Why does our neck age?
Elasticity and collagen decrease all over the skin, but it becomes especially apparent in the skin of the neck as we age. We often forget to care for our neck and under chin regions especially in comparison to our face. External factors like the UV rays of the sun can cause red and brown pigment known as poikiloderma on the skin of the neck. Our own activities also contribute to unwanted changes. Some fat under the chin area can be hereditary but some is also related to excess weight gain. Also, many of us clench our jaws creating hypertrophy of the masseter muscle and in some cases even damaging our teeth and strain our temporomandibular joints. Most of us create deeper lines in our neck aka ‘tech neck’ by looking down at our ever- present technology. But,did you know there are many non-surgical options that can help improve some of the above symptoms and diminish the signs of aging on the neck, jawline and under neck region?
Best solutions to prevent and improve neck aging?
Relaxers can help with one of the earliest signs of aging of the skin of the neck is the appearance of platysmal bands along the neck. The platysma muscle is a thin sheet like muscle that lies superficially within the anterior aspect of the neck. This muscle is important for flexion and movement of the neck. As we age, the skin loses its elasticity and collagen resulting in more prominent platysma bands. By relaxing the band with a neurotoxin such as Botox, the facial muscles pull up without resistance resulting in a tighter jawline and a diminishment of the bands. Botox can be injected into the masseter muscle to treat the headaches and pain related to grinding teeth at night and has been an impactful treatment on the quality of lives and oral health of many of our patients.
Jawline definition and under chin fat can easily be treated with injections of deoxycholic acid that decrease unwanted fat. In cases of significant excess, treatments with cryolipolyis, or CoolSculpting may be an option to first reduce the larger amounts and then, if needed, further treat with injections for smaller areas.
Lasers, radiofrequency microneeedling , ultrasound and dermal fillers can be used to treat the neck to improve the thickness of the skin, smooth out wrinkles and even skin tone and texture. Energy based technologies (such as lasers, radiofrequency and ultrasound) create new collagen and elastin repairs the tissue, creating brand new thicker, healthier skin. Unwanted pigment and redness can also be removed. There are so many different technologies and using them all in the right combination are the best way to return a natural looking and healthy appearance to the jawline and neck skin.
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