Bid adieu to neck wrinkles
It is said that you can tell a person’s age by looking at their neck. Neck wrinkles were previously considered a skin issue that typically developed with age.
In recent years, however, due to the increasing use of smartphones and social media, they are becoming a problem for the younger generation too. I have seen an increasing number of younger patients visit my clinic with concerns about horizontal wrinkles that develop along the middle of their neck as a result of regularly looking down at smartphones, tablets, computers or other devices. Whether your concern is ageing wrinkles or premature lines aka “tech neck”, here are some non-surgical procedures that may reverse all these concerns.
Nu Pico Laser: To treat existing neck lines, state-of-the-art laser technology like Nu Pico Laser can be used to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The increase in collagen and elastin fibers will help diminish neck wrinkles and help with the overall skin texture. The Nu Pico Laser utilises a picosecond laser with ultra-short laser pulses which are faster than a conventional nanosecond laser. The laser produces a non-thermal effect that reduces both treatment discomfort as well as risk of side effects that may occur with slower, nanosecond pulse laser. As a result, the new collagen and elastin are rebuilt with no downtime and without harming the surrounding skin. It leads to fast results, you will see better tightening of the neck skin which helps improve the look of lines, wrinkles and discolouration.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): HIFU is another option to treat neck wrinkles. According to an article published in the current issue of Dermatology Times, two independent dermatologists, who evaluated the patients complaining about wrinkles in the nasolabial, jawline, submental and neck areas, reported that each area improved 80 per cent or more. HIFU technology works by delivering energy to target the deep layer of skin. The energy induces collagen contraction and stimulates collagen production in the dermis and SMAS, a layer of tissue underneath the skin and subcutaneous tissue. SMAS provides the structural support for the muscle as well as the skin. This results in tighter, firmer skin with fewer and smoother wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin injection: Although not a permanent fix, the injection can help relax the muscles that pull down the neck skin. The neck wrinkles created by those muscle contractions will then soften in appearance. The effect of the botulinum toxin typically lasts between four and six months.
Vitamins and fillers: Vitamins or filler injections can also be used as a form of neck wrinkles treatment. A doctor can use the vitamin injection to stimulate collagen synthesis. While the filler injection can be used to immediately plump out the wrinkles around the injection site. Each treatment makes the neck skin smoother and gives it a more youthful appearance. In general, fillers last from six to 12 months
THANISORN THAMLIKITKUL MD is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and certified in dermatological laser surgery. Send your questions for her to [email protected]
