Want a younger looking face, but don’t want to go under the knife? You’re in luck, because new treatments can take 10 to 15 years off your neck and delay, if not totally replace, surgical lifts. New noninvasive and minimally invasive options have revolutionized how we approach the neck.

We can use injectables to lift, ultrasound and radio frequency to boost collagen, and lasers to improve the surface appearance of the skin. Sagging in the neck is caused by a breakdown of collagen and elastin due to aging, genetics, smoking, and environmental factors such as sun exposure. The best lifting and smoothing results come from a tailored, layered approach.

The first line of attack is the jaw, where loss of bone and muscle from aging causes the neck skin below to sag. You can have a filler like Voluma injected at the spot where the earlobe meets the jaw. It pulls the skin up subtly, and the results are instant.

To soften prominent neck bands, consider having Botox along the vertical muscles of the neck to create a smoother look. Results last for three to four months.

Once the structure that holds up the neck has been strengthened, Ultherapy and radio frequency treatments can firm and tighten the skin. Ultherapy’s ultrasound waves go deep beneath the surface, stimulating new collagen. It takes about three months to see results, and results last a year or two. There is minimal downtime, which is great for busy patients.

Exilis uses radio frequency to heat the skin and boost collagen on a more superficial level. For mild to moderate skin laxity, it can be used alone. Some people report that Exilis feels like a hot stone massage. It takes about an hour but may require up to five treatments.

For the younger among us, prevention is key. The most important step is sunscreen to help prevent damage from UV rays. And prescription Retin-A can also help delay crepiness in skin. But for serious prevention, consider Ultherapy.

If you want to learn more, give us a call at (914) 234-8670 to schedule a consultation.