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As we age, many of us face the frustrating and inevitable effects of sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines in the neck area. This unwelcome look, commonly referred to as a “turkey neck,” is caused by a weakening of the neck muscles and a loss of elasticity in the skin. As a result, the skin there can become looser, forming an unappealing droopiness.
However, there is definitely hope for those looking to regain a smoother, more youthful look in their neck area. To learn more about this issue and the best treatments and product ingredients to look out for, we sought advice from experts in dermatology, medicine and skincare.
Through their guidance and expertise, we can begin to address this common concern and take steps towards a more confident and radiant self. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Ariel Ostad, MD, FACS, triple board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist and Dr. Lori Aliksanian, M.D., C.W.S.P, owner of MedBeautyLA boutique med spa.
4 Ways To Treat A 'Turkey Neck' And Smooth Fine Lines, According To The Pros
1. Choose A Hydrating Neck Cream
In our mid-to-late 20s and early 30s, "we start to lose about one percent of collagen per year, making the skin lose its firmness," Ostad explains. "Loss of collagen and elastin leads to sagging skin and horizontal creases on the skin," he notes. With that said, Ostad points out that one great way to treat an aging neck is to frequently apply a hydrating neck cream.
"The best ingredient for a neck cream is one that has high concentrations of active ingredients including hyaluronic acid and retinols," he says. He recommends his brand's 'Neck Refining Cream,' a "medical grade anti-aging cream for the neck."
This product, he says, has a "combination of unique ingredients including gentle retinoids and growth factors" that help improve fine lines and wrinkles on the neck.
Additionally, Ostad suggests looking for products with "growth factors, vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and retinoic acid" to help smooth wrinkles on the neck area.
2. Try Fillers & Microneedling
Horizontal neck lines, Aliksanian notes, are "caused by a combination of genetics and environment." As we age, we "lose some of the superficial fat in the neck which had given the skin support," she adds. "Environmental causes like constant neck bending to look at our phones and sun exposure" also contribute to the appearance of lines in the neck.
For those who might want a faster treatment for this, Ostad explains that fillers and microneedling procedures can help lift the skin in the neck area. "In my practice we offer hyaluronic acid fillers and Morpheus 8, which is microneedling and radiofrequency energy," he says. "These treatments help boost collagen production, which reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as skin texture," he goes on.
3. Opt For Laser Treatments
Non-surgical treatments for the neck "should target the skin quality and loss of volume," Aliksanian says. For patients over 35 with skin laxity, she recommends Ultherapy, "which is a deep ultrasound tightening treatment followed by Renuva, which is an injectable adipose (fat) matrix that will help smooth the area and restore lost volume." These treatments can be done together in one visit, she notes, and they can "take about an hour with results that last two or more years."
For patients in their 20's-early 30's with "tech neck lines but minimal laxity," she suggests Resurfx. "This is a cutting-edge resurfacing laser treatment that takes about 45 minutes and will improve the overlying skin tone and texture," Aliksanian points out.
4. Revamp Your Skincare Routine With Serums & SPF Protection
All of the aforementioned procedures have best results when "coupled with effective daily topical skincare targeting signs of aging," Aliksanian concludes. "We have incredible results when patients use a daily peptide serum containing exosomes plus a nightly retinol cream to gradually repair the skin," she shares. She also tells her patients that the "most important step is to apply a quality SPF protection daily to prevent further UV skin aging to the area."
The more you know!
