How to Treat Sagging in the Neck Area?

How to Treat Sagging in the Neck Area?

Why Does the Neck Sag?

The neck has thinner skin and fewer oil glands than the face, making it more vulnerable to premature aging and sagging. Both intrinsic and external factors accelerate this process.

Common causes include:

• Decline in collagen and elastin production
• Chronic sun exposure
• Smoking and alcohol use
• Weight fluctuations
• Poor posture and “tech neck”
• Genetics

In severe cases, sagging may involve platysma muscle laxity, not just skin laxity.

Treatment Options Based on Severity

Selecting the right treatment depends on the degree of sagging, age, skin quality, and desired outcomes. Below are the most effective solutions categorized by method:

1. Surgical Neck Lift (Cervicoplasty + Platysmaplasty)

What is done?

• Removes excess skin
• Tightens the platysma muscle
• Redefines the neck and jawline

Benefits:

• Long-lasting and dramatic results
• Restores a youthful contour
• May include lower facelift if needed

Considerations:

• 10–14 days of recovery
• Involves surgical risks (bruising, swelling, rare nerve injury)

2. Non-Surgical Radiofrequency (RF) and Microneedling (e.g., Morpheus8)

How it works:

• Delivers controlled heat into the dermis
• Stimulates collagen remodeling
• Improves skin firmness and texture

Benefits:

• No downtime
• Minimally invasive
• Visible results after 3–6 sessions

Devices include Scarlet-S, EndyMed, Morpheus8, and others.

3. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

Mechanism:

• Reaches deep layers, including the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System)
• Induces thermal coagulation zones that contract and tighten tissues

Best for:

• Moderate laxity
• Those avoiding surgery but desiring lift

Advantages:

• Often requires only 1 session
• Results appear within 2–3 months
• Effect can last up to 12 months

4. Thread Lift (PDO or Silhouette Soft)

How it works:

• Absorbable threads are placed under the skin to mechanically lift sagging areas
• Stimulates new collagen over time

Advantages:

• Minimally invasive
• Immediate lift with progressive collagen boost
• Downtime is minimal

Limitations:

• Results last 12–18 months
• Less effective for advanced sagging

5. Dermal Fillers for Neck Contouring

Purpose:

• Enhances jawline and chin-neck angle
• Fills volume deficits, making skin appear tighter

Advantages:

• Instant improvement
• Non-surgical support for skin laxity
• Can be combined with HIFU or threads

6. Botox for Platysmal Bands (Nefertiti Lift)

Mechanism:

• Relaxes hyperactive platysma muscle bands
• Smooths out neck wrinkles
• Defines jawline contour

Duration:

• Results last 3–4 months
• Often used with other rejuvenation techniques

7. Mesotherapy and PRP for Skin Quality

Goals:

• Improve hydration
• Stimulate microcirculation
• Enhance elasticity and reduce fine lines

Common ingredients:

• Hyaluronic acid, DMAE, organic silicon, vitamin C
• PRP (platelet-rich plasma) for natural growth factor stimulation

Choosing the Right Treatment Based on Severity