Neck Rejuvenation Secrets: Non-Surgical Methods for a Tighter, Smoother Neck
Working in aesthetics for a decade and a half now, I must have spoken to thousands of people, day in, day out, about their ageing concerns.
Everyone wants to restore and rejuvenate their face, but I would estimate that over 70% of people complain about ageing of the neck as well, particularly as they head into their 50s and beyond.
The usual statements are:
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“I feel like I’ve lost definition in my jaw, the shape looks different.”
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“I feel like I’m getting a wobbly turkey neck.”
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“I can see my neck bands pulling under my chin.”
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“My skin looks all crepey and thin on my neck.”
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“I don’t like these horizontal neck lines.”
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“I will only wear high tops and scarves now, as I’m paranoid about my neck.”
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“I use my hair to disguise my neck because I’m so self-conscious.”
Ageing really is a gift to cherish, and we all go through these changes together, but when what we start to see on the outside doesn’t match up with how we feel on the inside, it can be a hard process for many of us to go through.
Luckily, things can be done non-surgically now, to soften the effects ageing can have on the neck and be just enough to restore someone’s confidence without going under the surgeon’s knife.
Of course, the severity will determine the results achieved, and for some, they may choose the surgical route. But for many of us, this seems like too much of a scary step.
So let’s go through what can be done.
Addressing the Skin of the Neck
The introduction of cutting-edge regenerative medicine options into the clinic has been pretty revolutionary in helping with overall skin strength, texture, elasticity, and tone.
Polynucleotides, in particular, when given as a course, have the ability to bio-regenerate the skin, reducing wrinkles, and improving skin laxity, turgidity, and firmness due to their promotion of fibroblasts within the skin.
The beauty of polynucleotides is that they’re very natural. Derived from a marine source and simply injected to stimulate your own skin cells. It’s your own body that’s magically doing the work!
Polynucleotides are administered to the neck in micro-droplet form along the main areas of concern.
We’re literally treating the skin from the ground up, getting it stronger, tighter, and healthier.
Skin Boosting
Skin Boosting can be combined with Polynucleotides thereafter - although skin boosting has a completely different mode of action.
Skin boosting is essentially targeting the same concerns, but doing nothing to address the skin itself at a base level. We’re mimicking what we want the skin to look like by injecting micro amounts of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and minerals under the skin.
The aim is to hydrate the skin from within, helping rejuvenate thin, crepey, lined skin and increase luminosity and brightness.
Both are great treatments and work brilliantly when combined or alone. For me as a practitioner, it just makes sense to get the scaffolding strong with the skin itself using polynucleotides.
The stronger and healthier the skin, the more effect you will get from other treatments.
Now Let’s Address the Neck Tightness
The muscle of the neck is called the platysma. It’s basically a thin sheet of muscle that inserts at the clavicle (the collarbone) and into the jawline.
As we age, due to tightening and overactivity of the muscle, the platysma begins to weaken and loses elasticity, leading to the development of the platysmal bands.
These rope-like bands become more prominent, particularly on expression or with certain facial movements, appearing like vertical ridges and lines forming under the chin and lateral jaw. This is when people begin to refer to the so-called “Turkey Neck” formation.
The bands also begin to pull down on the lower jaw, contributing to:
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Loss of definition
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Heaviness in the lower part of the face
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Downturned mouth corners
The increased tension, along with the loss of collagen and elastin in the skin, can cause the neck to feel more saggy, and horizontal lines across the neck can deepen.
Treatment Options
To treat the platysmal bands, we would use Botox® to help relax the muscle. This is commonly known as the Nefertiti Neck Lift in the cosmetic world.
We inject small amounts of Botox 2cm apart down each visible band. We can combine this with small injections to other areas of the lower face if needed, such as the muscle that pulls the mouth corners down and the chin.
When we relax these injected depressor muscles, the muscles are able to relax, and in turn, we create a lift of the neck and improve the contour of the jaw, because we are easing tension.
As a lovely bonus, we also help to soften vertical lines.
Caveat
Not everyone is suitable for this part of the neck treatment.
To inject safely and minimise any risk, we have to be able to locate the bands correctly. This is where we will ask you to express and grimace to see if the platysma is visible.
If we can’t locate them safely, we simply can’t inject. Your safety is paramount.
I Cannot Stress Enough the Importance of an Experienced Medical Practitioner
Injections here, if done incorrectly, carry a risk of affecting swallowing or breathing. If done safely and accurately, the results are fabulous!
How Long Will It Last?
I’m just speaking anecdotally, but I would estimate the lift to last around 5–6 months.
Affordable Must-Have
I can’t reiterate enough the importance of using sunscreen in the delicate neck area.
This one affordable option can save a whole host of problems with sagging, damaged skin down the line, saving you lots of money on expensive treatments going forward.
My favourite has always been Heliocare Advanced Gel, but I’ve also heard amazing things about La Roche-Posay Invisible Fluid, which I intend to try next.
I am currently working with my manufacturer on producing a high-performing neck cream – watch this space…. I’m loving the sample so far!
Combinational Treatment
If you don’t like the look of the skin on your neck and are concerned with the loss of jaw definition and the formation of a turkey neck, then I would recommend a combination of polynucleotides and Botox.
If the budget allows, all three treatments – polynucleotides, Botox, and skin boosting – are very effective.
Likewise, if it’s just the skin that seems more crepey, but there are no bands forming under the chin, then you could just opt for the skin rejuvenation options.
Before & After
Below, you will find the before and after results of my client who undertook a course of polynucleotides and Botox to the neck.
You can clearly see the skin looks better and the jawline and under the chin are tighter.
Her confidence was so high, she sent me this lovely message.
Before & After
Below, you will see a before and after image of another client who undertook a polynucleotide treatment combined with Botox®. The results are pretty astonishing!
There’s no better feeling for me than seeing someone walk in, head held high, with a beaming smile on their face! It’s why I do what I do.
If you’d like to discuss what neck options would best benefit you, book in for your consultation.
The consultation cost of £50 is fully redeemable against treatment taken.
Gemma x
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