The aging neck, often called a “turkey neck,” is characterized by skin laxity, which causes sagging skin at the jawline (jowls) and the neck, horizontal neck wrinkles, and sunspots. 

Photoaging is responsible for 90% of visible skin changes, including pigment changes, deterioration of elastin, which gives the skin flexibility, and collagen, which provides the skin’s structural support. Chronological aging causes thinning skin, reduced elasticity, and the loss of skin tone and firmness, which results in wrinkles and sagging. 

What is neck rejuvenation?

Neck rejuvenation refers to a range of medical or cosmetic procedures and treatments aimed at improving the appearance of the neck. These procedures often aim to address signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, or double chin, and to enhance the overall aesthetics of the neck area. The treatments vary widely in their approach, including non-surgical and surgical options. Multiple options with varying degrees of invasiveness are available to address these concerns.

Here are some of the most common methods:

• Topical Treatments: These include creams and serums containing ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants that aim to improve skin texture and elasticity.
• Injectables: Botulinum toxin (neuromodulator) injections such as Botox can relax platysmal bands (the vertical muscles that can become prominent with age). Certain carefully chosen dermal fillers may be used to fill in necklines. Deoxycholic acid injection (Kybella) can improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe double chin and neck fat. Hyperdilute Radiesse and Sculptra can also be used to help treat crepey skin.
• Microneedling with SkinPen: Microneedling is collagen induction therapy. Collagen induction therapy boosts collagen and elastin production to smooth and tighten the skin, renew skin tone and texture, restore shape, and enhance contours. The result is a plump, youthful complexion. At Avant, we utilize SkinPen, the sole FDA-approved device for microneedling procedures targeting acne scarring and neck wrinkles.
• Laser and Light Therapies: A combination of lasers with Intense pulsed light (IPL) and other light-based therapies can improve skin tone, texture, and tightness.
• Radiofrequency Treatments: We offer Morpheus8, Forma, and Evoke, which are radiofrequency technologies. These non-invasive treatments use energy to heat deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and leading to tighter, more youthful-looking skin.
• Liposuction: This surgical procedure removes excess fat from the neck, often addressing issues like a double chin.
• Thread Lifts involve placing temporary sutures to produce a subtle but visible “lift” in the skin.
• Chemical Peels: Used to remove the top layers of the skin, resulting in smoother and more youthful skin as it heals.

Each treatment has its own set of considerations, such as potential risks, recovery time, cost, and the duration of the effects.

Contact Dr. Sheila Farhang at Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics in Tucson/Oro Valley and Beverly Hills to schedule a consultation. Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics offers multiple options to address your concerns.