Your Complete Guide to Neck Rejuvenation

When November and Thanksgiving grow near, so do the photos of Tom Turkeys with their large, red, crepey wattles.  For some reason, we compare those photos to our own crepey necks.  We joke about our necks.  We call the loose, thin, sagging, crepey skin our Turkey Necks, Tech Necks, Necklace necks, and countless other names.  We wear turtlenecks and multiple necklaces to hide them while we seek ways to recapture our smooth necks.  Take heart, it is possible.

First, let’s talk about those necklines and how they came to be. There are many reasons, the first of which is:

• Aging:  It’s natural. The skin on your neck, the backs of your hands, and around your eyes is some of the thinnest on the body.  Those areas will be the first to show signs of aging.  As we grow older, the collagen and elastin in our skin break down, lose their firmness, and produce deep neck lines. 
• Sun damage can also be another culprit.  Skin unprotected from the UV rays will show damage earlier and more easily.
• Tech Neck:  Constantly looking down at a computer or phone screen will etch the lines into your neck.
• Lifestyle choices:  Smoking, drinking alcohol, and dehydration will damage skin. 
• GLP1 users:  Rapid or significant weight loss can reduce the fat deposits underneath the skin on our cheeks, chins, and necks, and leave those areas looking hollowed out, loose, sagging, and older.  

At Southeast Sculpting, we treat these concerns by attacking the problem with multiple modalities.  We focus on restoring balance and support through collagen-building injections, skin tightening technologies, and good medical-grade skincare to maintain the benefits created. 

Medical Grade Skincare

During a skincare consult, we will assess your skin, diagnose issues, and make recommendations to address your concerns.  Good skin begins with a daily regimen for both the face and neck.   We do not treat them separately, nor should you, as one affects the other.  Vitamins A, C, and a sunscreen should always be included. For the neck specifically, we choose Alastin’s  Restorative Neck Complex, ZO’s Firming Serum for the lower face and neck, and ZO’s just introduced Neck Complex, which addresses wrinkles, as well as uneven skin tone with brighteners.  

Chemical Peels

We use VI Peels to gently resurface and renew the face and neck for smoother, more radiant skin.  Give us 15-20 minutes to apply the peel, then witness it working over the following week.  There is no pain, but much to be gained from this simple, affordable procedure.   When performed together with toxin injections, the peel subtly anesthetizes the skin to reduce discomfort from the injections.  

Injections

Injections are another means of addressing neck issues.  Consult with Dr. Robinson or Nurse Injector Jennifer Tilley to see which type of injectable is best for you.

• Consider Botox Cosmetic, the only toxin currently FDA-approved for use on the neck. Injected along the jawline and the vertical platysmal bands, a refined, defined “Nefertiti Lift” is created.  
• SkinVive is also popular. Microdroplets of Hyaluronic acid are injected superficially beneath the skin to plump and produce supple, smoother, and more noticeably radiant skin.
• Sculptra is our preferred biostimulator. This poly-L-lactic acid is injected into those areas of the face and neck
  that have lost volume, become loose, sagging, and crepey.  The immediate benefit seen at the end of the procedure will become even better with time as the Sculptra stimulates your body’s own collagen to rejuvenate itself.  Results appear as early as one month and continue for as long as 18 months to two years.  Typical treatment is three treatments over 3-4 months with at least three weeks in between. 
• Hyper-dilute Radiesse is used to strengthen and thicken crepey skin, especially along the jawline.  Lift the jawline and the neck benefits as well.
• HA (hyaluronic acid) fillers gently restore volume and hydration.   Improved tone and fewer wrinkles are the results.
• Try the Gold Protocol:  This injection cocktail includes Radiesse, an HA filler, and a toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or Daxxify) given together in one session.  You receive the benefits of each and leave looking natural, not overdone. Better yet, you have little to no downtime.

Laser Resurfacing and Radiofrequency Therapy

Some of our best outcomes are achieved using complementary technologies.  Advanced laser treatments stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and firmness.  We utilize the Helix Laser with CoolPeel to accomplish the task.  This Helix hybrid CO2 system remodels and tightens from deep within the skin.  CoolPeel enhances the results by resurfacing the area.   Everesse monopolar Radiofrequency therapy likewise lifts and smooths.     Together, these combinations offer the refinement patients seek in their faces and necks. 

A similar result with a different approach is accomplished using Morpheus8 microneedling with Radiofrequency.  You may use  PRP, add exosomes, and/or follow it with Forma skin tightening to enhance the results.

On the other end of the spectrum, double chins and thick necks are treated with CoolSculpting, a non-invasive cryolipolysis treatment that “freezes” fat deposits to reduce necks.  After healing, results can be enhanced with Morpheus8 microneedling and Forma to tighten and lift. 

At Southeast Sculpting, we believe aging gracefully is an art supported by science.  Whether your goal is gentle firming, complete rejuvenation, or maintaining your current results, we can make a plan to enhance your beauty and confidence.  Call us today at 803-396-2727 to schedule your consultation.