As a seasoned esthetician with over 30 years of experience, I’ve observed a common oversight among many individuals: the neglect of the neck in their skincare routines. I often encourage my friends, family, and clients to demonstrate how they apply their sunscreen—and more often than not, they generously apply it to their faces but only use the leftover product on their fingertips for their necks. This minimal application is far from sufficient. It’s crucial to recognize that our necks are an extension of our faces and typically the first area to exhibit visible signs of aging. Consistently following a proper neck care regimen is essential, but it’s equally important to understand that skincare alone has its limitations. As we age, our bodies undergo natural changes that may necessitate additional treatments for optimal results.

Understanding the Importance of Neck Care in Skincare Routines

Beneath the surface of our necks lies the platysma muscle, which has minimal function apart from protecting deeper structures in the neck. As we age, this muscle can begin to loosen and sag, leading to the formation of vertical neck bands, often humorously referred to as the “turkey gobbler.” While experiencing these changes is entirely normal, I have personally explored various treatments to address this issue. Some methods have proven to be more effective than others, and I’m here to share valuable insights for those considering professional procedures—both surgical and non-surgical—to help tighten their necks and regain a more youthful appearance.

Allow me to introduce my trusted board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Sam Lam, who specializes in addressing visible signs of aging around the neck. Together, we will explore the advancements in modern medicine that can assist anyone struggling with neck aging. Let’s get started on this informative journey!

Exploring Effective Non-Surgical Treatments for Neck Tightening

Utilizing Botox Injections for Visible Neck Bands

The use of Botox for treating platysmal bands is a minimally invasive yet highly effective method for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By strategically injecting Botox along the edges of the vertical neck bands every three to four months, the muscles begin to soften, making the bands less prominent. Dr. Lam states, “Botox injections can significantly aid in managing early signs of neck aging, diminish the visibility of these vertical bands, and potentially postpone the need for more invasive procedures like a face and neck lift.” However, he notes that in cases of moderate to advanced sagging, a facelift may be necessary to achieve the desired results, as Botox alone may not suffice for more severe conditions.

Discover more about how Botox can enhance your overall appearance and boost your confidence.

Harnessing the Power of Radiofrequency Microneedling

Radiofrequency microneedling is an innovative procedure that promotes skin rejuvenation through controlled micro-injuries. This technique uses fine needles to create micro-wounds in the skin, stimulating the growth of healthy new skin. Unlike traditional microneedling, this method incorporates radiofrequency energy, enhancing the treatment’s effectiveness by penetrating deeper layers of the skin, resulting in improved texture and firmness. Dr. Lam emphasizes, “For non-surgical options, I find that radiofrequency microneedling is particularly beneficial for enhancing skin tone and reducing crepiness, making it a popular choice among my patients.”

This advanced microneedling technique has also gained traction as a viable treatment for acne scars—so is it worth considering?

Revolutionizing Skin Quality with Mesobotox

Mesobotox is an advanced cosmetic treatment where a microneedle administers small doses of diluted Botox throughout the facial area, primarily in the T-zone. This approach effectively improves skin quality, targeting issues such as enlarged pores, uneven texture, tone, and the appearance of wrinkles and horizontal lines. Dr. Lam points out that “Many people in the United States remain unaware of Mesobotox, despite it being a highly effective skin rejuvenation method that is safe for all skin types, poses minimal long-term risks, and yields significant long-lasting results with minimal downtime.” He prefers this method over radiofrequency microneedling for its ability to achieve similar results with reduced subcutaneous scarring.

Kybella: Addressing Submental Fullness

Kybella is a non-surgical injectable treatment specifically designed to target and reduce fat beneath the chin. However, Dr. Lam cautions against using Kybella for neck fat reduction, noting that “the fullness in the neck is often located deeper than the subcutaneous layer, specifically beneath the platysma muscle.” He adds that opting for this procedure may lead to complications, including the risk of premature aging, as it doesn’t significantly improve neck contouring. Instead, this technique exposes the underlying platysma muscle without delivering the expected enhancements.

Evaluating Other Minimally Invasive Procedures

While there are additional non-surgical options available, such as Ulthera and Thermage, Dr. Lam advises caution. He asserts that these treatments “offer minimal rejuvenation for the neck and can result in unpredictable subcutaneous scarring.” Previously popular minimally invasive options like thread lifts may also pose more risks than benefits.

When it comes to laser treatments, it’s crucial to proceed with caution. Certain lasers, particularly ablative lasers that remove skin layers, carry a high risk of scarring because the neck lacks sufficient oil glands to facilitate healing.

Learn about my personal experience with Vbeam laser treatment for Poikiloderma here.

Surgical Options for Effective Neck Tightening

Understanding Liposuction for Neck Contouring

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure that effectively removes unwanted fat from various body areas, including the neck. However, Dr. Lam expresses concerns about the use of liposuction for neck tightening, equating it to the drawbacks of Kybella.

The Benefits of Neck Lift and Face Lift Procedures

Neck lifts and facelifts are specifically designed to combat sagging skin and have significantly evolved over the years. Dr. Lam recommends neck lifts as the preferred surgical approach, which can be performed independently or in conjunction with a facelift. If you are curious about whether you qualify for this surgery, Dr. Lam suggests that individuals aged 40 and above, or those experiencing sagging along the jawline, can benefit from this procedure, provided there is no excessive neck fullness. “To determine if someone requires a deep neck lift, I can easily assess by gently pulling back on the neck tissues. If fullness persists, a deep neck lift combined with a facelift is the ideal solution,” Dr. Lam explains. “Conversely, if sagging is adequately addressed, a standard deep-plane facelift may suffice.”

For a comprehensive understanding of this intricate procedure, check out Dr. Lam’s informative 5-part video series.

Topical Treatments for Neck Tightening and Firmness

While experiencing sagging is a natural part of aging, there are proactive measures we can take to delay its onset. My best advice for those wanting to postpone sagging is to consistently apply sunscreen and utilize active skincare ingredients that promote skin elasticity. A daily application of SPF to both the neck and face serves as a crucial defense against the leading cause of premature aging: harmful UV rays. Additionally, I highly recommend using the Triple Berry Smoothing Scrub at least twice a week on your neck, as physical exfoliation plays a vital role in achieving a smoother, more youthful appearance.

My Personal Journey with Neck Tightening Procedures

My journey into neck treatments began after a client shared their positive experience with Botox for platysmal bands. Having a low body fat percentage and extensive CrossFit training—a combination that accentuated the prominence of my platysmal bands—I found these bands increasingly unappealing as I aged. Despite my diligent efforts with sunscreen and anti-aging products, I felt compelled to explore further solutions for my neck.

Upon consulting with Dr. Lam, we initiated a series of Botox injections aimed at tightening my platysma muscle. However, given my history of weightlifting, the results were not as pronounced as we had hoped. This prompted us to consider surgical options, specifically platysmaplasty. This procedure involved an incision beneath the chin and required anesthesia. Overall, I’ve observed noticeable improvements. While my platysmal bands haven’t completely vanished—due in part to my active lifestyle—they are much less pronounced, and I’m genuinely pleased with the results.

Ultimately, there are numerous effective surgical and non-surgical methods available for rejuvenating and tightening the neck, including Botox, radiofrequency microneedling, Mesobotox, and neck or facelifts. Determining which treatment is best suited for you will depend on factors such as your unique anatomy, age, and lifestyle. In my case, my active routine and low body fat guided my choice toward platysmaplasty. It’s essential to thoroughly research your surgeon and select someone who can provide tailored recommendations aligned with your needs and goals—even if that means considering forgoing procedures entirely due to financial constraints, potential risks, or personal preferences.

Finally, learn why your sunscreen may be pilling and how to effectively prevent it.