The term ‘decolletage’ refers to the upper part of a woman’s torso, including her neck, shoulders, back, and chest, exposed by the neckline of her clothing. Typically, our attention gravitates toward the face when discussing aesthetic treatments and anti-aging. However, it is crucial to recognize the disharmony that can arise between a youthful face and an aging neck and decolletage, which often betrays a woman’s actual age. Similar to hands, a crepey neck can easily disclose a woman's age. A lean and tight neck is an important contributor to the appearance of youthfulness and attractiveness. Smooth skin texture, a well-defined cervicomental angle, a distinct mandibular border and appropriate fullness are all considered to be the visual aspects of a youthful neck.
After the periorbital area, the neck's skin is the most delicate. Like all human organs, the skin undergoes a process of intrinsic chronological aging. Additionally, extrinsic factors such as exposure to UV rays can accelerate skin aging. Both of these factors lead to decreased elasticity and increased skin laxity. The downward pull of the neck and face caused by the platysma muscle complex, coupled with the loss of tone in the platysma muscle, results in reduced definition of the chin and jawline, leading to the development of jowls. The combined effects of sagging jowls, submental fullness, inelastic skin, and the formation of platysmal bands contribute to the loss of the cervicomental angle, which is the hallmark of an aging neck.
‘Turkey Neck’
The platysma is a vertical muscle that spans the entire neck. It lacks support from surrounding connective tissue, leaving it virtually free-floating. As we age, the muscle fibers of the platysma shorten and contract, giving rise to the classical platysmal bands, which are the most obvious and dreaded signs of an aging neck.
‘Tech Neck’ or ‘Text Neck”
A syndrome of musculoskeletal pain, arthritis and disability related to extensive use of smartphones, yet the excessive use of these devices means we spend more time gazing down at our screens than engaging with one another. This constant head tilt results in undue pressure and creasing of the delicate skin in the neck area, potentially hastening the formation of lines and wrinkles.
What are the treatments available?
Classically, an individual’s main concerns related to the neck and decolletage include:
Skin laxity
Fine lines
Wrinkles
Crepey skin
Double Chin
Fortunately, there is a wealth of in-clinic treatment modalities available for these concerns, such as platelet-rich-fibrin, mesotherapy, dermal fillers, botulinum toxin A, and thread lifting. Additionally, microneedling and energy devices such as laser and HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) are among the treatments available. However, there are also out-of-clinic recommendations and lifestyle factors that you can adopt as adjuvant therapies or prevent further damage. Lifestyle modification
The key to the prevention of necklines is the preservation and support of structured collagen and elastin. Making lifestyle changes to address these biochemical and physical impacts can help mitigate collagen degradation, structure failures, and the formation of lines. Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, an inflammatory diet, and prolonged, unprotected sun exposure can all contribute to premature aging and structural decline in the skin and tissue of the neck.
Choice of Skincare
Regular use of sunscreen is crucial because UV rays damage from sun exposure can harm skin tissue and significantly contribute to the aging process of the neck and decolletage. It's essential to apply skincare products to the neck area and decolletage just as diligently as we do on our face. Effective skincare formulations often incorporate various synergistic ingredients; for instance, antioxidants like vitamin B3, vitamin C, and vitamin E play a vital role in anti-aging. Additionally, topical hyaluronic acid has been proven to significantly enhance the appearance of fine lines in the neck area.
Nerfertiti lift
The Nefertiti Neck Lift involves injecting Botulinum toxin A (Botox) into the lower jaw and neckline. This treatment is most suitable for patients showing early signs of aging in the neck, especially mild jowling and platysmal bands. The platysma muscles play a significant role in the aging process of the cervical region by pulling the skin and lower facial structures downward. Chemical denervation or neuromodulation of these muscles with Botox helps reduce some of the tension they exert, thereby diminishing lines and bands. This results in the improvement of both vertical and horizontal necklines, as well as enhancing the contour of the jawline.
***The platysma muscle is essential for various facial and neck movements, contributing to our ability to express emotions and perform everyday activities involving the face and jaw.
Dermal Injections
It is one of the most popular options for treating wrinkles on the neck. A hyaluronic acid-based skin booster, such as Profhilo, can be injected into just 10 points, aiming to replenish moisture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles while plumping the skin on the neck. Additionally, another type of dermal injection, such as Radiesse, is used to mitigate neck wrinkles. Radiesse is made from calcium hydroxyapatite, which acts as a biostimulatory agent to stimulate collagen synthesis in the skin. The added collagen promotes healthy, firmer skin and a more defined neckline and jawline. Subsequently, it can restore the neck’s youthful smoothness and elasticity.
High-intensity Focus Ultrasound (HIFU)
HIFU is a non-invasive treatment for neck rejuvenation. It creates a focal thermal injury zone in the SMAS layer (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) and platysmal muscle. The heat generated by the acoustic energy causes tissue remodeling, via dermal neocollagenesis (formation of new collagen), tissue contraction, and skin tightening. Consequently, this process improves cervical skin laxity, provides cervical lifting, reduces submental fat tissue (double chin), and enhances the appearance of neck wrinkles.
Fotona SP Dynamis NX Line Laser
One of the non-surgical procedures that Fotona has developed is the non-surgical necklift. This technique involves using laser energy to tighten the skin around the neck, under the chin, and around the jawline. The controlled thermal bulk heat induction from laser energy stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, aiding in restoring firmness and rejuvenating the skin's quality on the neck. Importantly, this laser treatment heats the skin with controlled temperatures without harming the outer skin layer. As a result, there is no downtime, allowing individuals to resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Nutshell
Necklines and wrinkles present as a progressive condition that is difficult to treat and is an aesthetically significant sensitive part of the body. By understanding the factors that contribute to neck aging, such as UV exposure, lifestyle choices, and muscle dynamics, individuals can make informed decisions to protect their neck and decolletage areas. Embracing consistent skincare routines, incorporating sun protection, and considering innovative non-invasive treatments like HIFU, Fotona's non-surgical necklift, and skin injectables , can significantly contribute to preserving the skin's elasticity and smoothness. It is essential to nurture the delicate neck area just as attentively as the face, ensuring a harmonious and ageless complexion. With a combination of preventive measures and advanced treatments, you can confidently embrace aging with grace, maintaining the beauty and integrity of your necklines for years to come with Dream Clinic!
