Although a surgical neck lift is the gold standard in neck rejuvenation, non-surgical options can offer dramatic, albeit temporary, improvements. Typically, the major complaints about the aging neck are slack, hanging skin, a ropey appearance, necklace-like bands, and crepey skin texture. While only surgery can excise excess skin and fat, a combination of injectable fillers, neurotoxins (Botox and Dysport),IPL and peels can improve many of these issues.
To Get Rid of Neck Lines
One of the most common complaints about the aging neck is the appearance of thick, vertical cords. A muscle called the platysma is like a curtain spanning from the jawline and the clavicles across the front of the neck. The vertical cords on the neck form as the two sides of the platysma “curtain” separate with age. Because it’s a muscle, the platysma can be relaxed with injections of Botox or Dysport. These neurotoxins slightly weaken the muscle, softening the look of the cords. To further minimize their appearance, Dr. Yagoda injects neurotoxin in the underside of the jawline. These muscles pull the upper portion of the neck downwards. By relaxing them, the comparatively stronger muscles above act to pull the neck up, giving it a subtle lift.
To Eliminate Jowls
To further improve the look of these cords, Dr. Yagoda of New York and Manhattan may use injectable fillers to add volume to the jawline and just below the chin. By adding volume to these locations, the skin is stretched more tightly over it, pulling up sagging beneath, giving it the appearance of a neck light without surgery.
To Firm, Tone and Retexturize the Skin of the Neck
The quality of the skin on the neck can be rendered smoother and younger-looking without resorting to surgery. The “necklace bands” that form horizontal rings around the neck can be smoothed with injections of neurotoxin. Peels and IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy can resurface the skin, improving both texture and elasticity while erasing brown spots and fine lines.
Next Steps
To determine whether you might benefit from surgical or non-surgical neck rejuvenation, call our office to schedule your personal consultation. As both an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat doctor) and a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Yagoda offers her patients a full spectrum of options to achieve their aesthetic goals from her New York City (NYC)/ Manhattan office.