Sun exposure, weight gain, and genetics often cause our necks to change as we age. Did you know that menopause also affects the quality of your skin? The loss of estrogen that occurs in menopause causes loss in fat around the face, thinning skin, loss of elasticity, and hyperpigmentation. Wrinkles start to appear as the skin becomes loose, fat accumulates under the chin, and vertical neck bands form from the contraction of muscles. Surgery has traditionally been the only option to rejuvenate the neck, but thankfully now there are some safe noninvasive treatments available.
Products
Topical products or serums that contain growth factors help repair and rebuild the skin’s integrity. Application of growth factors once or twice daily will replenish the skin with key peptides, antioxidants, and vitamins leading to healthier and more vibrant looking skin. Sunscreen is also recommended for preventing sun damage and premature aging of the neck, and in fact, sunscreen is arguably the most important step in our daily skincare routine.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL is a lightbased device used to improve the texture, tone, and color of skin on the neck. It can help minimize the appearance of dark spots, areas of hyperpigmentation, and broken capillaries. Treatments take approximately 30 minutes and are repeated at 4 week intervals. A minimum of 3 treatments is usually required to see results. Side effects can include slight redness, darkening of brown spots for a few days, and some irritation.
Botox Cosmetic
Botox is an effective way to treat early muscular changes in the neck. Botox softens tight platysmal bands that appear under the chin and extend vertically down the neck, making it appear more full. Injections are typically recommended 3 or 4 times per year and take about 10 minutes to perform. There is no downtime for this treatment. Side effects may include redness, tenderness, or bruising.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy is an ideal treatment for the aging neck. This FDAapproved procedure uses safe ultrasound energy to stimulate the deep structural support layers of the skin – including those typically addressed in a surgical face lift – without disturbing the skin’s surface. It specifically targets the collagen layer, softening the wrinkles and crepey appearance of the neck and décolletage. Ultherapy is a 6090 minute inoffice procedure with no downtime.
Surgery
For moderate to severe neck laxity, surgery may be another option. During a lower face and neck lift, the muscles of the lower face and neck are tightened and the skin is redraped and sutured in place. The recovery time for a lower face and neck lift is typically 2 weeks or more.
For any and all of your questions, please call to set up a complimentary consultation with any of our providers at 415.831.2171, or schedule online at www.goldengateskincenter.org
