Treatment for Neck Wrinkles

Treatment for Neck Wrinkles
Photo Credit shoulder and neck masage image by Sean Wallace-Jones from Fotolia.com

As you age you will possibly find the contour of your neck becomes less attractive. Typically pouches of fat may develop under the chin, giving the appearance of a double chin, and the skin around the neck will become less taught. This is often alluded to as "turkey neck" due to the saggy skin which is seen on the neck of the bird. Fortunately there are several treatment options that can improve the appearance of a wrinkled neck.

Creams

There are many creams available that are designed specifically to help smooth and firm the delicate skin on the neck. For a cream to be effective in diminishing the appearance of neck wrinkles, it will need to be able to supply intense moisture to help plump the skin. Shea butter can often be found in neck creams and is effective in hydrating the thin skin of the neck. Matrixyl is often used in commercial neck treatments, as it helps to encourage the growth of fresh skin cells. Sesaflash is a skin tightening agent, made from sesame, which has been found to be effective in tightening the thin skin of the neck and improving the appearance of wrinkles.

Exercise

Performing facial exercises on the neck muscles can make them firmer and more toned, which will in turn tighten the skin on the neck. Louise Annette, who wrote the face exercise manual "Ageless if You Dare," advises exercising the neck muscles every other day for best results. By using your thumbs and the side of your index fingers, pinch a chunk of flesh on each side of your windpipe, and pull the flesh outwards from the neck. Tip your head back and simultaneously open your mouth slightly, while also tensing the jaw. You will feel the muscle moving under your fingers. Repeat 20 times, each time contracting the muscle a little further.

Cosmetic Surgery

A plastic surgeon will usually perform a neck lift on patients who wish to improve the appearance of a wrinkled neck. The surgeon will make two small incisions behind or under the ears and stretch the skin, removing any excess.This type of surgery will usually be performed under general anesthesia and you will be treated as an outpatient. Depending upon the severity of the appearance of neck wrinkles, a surgeon may also decide that the platysma muscle needs to be altered; or he may wish to perform additional neck liposuction if you have fatty deposits under your chin.

Prevention

Taking steps to prevent the worsening of wrinkles may also help diminish the appearance of existing ones. Too much sun exposure is one of the principal causes of wrinkled skin. When outside, stay in the shade during the summer months and always use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15. Combined with a topical vitamin C cream, this can help to prevent further premature wrinkles. Drink plenty of water to ensure the skin remains hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol use and smoking.

References

Article reviewed by David Penick Last updated on: Mar 19, 2012

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