Neck Rejuvenation: Protecting your Delicate Skin

Q: What options are available for the aging neck?

A: It’s called turkey neck, tech neck, wrinkled, pigmented and all of the above. Now, more than ever, neck rejuvenation is one of the most common concerns we see. Many women take very good care of their faces, but forget about their necks until signs of aging are very evident.

Admittedly, there are challenges with treating the neck. Many traditional treatments such as chemical peels and Retin-A can be too harsh for the neck, where skin is thinner and more sensitive than facial skin; therefore, treatments must be tailored to that specific area. It’s also one of the first places we lose collagen and elastin. Additionally, there’s usually more environmental damage because women tend to take better care of their faces, forgetting to apply sunblock, skin creams and serum to their neck and décolletage. 

The most effective and dramatic results will be achieved with a surgical neck lift. If you’re not ready for surgery, a combination of non-surgical treatments can be an effective alternative. The best results will be achieved through a treatment plan that uses multiple modalities to address each aspect of the neck’s anatomy. First and foremost is a consistent daily skincare regimen. In the morning, protect your skin; after cleansing, apply antioxidant serum, neck cream, moisturizer and sunblock. At night, when your body is resting, restore the skin’s health and encourage cellular repair by applying regenerative products to heal damaged skin. This includes cleansing, applying a regenerative serum with ingredients such as growth factors, peptides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants and a moisturizing neck cream. Never underestimate the power of a good home care regimen 

In-office treatments address color, texture and firmness. Color correction most commonly refers to repairing sun damage. A sun-damaged neck can effectively be addressed with laser and/or light therapy such as IPL, or intense pulsed light, because it targets both brown and red pigments to even out the color tone of the skin.

Texture includes horizontal lines, fine, crepey lines, bumps and skin tags. Texture can be smoothed with treatments that encourage cell turnover and induce collagen production. Microneedling has minimal down time and discomfort. Raised lesions on the neck should first be evaluated by a physician, but then can be removed surgically or by hyfrecation.    

Over time, we lose collagen and elastin and the dermis and hypodermis become thinner. Clinically proven treatments such as microneedling, radio frequency and ultrasound can sometimes give an immediate firming result by causing a temporary contraction of collagen fibers. Best results usually are seen after a series of treatments over three to six months. 

Platysmal bands are the vertical bands that protrude from the neck, enhancing the distention of loose skin. Neuromodulators such as Botox® and Dysport can be used to relax these bands. Once the bands are relaxed, they retreat into the neck and the overlying skin follows, giving a more contoured appearance. With the addition of dermal fillers along the jawline, as seen in a Nefertiti neck lift, results are further enhanced. 

Finally, it’s common to have an excess pouch of fat under the chin, or submental fat. Two effective ways to non-surgically reduce submental fat are CoolSculpting, which freezes the tissue and the dead fat cells are removed through the body’s natural processes, and Kybella™, an injection of deoxycholic acid, the acid your gallbladder makes to break down fat in the body. Once injected, Kybella breaks down fat cells and your body disposes of them naturally.  

The best first step is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your individual anatomy and suggest a treatment plan to reach your individual goals. ■

Written by: Jennifer Angilletta

Jennifer Angilletta, RN, cosmetic nurse specialist, has been in the cosmetic industry for 15 years. As a New York State registered esthetician and registered nurse, she loves combining her medical knowledge with her creative/aesthetic eye to enhance her patient’s natural beauty. Visit her at The Rejuva Center at Williams Center Plastic Surgery Specialists for Neuromodulators, Fillers and Skin Treatments.  For more information contact 518-786-7000 or williamsplasticsurgery.com.