As you age you might notice the skin around your neck becoming loose and saggy. This is sometimes referred to as turkey neck, due to the wrinkled appearance on the bird's neck. There are several components that contribute to the wrinkling of the skin. Environmental factors, such as too much sun or smoking can cause cellular damage and wrinkling. Other causes are loss of muscle tone and the natural loss of subcutaneous fat that occurs with age.
Prevention
To prevent against further wrinkling it is important to protect your neck area from the environmental causes of aging skin. Sun damage is a major cause of skin wrinkles. Spend time in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and cover up your neck area with clothing or accessories. Use a sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. If you smoke, you should stop right away to prevent further aging of the skin.
Exercise
Building the muscles in the neck and chin area will help create smoother and firmer skin. As the muscles become more toned, the skin covering them will tighten.
Surgery
A cosmetic surgeon can perform a neck lift to improve the appearance of a saggy neck. A neck lift is usually done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. A typical lift takes around 2 to 3 hours. Excess skin is removed by making two small incisions either behind or under the ear. The platysma muscle may also be removed or altered; if this is necessary, the surgeon makes another incision under the chin. You may also need neck liposuction to remove fatty deposits. Surgery can help to achieve a more attractive neck, but the procedure may be costly. Consult with several cosmetic surgeons and if possible speak with previous patients before making a decision to undergo neck surgery.
Creams
There are many creams available that are specifically designed for the delicate skin on the neck. A good neck cream should provide concentrated moisture to hydrate and plump up dry, thin skin. It should also treat existing lines and wrinkles, and lift and firm the sagging skin. Matrixyl is a substance often used in creams for the neck that helps to stimulate the growth of new skin cells, and is therefore effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Shea butter and hyaluronic acid are both effective for hydrating dry neck skin. Another ingredient to look out for is Sesaflash. This is derived from sesame, and will help to lift and tighten the neck area.
Spa Treatments
There are several types of non-invasive neck skin-tightening options available in dermatology clinics and spas. These procedures often involve infrared, pulsed or laser lights. They promote a smoother more youthful looking skin by stimulating the skin's tissues, which helps enhance production of collagen. A treatment will usually take around an hour and side effects are minimal.
Member Comments