News
Can Botox ® treat my neck wrinkles?
I have been asked by two clients this week whether they should be getting Botox to their necks, so I figured there may be more of you out there thinking the same thing.
Great question. Injectable treatments such as Botox and Profhilo can be effective options for addressing wrinkles and signs of aging on the neck and décolletage (upper chest), and there are other great options too, many of which are cheaper and you can do at home.
1. Slip, slop, slap – Prevention is key. Wrinkles come from a combination of ageing (hard to prevent) and sun damage, so remembering to apply a decent sunscreen and also covering up in the sun makes a huge difference to the neck and decolletage.
2. Moisturising – you put moisturiser on your face every night right? (or try to), extend this down to your neck and upper chest, make gentle upwards strokes, to hydrate and stimulate the skin.
3. Hormones. As we age our levels of Oestrogen and testosterone drop, for women this is usually from 40’s onwards and this leads to a reduction in skin moisture and promotes fine lines. Oestrogen levels can be boosted through soy containing foods, or if you are taking hormone replacement therapy you’ll see this as an added bonus!
4. Nutrition – check out my article on what to eat for great skin: Things You Can Eat and Drink to Support Great Skin
Injectables for skin: Botox® and Profhilo®
- While Botox® (Botulinum toxin) is more commonly associated with treating facial wrinkles, it can also be used to address horizontal neck lines (sometimes referred to as "necklace lines") and lines in the décolletage area. Botox works by relaxing the underlying muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It is unlicenced for this use but increasingly popular.
A particular favourite of mine for the neck is Profhilo, a unique injectable treatment used for addressing neck wrinkles and skin laxity. It stands out from traditional dermal fillers and treatments because of its distinctive approach and mechanism of action. Here's how Profhilo works for neck wrinkles:
- Bioremodeling: It works by stimulating the body's natural processes to improve the skin's quality and hydration. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that add volume by injecting a substance beneath the skin, Profhilo acts as a hydrating agent that works within the skin's layers.
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Profhilo contains a high concentration of pure hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration and elasticity. This hyaluronic acid is not cross-linked, which means it is less dense and has a lower risk of causing lumps or bumps when injected.
- Stimulating Collagen and Elastin: Profhilo's slow-release hyaluronic acid stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the treated area. Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that provide structural support and elasticity to the skin. As we age, our bodies produce less of these proteins, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Profhilo encourages the natural regeneration of these proteins, resulting in firmer, smoother skin.
- Improved Skin Hydration: Profhilo also boosts the skin's ability to retain moisture. This increased hydration is vital in improving skin quality and texture, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The procedure typically involves two sessions spaced about a month apart. There is little to no downtime, and you can typically resume your regular activities immediately after treatment. We recommend a top up around 6 months then 6-12 months after that. The cost per treatment is $700, including the initial consultation to ensure you are a good candidate.
Profhilo is particularly effective for addressing neck wrinkles and sagging because it can improve the skin's quality and firmness, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance. It is an ideal option for individuals who want a natural and gradual enhancement without the volume increase associated with traditional dermal fillers. However, the specific results and duration may vary from person to person, so it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if Profhilo is the right treatment for your neck wrinkle concerns.
Two further options which we do not currently offer but do yield good results in this area are Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling. PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the PRP into the target area. PRP contains growth factors that can stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. It's a natural option for rejuvenating the neck and décolletage
Radiofrequency (RF)Microneedling: While not strictly an injectable treatment, RF microneedling involves the use of tiny needles and radio frequency energy to tighten and rejuvenate the skin in the neck and décolletage. It's a minimally invasive procedure that can yield significant improvements in skin texture and tightness.
Neck lift surgery
For definitive treatment of neck wrinkles, neck lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that addresses signs of ageing around the jaw and neck, including jowls, loss of jaw definition, and saggy skin on the neck. This procedure can be combined with a facelift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. There are different aspects to consider in a neck lift, and a variety of techniques are available. See our information about neck lift surgery online.