Many people’s necks age faster than their faces, especially if they neglect to moisturize, exfoliate, and apply sunscreen to the skin in this delicate area. Common issues associated with an aging neck include prominent banding, sagging skin, and jowls that blur the definition between the jawline and neck. These challenges are impossible to conceal with makeup and can make you feel acutely self-conscious about your appearance, especially in photos and video calls.

As a board-certified female plastic surgeon, Dr. Stephanie Teotia understands how frustrating it can be when your neck makes you look years older and offers expert solutions for dealing with it.

What Causes the Neck to Age Prematurely?

Several factors can cause wrinkles, lax skin, and other visible signs of aging. Once you understand these, you can take proactive measures to stop them.

1. Sun exposure: Prolonged and unprotected time outdoors can accelerate aging by breaking down collagen and elastin fibers, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and sunspots. UV rays will damage your skin’s structure and reduce its elasticity over time.
2. Gravity: Gravity pulls your skin downward over time, leading to the formation of jowls, neck bands, and a less defined jawline. The neck is more vulnerable to the effects of gravity due to its thinner skin and lack of underlying support structures.
3. Smoking: Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health. It can cause collagen breakdown, restrict blood circulation, and accelerate the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
4. Poor habits: Does your skin care routine stop at your jawline? Failing to moisturize and apply sunscreen to your neck can lead to dryness and UV damage.
5. Repeated neck movements: Habits like looking down at your phone or laptop most of the day will eventually cause you to develop creases and lines nicknamed “tech neck.”
6. Genetics: Your heredity can influence how rapidly and noticeably you age. Some of us inherit sagging skin, wrinkles, and muscle banding from our families.

How Can Skin Care Products Help With Neck Aging?

Consider adding medical-grade skin care products to your at-home beauty regimen to combat premature aging. Look for moisturizers and serums with ingredients like retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to improve your skin elasticity, firmness, and hydration.

Regular, gentle exfoliation with alpha hydroxy acid can remove dead skin to reveal the fresh layer underneath. Sun protection is also crucial for preventing future sun damage and signs of aging. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily and reapply it liberally every two hours when outdoors.

What Are the Best Non-Surgical Treatments for an Aging Neck?

Several non-surgical treatments may help you improve your neck’s appearance.

• Botox injections can relax the muscles in your neck and reduce the appearance of horizontal “necklace” lines.
• Dr. Teotia can use dermal fillers to restore volume and smooth neck wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.
• Chemical peels improve texture, tone, and pigmentation issues, revealing smoother and more even-toned skin.
• Some treatments like laser skin resurfacing or devices that emit radiofrequency or ultrasound energy can tighten and rejuvenate the skin on your neck.

What Lifestyle Changes Can Slow Down Neck Aging?

Establishing a consistent skin care routine, proactively shielding your skin from sun damage, maintaining healthy habits, and seeking professional advice from a leading Dallas-area plastic surgeon can help you slow down the aging process and keep your neck looking youthful and rejuvenated.

Try these simple lifestyle changes to improve your skin’s quality, resilience, and youthfulness.

• Practice good posture: Improving your posture can prevent you from developing neck wrinkles and sagging skin. Ergonomically adjust your workspace to reduce spinal strain and avoid the “tech neck” phenomenon.
• Get sufficient sleep: Many American adults are chronically sleep-deprived. Aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night to improve your overall health.
• Work out regularly: Physical activity increases circulation, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to premature aging. Find ways to relax daily with activities like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga.

How Does Diet Influence the Appearance of Your Neck?

Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can assist your anti-aging agenda. Include fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in every meal to nourish your skin from the inside out.

Hydration is another must for keeping your skin hydrated and supple. If you often forget to drink water, buy a reusable water bottle, keep it nearby, and track your daily intake. Then, set reminders to take regular hydration breaks throughout the day. Consider adding fresh fruit like lemons or strawberries for a refreshing hint of flavor and sweetness that will help you avoid reaching for caffeinated, sugary sodas and energy drinks.

Are There Any Exercises That Help Tighten Neck Skin?

Movements that target your neck and jaw muscles can tone and strengthen the area. Combine these with the other healthy lifestyle tips in this article to create a consistent routine.

• Neck stretch: Tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling. Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth and hold this position for a few seconds. Repeat this stretch several times per session to tighten the muscles in the front of the neck.
• Neck rotation: Sit or stand up straight and slowly turn your head to one side as far as you comfortably can. Hold this position for a few seconds, then return to the center and repeat on the other side. This move tones the muscles along the sides of the neck.

Is Neck Lift Surgery Effective for an Aging Neck?

Plastic surgery is an ideal anti-aging solution for people with more extensive cosmetic concerns, including jowls, neck wrinkles, a double chin, marionette lines, and a turkey wattle.

Dr. Teotia has developed a groundbreaking in-office neck lift/neck liposuction technique that allows her patients to avoid the risks of general anesthesia, have their procedure performed in a comfortable setting, and recover more quickly. Dr. Teotia understands that visible scarring is a deterrent for people who are otherwise ideal candidates for plastic surgery. She carefully conceals neck lift surgical incisions in areas where they will heal discreetly, allowing you to enjoy your results more.

An expertly performed neck lift can solve several issues simultaneously.

• Lax skin: Lost elasticity allows sagging to emerge along your jawline. Dr. Teotia can trim and tighten this loose skin, resulting in a more youthful and defined neck contour.
• Excess fat: Stubborn fat pockets can accumulate under your chin and jawline. While this fat can be challenging or impossible to lose with diet and exercise, neck liposuction removes it to create a slim, sculpted profile.
• Muscle banding: Your neck muscles may weaken and separate over time, causing vertical bands or cords to develop. A neck lift addresses this issue by repositioning the underlying muscles.
• Facial symmetry: Dr. Teotia’s neck lift technique will add balance by restoring your vibrancy.You can also combine your customized neck lift procedure with an in-office facelift or eyelid lift for more comprehensive results.

What Should You Expect After Undergoing a Neck Lift Treatment?

Neck lift and neck liposuction are outpatient procedures. We will send you home with specific directions to follow for a smooth recovery. Please take at least a week off work to recover from your procedure. Be patient, listen to your body, and give yourself time and space to rest and focus on self-care. You may want to arrange for help around the house, especially if you have caregiving responsibilities. 

Initially, you will need to wear a compression dressing to minimize swelling and support your improved contours. Your neck may feel sore and tight, with some numbness near your ears. You will return to our office at the one-week mark for a follow-up appointment, where Dr. Teotia will remove your stitches, evaluate your progress, and tell you when you can return to activities like heavy lifting and intense workouts.

Start Your Plastic Surgery Partnership Today

Dr. Teotia is a leading female plastic surgeon who uses her meticulous skills and attention to detail to create outstanding results. She prioritizes creating partnerships with her patients by ensuring they feel heard and valued at every stage of their experience. Schedule your consultation to learn more about transforming your appearance and self-esteem by making your neck look younger.