This time of year, those darn turkeys always remind us of\nour own aging necks. The neck ages more rapidly than other areas of the body\nbecause the skin on the neck is thinner, delicate, and more sensitive, which\nmeans it is quickly affected by sun exposure, smoking, and simply time.\nUltraviolet light not only causes red and brown discoloration of the neck, but\nit also breaks down collagen and elastin, which results in changes in texture,\nlaxity, and wrinkles. Sometimes, it merely comes down to genetics, and you must\nthank your ancestors for the double chin you have inherited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surgery is frequently the most effective option for the aging neck. This option, however, carries a higher risk of side effects and requires more downtime. There are also many non-surgical options, such as BBL at our Naples and Marco Island offices<\/a>, that men and women can benefit from if started at the appropriate time. Today, I will try to quickly run through some of the best non-surgical options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, as I always say, the first step is daily sun\nprotection to prevent further damage. There is no point reading further if you do\nnot want to follow this easy step. There are topical creams that can improve\nthe texture and tone of the neck as well. Peptide-based creams are useful to\nsmooth lines and improve the firmness and texture of the skin. Retinol and\nretinoids can be used cautiously on the neck to stimulate collagen and elastin.\nI recommend using a peptide cream with sunscreen in the morning and a peptide\ncream with retinol at bedtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are bothered by the red\/brown discoloration of your neck\n(this condition is called poikiloderma), lasers can be used to even the skin\ntone. Lasers must be used carefully on the neck since the skin is so delicate.\nFor this reason, multiple treatments are usually needed. There are many\ndifferent lasers that can be utilized, depending on your concern. My favorite light\ntreatments for the neck are the pulsed dye lasers, which are great for removing\nredness; broadband light (BBL\u2122), which is great for removing red and\nbrown discoloration; and the Halo\u2122 fractional laser, which is great for\nremoving brown discoloration and improving fine lines. Additionally, there are\nalso skin-tightening devices that can result in a modest tightening of the\nskin. It is best to have a consult to see what option is best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Injectables can also be very useful for the neck in a variety\nof ways. Deoxycholate acid (Kybella\u00ae) is the first and only FDA-approved\nproduct to treat fat under the chin. It is usually a series of treatments to\nachieve reduction of the fat causing a double chin. Botulinum toxin can be used\nto soften longitudinal neck bands. This is a quick, easy, no-downtime treatment,\nbut it needs to be repeated every three to six months. Finally, fillers can be injected\ninto the neck to smooth horizontal wrinkles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In conclusion, there are many non-surgical treatment options\nfor the neck, many with little to no downtime. It is important to consult a\nprofessional to see if these options would be right for you. Come see me if you\nwant to lose your turkey neck before Thanksgiving!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more advice on neck procedures and\ntreatments, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Anne Marie Tremaine or\nanother member of the team, contact Skin\nWellness Physicians<\/a>. Call (239) 732-0044 or send a message online<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This time of year, those darn turkeys always remind us of our own aging necks. The neck ages more rapidly than other areas of the body because the skin on the neck is thinner, delicate, and more sensitive, which means it is quickly affected by sun exposure, smoking, and simply time. Ultraviolet light not only … <\/p>\n