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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – The neck plays a vital role in an overall youthful appearance, but this area is often overlooked when it comes to preventing and reversing visible signs of aging. If you’re not including your neck in your morning and evening skincare routines, you should—as this extension of your face can reveal your true age.
“The skin on the neck is thinner than skin on the face, so we often see more significant changes,” says New York City plastic surgeon Mark H. Schwartz, MD, FACS. “Changes in the neck are generally caused by the same factors that lead to aging of the face, namely accumulated sun damage that compromises collagen and the natural effects of time. However, the fact that many women and men are less diligent about using daily sun protection and other skincare products on this area can accelerate the signs of aging,” he says. The most common signs are loss of skin firmness, sagging, a crepey appearance and horizontal lines that remain visible even while the chin is lifted.
The natural aging process and gravity affect the muscles beneath the skin’s surface, in turn leading to a saggy appearance. “There are several components that contribute to creating an aged neck appearance. The neck will start to show its age when there is redundant skin, platysmal muscle cording, and an increase in the chin fat in the subplatysmal tissue. There are also ligaments called the cervical retaining ligaments that become looser with age. These ligaments anchor the platysma and soft tissues of the neck to the deep cervical fascia and deeper skeletal structures,” says Park Avenue facial plastic surgeon Andrew Jacono, MD, FACS.
The good news is, there are ways to maintain a youthful-looking neck—and improve visible signs of aging. Whether you’re looking to start with skincare, considering surgery or exploring other options in between, here are the latest ways to avoid wearing turtlenecks 24/7.
Alastin Restorative Neck Complex
Formulated specifically for delicate skin between the chin and chest, this rich moisturizer tackles the most common neck concerns, including discoloration, loss of firmness, fine lines and wrinkles. Featuring a proprietary ingredient blend that helps support the skin’s natural collagen and elastin, this treatment can be used on its own, or to enhance the results achieved with office-based skin-tightening procedures.
Kybella
As the only injectable solution for permanently eliminating unwanted fat, “Kybella can improve the overall appearance of the neck by enhancing the contours of the chin and jawline without the risks and downtime associated with more invasive procedures,” says Dr. Schwartz. Kybella contains deoxycholic acid, a molecule found naturally in the body that breaks down fat. “A series of two to four treatments spaced four to six weeks apart is generally recommended for optimal results. Larger areas of fat may require up to six treatments. The main side effects are swelling, redness and numbness after treatment, especially after the first injection session), but these are temporary, and most patients return to work after a weekend,” he says.
When stubborn fat and skin laxity on the neck present, this minimally-invasive procedure can both concerns. FaceTite combines liposuction with radiofrequency that simultaneously works melt unwanted fat for easier removal and tighten the overlying skin. “Among the main advantages of the FaceTite system are the minimal pain, swelling and downtime after the procedure,” says New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Bryan G. Forley. “Only one treatment session is generally needed to achieve desired results, and improvement continues for three to six months afterwards. The outcome from FaceTite can be dramatic on the right patient,” He says.
Isolated Neck Lift
“Unlike traditional neck lifts, a minimally invasive Isolated Neck Lift offers an incision two thirds smaller and located in the back of the ear which helps to conceal any signs of surgery. The deep fat from the subplatysmal tissue is removed with the use of a laser. The skin will eventually contract and tighten up once healed. The muscle bands are then corseted together and tied back to the midline ligament, and the excess skin is removed – resulting in a more youthful, smoother jawline and neck. The beauty of this procedure is that it can be combined with other facial procedures and only local anesthesia is needed,” says. Dr. Jacono.
Wendy Lewis is Founder/President of Wendy Lewis & Co Ltd, author of 12 books including Aesthetic Clinic Marketing in the Digital Age (CRCPress), and Editor in Chief of Beautyinthebag.com