We all want to mature with grace and elegance. However, our dreams of a youthful appearance may be thwarted by neck imperfections that arise due to age. 

As we age, we tend to develop a more flabby neck profile. Additionally, we may also develop a more noticeable double chin, typically resulting from either heredity, aging, or weight gain.

According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, a staggering 68 per cent of the population have excess fat under their chin or neck.

If you’re one of the majority who has to deal with this problem, you may be wondering: can we treat these neck imperfections and restore our facial structure? 

To that we say, yes, you sure can! There are several treatment options for restoring volume to our neck, namely liposuction, neck lifts, facelifts, and deoxycholic acid treatment. 

Let’s learn more about neck conditions you may face and the relevant treatments.

Common Neck Conditions

Our neck—like the rest of our bodies—is susceptible to various conditions that can lead to negative outcomes.

For one, fat deposits may begin to build up in the neck region as you age, creating the appearance of a double chin.

This phenomenon leads to a disproportionate facial structure and elongation. For the majority of people, this is due to a genetic propensity for this condition, but it can also be caused by lifestyle factors.

Another problem individuals face is the insufficient regenerating capacity in the neck and decolletage, which is further worsened by our necks having a dermal region three times thinner than normal. As a consequence, our neck’s skin is put at even greater risk of sagging with age.

Furthermore, medical conditions may also negatively impact the state of the neck. 

Poikiloderma, a skin condition caused by heavy UV exposure, causes a rough texture on your neck. This condition can make your neck appear thick, wrinkled, and saggy. 

Turkey Neck is another skin condition where the neck appears “veiny” due to a muscle called the platysma becoming more visible and pronounced.

All that said, restoring your neck to a healthy state isn’t a pipe dream. Here are some ways you can treat your neck to make it look sublime.

6 Ways To Treat Your Neck

If you are suffering from any of these conditions or symptoms, don’t be alarmed. Several treatments are available to alleviate these conditions. 

Most surgical procedures are done by a plastic surgeon; however, non-surgical procedures exist too. Some of these procedures include the following:

 

• Liposuction

 

Submental liposuction is a surgical method to remove submental fat. It is performed under local anesthesia or numbing agents. After a small incision to the submental fat layer, a suction device removes the fat.

The incision is closed using sutures a week after the procedure. The skin tightens during the healing process, causing the neck to look firmer. Liposuction permanently improves jawline, neck contours, and facial structure. 

If you want to gather more information about this procedure, learn more here.

 

• Deoxycholic acid

 

The deoxycholic acid procedure is a non-surgical procedure in which deoxycholic acid is injected into the skin beneath the chin. The gallbladder produces deoxycholic acid to dissolve dietary fat. This acid dissolves the fat near the chin, which the body promptly reabsorbs. 

This procedure requires multiple treatments over several weeks—starting from two to six weeks—depending on the amount of fat. Kybella is one such injection containing deoxycholic acid. While this treatment is effective, it may also come with side effects such as swelling, redness, and pain.

 

• Face lifts

 

Face lifts are cosmetic facial procedures that may either be surgical and non-surgical. The most common type of facelift is the traditional facelift. Other types include mini facelifts and endoscopic facelifts.

In surgical facelifts, plastic surgeons remove excess fat and loose, saggy skin around the neck and chin. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Non-surgical facelifts utilize radio frequency energy or ultrasound technology to heat the skin deeply. The heat stimulates collagen, causing it to tighten and rejuvenate. 

The procedure is quick. And the results are long-term and highly effective.

 

• Neck lifts

 

Another surgical therapy for sagging and loose neck skin is a neck lift. Doctors often combine traditional facelifts with neck lifts to give the face a fuller look.

Behind the chin and ears are sections where incisions will be made during the neck lift treatment. Sutures separate the platysma muscles from the skin and tighten them. The extra skin is then cut away before being redraped.

The recovery time for this procedure typically falls between ten to fourteen days. That said, strenuous activity is not allowed until the patient reaches their four-to-six-week mark. But once that period’s over, morning exercise activities may resume.

 

• Anti-wrinkle injections

 

During injectable anti-wrinkle treatments, small amounts of toxin are injected into particular regions of the face and neck to impair muscle activity. 

The toxin stops the muscles from bulging or contracting, resulting in a turkey neck condition or creases.

These injections contain a natural, purified protein that relaxes wrinkle-causing muscles. This treatment is a prescription-only medication and is done by a qualified medical professional. 

Botox and Jeuveau are some of the most popular anti-wrinkle injections that cosmetic clinics offer.

 

• Cryolipolysis

 

Cryolipolysis, or fat-freezing, is a non-surgical option to treat neck skin conditions. In this process, a device freezes and destroys the fat cells by subjecting them to freezing temperatures. 

Cryolipolysis can work on various fat deposits, such as under the chin, stomach, thighs, and back. Each treatment session takes approximately 45 minutes or longer if various areas are to be treated. 

After treatment, patients experience mild swelling, redness, and slight bruising. The procedure is similar to Kybella, a treatment to cut submental fat below the neck. These treatments both require multiple sessions to achieve desired results.