There is a way to transform aging skin on the neck and décolletage, without surgery. Dr. Leonard Miller, founder of the Boston Center for Facial Rejuvenation, is a pioneer in noninvasive neck rejuvenation techniques. Through a custom-tailored treatment plan, Dr. Miller can help almost everyone dramatically improve their neck, taking years off their overall appearance.
Telltale Signs of an Aging Neck:
- Thin skin
- Loose tissue
- Crepey Skin
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Horizontal neck creases
- Prominent Cords (platysmal bands)
- Brown spots and areas of hyperpigmentation
Signs of an Aging Neck
Skin on the neck is generally thin. Compared to tissue elsewhere on the body, the neck has far fewer oil glands and hair follicles for support. Taking a beating every day, the neck is often overlooked when we apply sunscreen and moisturizer, therefore sun damage commonly exacerbates the normal aging process. As we get older, the fat pads below the chin drop, taking away a contoured jawline. Gravity pulls on the lax musculature and tissue, causing deep, horizontal bands and vertical lines to appear, as well as crinkly, crepey skin.
The Secret to Good Results: Combination Treatments
While aging neck skin can be frustrating, excellent treatment is available today. Innovative, cutting-edge aesthetic techniques can make a transformative change to the neck without the expense or lengthy recovery time associated with surgery. Using techniques, many of which Dr. Miller personally designed, patients can see a marked improvement in the lax skin and crepey tissue of the neck, creating a contoured jawline and youthful appearance. The key to optimal neck rejuvenation is to enlist a combination of treatments, each designed to target a specific issue:
Fat transfer: A neck fat transfer uses fatty tissue, harvested from a donor area, such as your abdomen or thighs. Emulsified using a special centrifuge, the fat cells are then injected into the neck, restoring volume, healthy contours, and adding smoothness – diminishing lines and wrinkles.
Microneedling: Medical microneedling uses an automatic roller, fitted with twelve very small needles, to create thousands of tiny channels in the skin’s surface. These microinjuries encourage the skin’s natural healing process, which includes a boost in collagen and elastin supplies. The skin gets a lift as wrinkles diminish and crepey skin becomes plumper and smoother. Microneedling is also an effective method for getting nourishing topical products deep into the lower levels of skin, providing optimal restorative benefits.
Radiofrequency Needling procedures such as Profound can also be added to the treatment plan to induce collagen formation and skin tightening.
Topical Products: A plethora of topical products are available to customize each noninvasive, neck rejuvenation treatment plan. Various cosmeceuticals, containing peptides, antioxidants, growth factors, growth factors, vitamins, and botanicals, can give the skin strength and moisture. These products will boost the skin’s ability to repair itself, thus improving texture, tone, and pigmentation. Physician-grade skincare products, including a high SPF sunscreen, can be utilized to slow changes in neck skin and protect it from further damage.
Additional Treatments: Based on your unique needs, additional techniques can be added to your treatment plan. Botox Cosmetic and dermal fillers can temporarily eliminate lines and wrinkles, as well as diminish the appearance of neck bands. Fractional laser treatments are also a good choice for promoting new cell growth, tightening the skin and lightening areas of discoloration.
The Boston Center for Facial Rejuvenation is here to help with all of your aesthetic needs. If you are ready to address the early signs of aging, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller. Call (617) 450-0070 make an appointment in Boston, or (617) 735-8735 arrange for a consultation in Brookline.
