What is a Non-Surgical Neck Lift?
You eat a nutritious diet, you work out, and you take care of your skin, but for some reason, you can’t get rid of a sagging neck. It’s frustrating, and turning to surgery as an option that many people embrace as the gold standard for tightening the neck and giving it a more youthful appearance. If you’re not excited about having surgery, though, are there any other options? A nonsurgical neck lift may be the solution you need, using technologies that stimulate collagen production and encourage the skin to resculpt itself naturally. Do these procedures work? Let’s take a look.
Neck Tightening Without Surgery: Four Non-Surgical Procedures
To understand how non-surgical neck treatments work, it’s important to understand the causes of neck sagging. Typically, it’s caused by the collagen loss that comes with age, prolonged sun exposure, significant changes in weight, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle factors like smoking or eating poorly. Let’s look at the four top procedures and how they address these issues.
- Define® uses radiofrequency technology to encourage collagen production, for gradual improvement. By heating the mid-dermal layer, it precisely targets collagen production and stimulates natural healing. The procedure takes only 30 to 40 minutes, is generally well-tolerated, and requires no down time. Most patients notice changes after three to four sessions.
- FaceTite® is a well-established, FDA-cleared treatment that, like Define®, uses focused radiofrequnecy energy to stimulate collagen production. Unlike Define®, FaceTite stimulates collagen production in the deeper skin layers, using micro-focused radiofrequency energy. By reaching the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer, it’s able to target parts of the skin traditionally only managed by surgery. It takes between 30 and 90 minutes, and offers long-term results comparable to a facelift.
- AceLift is a procedure that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy, to provide a dual approach to neck rejuvenation. This treatment targets submental fat and skin laxity, so it’s good for people who have double chin and sagging skin concerns. A single treatment that lasts 30 to 90 minutes may provide 5-7 years of clinical benefit .
- Quantum is the latest technology by InMode Aesthetics to treat loose and sagging skin. By heating the structural framework of the skin below the skin’s surface, this device causes immediate collagen contraction and promotes collagen growth. A single treatment with no downtime may provide facelift like results.
Non-surgical Neck Lift Effectiveness
The effectiveness of these treatments varies, based on a person’s age and physical condition. A good candidate for this kind of treatment is someone with mild to moderate sagging skin on the neck, softening of the jaw, or visible neck bands, who want subtle improvements without dramatic changes to their appearance. This is a good alternative to surgery, because it doesn’t require down time but provides a more refreshed look.
Benefits of a Non-Surgical Neck Rejuvenation
The primary benefit of non-surgical neck procedures is that they can help you avoid surgery. However, that’s far from the only benefit. Nonsurgical neck lifts can tighten and firm sagging neck skin, smooth fine lines and neck creases, boost collagen production, and enhance the definition of the jawline. They accomplish all this with very little downtime and minimal discomfort, and provide gradual, natural-looking results. For those who want to maintain their appearance but don’t want anything as drastic as surgery, these procedures are a good option.
How Long Does a Non-Surgical Neck Lift Last?
The longevity of the results of a non-surgical neck lift depends on different factors. Typically, improvements last between fiveto seven years, depending on the type of procedure and the patients’ response to it. Taking care of the skin can make the results last a little longer. This means using broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher on the neck daily, applying a dedicated neck cream in upward motions, incorporating neck exercises into the workout routine, staying hydrated, eating a well-balanced diet, and using retinoid products that support collagen production. Regular maintenance treatments are also recommended, to help promote the continual rebuilding of collagen.
Limitations of Non-Surgical Treatments
Ultimately, the results of non-surgical neck lifts are temporary. As we age, collagen production slows, and even with repeat sessions, the effects of non-surgical treatments fade over time. That’s because non-surgical intervention cannot address significant fat deposits, prominent muscle banding, and substantial laxity. For patients with moderate or advanced signs of aging, these procedures won’t give the definition available through surgery. However, surgical and non-surgical treatments can be used together to enhance skin quality and the end results.
Contact Kevin R. Hanza MD Aesthetic Plastic Surgery to Discuss Loose Neck Skin Treatment Options
Whenever you’re considering a cosmetic procedure in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, look to the practice trusted across the area for excellent care and exceptional results. The team at Dr. Kevin Hanz MD, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has over 20 years of experience, and we offer a wide range of services, from personalized plastic surgery to advanced non-surgical treatment. Led by the talented Dr. Kevin Hanz, a recognized expert in plastic surgery, we provide cutting-edge treatments like liposuction, Mommy Makeover, facelift surgery, breast augmentation, and non-surgical aesthetic procedures, including injectables. Contact us for a complimentary consultation, where you can learn more about the personalized options we recommend for you.