The skin on the neck is often overlooked, but the fact is that the neck is susceptible to aging due to the effects of ultraviolet rays. In addition, loose facial skin can droop onto the neck, causing the jawline to appear saggy. Even if the skin on the face is good, signs of aging on the neck can give away one’s age.
The structure of the skin on the neck is unique. The skin on the neck is thin, there is less subcutaneous fat, and a broad, thin muscle called the platysma covers the front part of the neck. The platysma is located in the superficial fascia of the neck and is a thin, broad muscle that is also considered an expression muscle, controlling the expressions of the mouth and chin. Due to the structure of the platysma, the neck has unique skin problems.
Generally, neck problems can be divided into four categories:
- Optical aging: Uneven skin tone/rough skin caused by ultraviolet rays
- Neck lines
- Loose skin and sagging jawline
- Turkey neck
Different problems require different treatments. Like the face, ultraviolet rays can damage the DNA of skin cells, accelerating aging. This type of aging is called photoaging. To improve photoaging, medical cosmetic treatments similar to those used on the face can be used. For example, using fruit acids to remove rough, dull skin, and then using segmented lasers to soften the skin.
As for neck lines, injecting botulinum toxin into the neck lines can reduce the tension of the platysma muscle and soften the neck lines. We can also inject hyaluronic acid at the base of the neck lines to fill in deep wrinkles and fade the lines.
When collagen begins to diminish, the platysma muscle contracts and the tendon sheath begins to relax, leading to visible signs of aging on the neck, such as sagging and drooping. To increase collagen and achieve a tightening effect, in addition to surgery to lift the neck skin, one can choose radiofrequency or focused ultrasound therapy.
Another common aging problem on the neck is turkey neck. The appearance of turkey neck is one manifestation of aging skin on the neck and generally occurs in people over 50 years of age. Turkey neck (or platysmal band) is a series of vertical muscle bands caused by the loss of neck fat, platysma muscle contraction, and fibrosis. When talking or making facial expressions, these bands become visible. The solution is to inject botulinum toxin into the turkey neck to relax the platysma muscle and soften the lines.
Neck aging can cause different problems and requires a combination of treatments to help the skin on the neck regain its smooth, youthful appearance, and keep your age a secret.