Tightening the Neck - Can it Be Done Without Plastic Surgery?

As a person ages, the neck can start to show signs of aging thanks to its thin skin, the effects of gravity, and too much exposure to the sun. When the neck starts to sag and wrinkle, it can start to look like a turkey wattle/turkey neck. The underlying muscle, known as the platysma, runs from the chin downwards to the collarbone and the muscle will start to weaken and the skin will lose its elasticity. There are a number of patents who want to treat this issue, but they do not want to undergo a surgical procedure such as a neck lift. In this article, the ability to tighten the neck without the need for an invasive surgical procedure will be spotlighted.

Tightening the Neck – Skin Creams and Moisturizers

Patients who have a neck with skin that is still relatively taut or tight can avoid losing additional elasticity to the skin by limiting the amount of exposure of the neck to UV light. This can be accomplished by wearing sunscreen and protecting the neck by wearing clothing that covers it.

Neck creams can also be applied to the neck if the cream is designed to firm the skin. An ingredient such as neoglucosamine will promote the production of hyaluronic acid as well as improve the look of wrinkles and fine lines on the neck. In addition, keeping the neck skin hydrated reduces the formation of wrinkles and helps the neck avoid the look of a turkey wattle.

Besides neck creams, there are some moisturizers that will work on the neck as long as they have ingredients such as vitamin A derivatives and the retinol family to stimulate the production of collagen.

Tightening the Skin – Noninvasive Options

One of the most popular noninvasive methods for tightening the skin is a thread lift. During this procedure, the surgeon inserts a number of thin threads into the targeted area by creating tiny incisions. Once the threads are in the body, they attach to the skin tissue so they can lift the targeted area and provide a smoother look. The threads also become hidden within the skin which makes any scarring almost invisible. The threads are dissolvable, barbed polydioxanone (PDO) threads and they are placed beneath the skin using a cannula. Since they are placed under the skin, they cause an injury to the skin and the skin responds to the injury by promoting the production of collagen. The collagen can help to keep the skin very tight for multiple months after the threads dissolve. The length of the final results varies per patient and one of the main factors is the condition of the skin at the time of the procedure. In general, the final results can last anywhere from one to three years.

Another option is the use of fractional laser resurfacing, ultrasound technology microneedling, or a combination of these treatments to improve the amount of skin laxity on the neck. For example, the use of high-frequency ultrasound technology in the area right below the surface of the skin can result in the production of collagen and the tightening of the skin for an improved appearance to the neck.

Tightening the Neck – Consulting with a Doctor

Since there are so many medical options available to patients of all ages, the first thing a person should do is schedule a consultation appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. The doctor will examine the current condition of the skin of the patient to determine their best medical option.

During the consultation appointment, the patient needs to share any concerns regarding their neck so the doctor can explain all of the possible treatment options. It is also important for the medical professional to give the patient an idea about how much the treatment will cost. The final cost can include fees charged by the doctor or the medical facility as well as a cost that varies by the area of the country where it is performed, and the extent of the work performed by the doctor. While this might seem like a lot of money will need to be spent on the treatment of choice, it might be a good idea to invest in a noninvasive treatment at the moment instead of waiting until the only option in the future is an invasive medical procedure.

The final decision is up to the patient in terms of the treatment performed on the neck. The doctor is there to answer questions, provide advice, and share available options and information about the extent of the results that can be achieved by the procedure of choice. The decision to be proactive about maintaining the look of the neck is in the hands of the patient. By performing proper research and being prepared mentally and financially for the procedure of choice, the patient will not feel like they are being pushed into making a decision when it comes to tightening the neck without plastic surgery.

- MA