Posted September 26, 2024 in Blog, Neck Lifting, Non-Surgical Treatments, Ulthera

Close crop of a woman from nose to collar bone, displaying her smooth skin and neck.

Neck lift surgery is excellent for renewing the neck area and achieving stunning results. However, many patients desire non-surgical methods for neck rejuvenation. This blog will discuss the various aspects of aging in the neck, as well as two powerful treatments for neck tightening and lifting without surgery.

5 Min Read:

How Does the Neck Age?

In her book, “I Feel Bad About My Neck and Other Thoughts on Being a Woman,” Nora Ephron shares that she can’t stand the way her neck looks and that her dermatologist tells her that there is nothing to do about it. Well, today, we do have non-surgical treatments that can effectively help an aging neck.

The neck is a graceful and alluring body part that is usually taken for granted until a good look in the mirror reveals sagging skin and bands of aging. The aging neck manifests differently for everyone but is, for most, a universally unwelcome sight. Common features of an aging neck include:

  • Horizontal Rings of Venus: Skin loses elasticity as we age, leading to the formation of “Rings of Venus,” the horizontal lines and folds in the neck.
  • Banding and muscle laxity: The main neck muscle, the platysma, weakens and can even separate, creating thick vertical bands from the chin down to the clavicle, adding to a saggy appearance overall.
  • Excess fat: Fat can accumulate under the chin and along the jaw, creating fullness or a double chin.
  • Loss of definition: As we age, the well-defined jawline of our youths can slowly lose its tight contours, making dreaded jowling appear.

How to Make Your Neck Look Younger

There are several ways to combat these signs of aging. Neck lift surgery is the most transformative method, but patients desire less invasive cosmetic treatments.

Fortunately, several effective treatments are available today that provide beautiful skin-tightening results for patients, especially when used in combination.

Neuromodulators (BOTOX® Cosmetic)

BOTOX® Cosmetic can be injected into vertical platysma bands to effectively smooth and rejuvenate the neck. It can also be used along the jawline and lateral platysma bands to give the “Nefertiti” neck lift, which adds definition to the jawline. BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments in the neck may last from three to five months.

Hydration with Micro-Droplet SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®

SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM® is a unique micro-droplet of hyaluronic acid that is very effective when injected in the horizontal “Rings of Venus” neck lines. SKINVIVE™ takes up 1000 times its weight in water molecules, resulting in minimizing neck lines as well as giving a lasting glow to the skin. We recommend maintenance with SKINVIVE™ about every six months.

Ultherapy®

Ultherapy® utilizes ultrasound energy to penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen production. This non-invasive treatment has the ability to lift and tighten the skin and muscles of the neck. Studies have shown that this treatment is safe and effective and provides long-lasting results that continue to improve over time.

What is Ultherapy® recovery like?

There is no downtime with the one-hour Ultherapy® office neck rejuvenation treatment. Some flushing, tingling, or swelling are normal responses. Patients may resume normal lifestyle activities immediately following the procedure.

How much does Ultherapy® cost?

The cost of this new extended Ultherapy® neck treatment varies depending on the areas treated. A complete neck treatment with Ultherapy® costs about $2,500.

Fraxel® Laser

Fraxel® Repair is a non-surgical fractionated CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment. The heat from this laser removes excess skin and stimulates collagen production in the deeper skin layers. On the superficial layer, it improves texture, tone, and color, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and corrects sun damage. The result is overall neck tightening and lifting and smoother, brighter skin. Fraxel® Repair is also proven to effectively treat pre-cancerous lesions.

What is Fraxel® laser recovery like?

This non-surgical treatment leaves the skin of the neck red for about five to seven days. When laser beams are fractionated, they are split into tiny columns of microthermal energy instead of one larger laser beam. This means recovery is much better as surrounding normal skin tissue facilitates healing. Other than an initial hour of feeling warm skin, there is no discomfort from the treatment.

How much is Fraxel® laser treatment?

The cost of Fraxel® Repair treatment on the neck is $1,250.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Hyperdilute RADIESSE®

In addition to Ultherapy® and Fraxel® Repair laser, Dr. Persky uses collagen stimulation of the subcutaneous tissues of the skin either alone or in combination.

How to Tighten Neck Skin at Home

Clinical treatments like laser skin tightening or ultrasound therapy at our office will give you more noticeable results than most home treatments. You can maintain your beautiful results with high-quality skincare at home. Consider adding a neck-tightening cream to your skincare routine. Dr. Persky recommends ALASTIN Skincare® neck formulation, which patients rave about. The SkinMedica® line also has excellent formulations and value. These neck creams help neck skin appear firm and lifted, reduce the appearance of rough, crepey skin, and dramatically decrease the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Treating yourself to luxurious and effective skincare products is an excellent way to prolong your results.

Want to Learn More About Neck Tightening in Los Angeles, CA?

If you’re interested in exploring your options for achieving a smooth, youthful neck without neck lift surgery, we can help. Dr. Michael Persky is a facial plastic surgeon who provides multiple non-surgical facial treatments to help patients get the results they desire. To schedule a consultation, fill out our online contact form or call (818) 501-3223. Join our newsletter to receive special offers & promotions exclusively available for subscribers.