Necks don’t lie. If there’s anything that shows the creeping effects of age, it’s the saggy skin on your neck.
But there are steps you can take to minimise the damage.
When it comes to neck lines and mild skin laxity, Botulinum Toxin can make an ageing neck look more youthful. The procedure that diminishes the neck lines and tightens the jowls is called “the Nefertiti Lift”, aptly named after the Egyptian queen famous for her very defined jawline and long neck.
The Nefertiti Lift technique involves multiple tiny injections of Botulinum Toxin into the neck and jaw to relax the platysmamuscles enveloping the area, and relieve that downward pull. This results in softening the horizontal wrinkle lines and lifting the jawline, allowing for a younger-looking neck and chin.
If your problem is loose skin and there is not much fat in that area, Ultherapy, an ultrasound-based technology will probably be the answer. It’s the only technology with US Food and Drug Administration- approval for neck and under-chin lifting.
The technology uses micro-focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production both in the dermal and SMAS layers without injuring the outer skin. The SMAS is a fibrous network connecting the facial muscles with the dermis. It also consists of collagen and elastic fibres. Prior to the introduction of the micro-focused ultrasound technology, only plastic surgeons could reach such a depth. With this non-invasive treatment, a dermatologist can deliver energy to a precise depth and layer of the skin resulting in the building of new collagen and the firming up of a supporting structure of the neck skin.
Lastly, if there is a collection of fat under the chin, then you may be a candidate for a cryolipolysistechnology. The procedure involves selective fat freezing, causing fat cells to die. With the new applicator design, the technology offers the dermatologist a new treatment for a difficult-to-treat area like the under chin. The device pulls the fat bulge into the applicator where cold plates reduce the temperature of the fat to its freezing point. Fat cells die and are eliminated by the body’s natural mechanism. During the clinical trial, patients saw results at three weeks but the best result were observed after one to three months.
THANISORN THAMLIKITKUL MD is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and certified in dermatological laser surgery. Send your questions for her to [email protected].
