Many cosmetic treatments focus primarily on the face, but treating the face alone can leave a noticeable contrast between facial rejuvenation and the skin on the neck. The neck is often exposed to the same environmental stressors as the face, but is frequently overlooked when it comes to skincare and sun protection. This can lead to early signs of aging, such as laxity, banding, and uneven texture.
Cynthia Salter-Lewis, M.D., offers a range of non-surgical treatments to help improve the appearance of the neck. The skin in this area is delicate and tends to lose firmness faster than other parts of the body. Addressing it directly can help create a more balanced and refreshed overall result.
What is Non-Surgical Neck Rejuvenation?
Non-surgical neck rejuvenation is a combination of treatments that target loose skin, lines, and visible banding. We use techniques to stimulate collagen, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and volume loss. If you are wondering how to get rid of neck wrinkles, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. We combine energy-based devices, injectables, and collagen-stimulating treatments to address the underlying causes. These options allow us to treat the neck more precisely and gradually improve its tone and structure.What Neck Rejuvenation Can Treat
Horizontal Neck Lines
These lines often develop from repeatedly looking down, especially at phones or screens. They can appear even in younger patients and tend to become more noticeable as the skin thins. We often treat these with dermal fillers, skin boosters, or collagen-stimulating treatments to soften the lines and improve the skin’s texture.Platysmal Banding
Vertical bands in the neck usually come from the platysma muscle pulling the skin. You might notice these bands become more prominent when you speak or move your neck in certain ways. Neuromodulators like Botox® can help relax the muscle and reduce the pull that causes this banding.Skin Laxity and a Crepey Texture
The skin on the neck is naturally thinner than the face and tends to lose elasticity more quickly. If you notice a crepey look or loose skin, we can use RF microneedling, laser treatments, or other energy-based devices to stimulate new collagen and tighten the area. These treatments help the skin look smoother and more supported.Volume Loss or Hollowing
Some patients develop hollows or flattened areas in the neck as the underlying support decreases. In these cases, we may use dermal fillers to restore volume and subtly reshape the contour of the neck. We add just enough structure to support the skin and restore balance.Submental Fullness
Fullness under the chin can come from genetics, aging, or weight changes. If you are seeing a persistent pocket of fat in this area, we may recommend treatments to reduce fat or to tighten and contour the jawline.Treatments Used in Neck Rejuvenation
Radiofrequency Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling combines tiny needles with thermal energy to remodel the skin and stimulate collagen. We use the Sylfirm X device because it delivers precise, controlled energy while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue. It is also suitable for all skin tones, which allows us to treat a broader range of patients. On the neck, Sylfirm X can help tighten loose skin, smooth crepey texture, and soften horizontal lines. It also supports firmer, more elastic skin by triggering your body’s natural repair response. Treatments typically take under an hour, and we apply numbing cream before we start to keep you comfortable throughout. After your treatment, you may notice redness and mild swelling for one to three days. Avoid direct sun exposure, saunas, and harsh products while your skin recovers. You can return to your normal activities the same day, and makeup is usually fine after 24 hours.Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators relax the muscles that pull on the skin or cause it to crease. In the neck, we inject them into the platysma muscle to reduce vertical banding or soften the downward pull on the jawline. When used correctly, these treatments can help smooth the neck and improve definition without affecting natural movement. We most often use Botox, which is FDA-approved for treating the platysma. Daxxify, Dysport, and Xeomin are additional options that contain the same active ingredient, though they may differ slightly in onset or duration. We will help you choose the option that best fits your goals. Treatment takes only a few minutes and requires no real downtime. You may see small injection marks or light redness after your visit. Avoid lying flat, exercising, or rubbing the area for the first few hours after your appointment. Results usually develop over several days and can last for several months.Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers restore volume and smooth out wrinkles by using soft, injectable gels made from hyaluronic acid or collagen-stimulating materials. In neck rejuvenation, we use them to soften horizontal lines, support thinning skin, or fill in areas that appear hollow or deflated. Certain fillers can also improve hydration and skin quality in the treated area. Filler treatments are quick and tolerated well by most patients. We use small cannulas or fine needles, depending on the area and the results that you want to see. We offer a wide range of dermal fillers for anti-aging, including the JUVÉDERM® family, Belotero Balance®, Radiesse®, the Restylane® family, Revanesse Versa®, and the RHA® Collection. We also offer Skinveve™ by JUVÉDERM, which is injected as microdroplets and can be used in the neck to give the skin a more radiant and hydrated texture. Some dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, while others are made with biostimulating ingredients such as calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres that stimulate collagen.Kybella®
Kybella is an injectable treatment that reduces submental fullness, or fat under the chin. It uses deoxycholic acid, which breaks down fat cells so your body can eliminate them naturally. As the fat reduces, the area under the chin becomes more contoured, and the transition between the jaw and neck looks more defined. We usually recommend a series of two to six treatments spaced at least a month apart. You may experience swelling, tenderness, or firmness for several days after each session. The fat cells that respond to treatment do not grow back, so the reduction is considered permanent if your weight remains stable. If loose skin is present after fat reduction, we can combine Kybella with other tightening treatments to improve the overall result.PDO Threads
PDO threads are thin, absorbable sutures that we place beneath the skin to lift, tighten, and stimulate collagen. We insert them using small entry points, and the threads anchor into the tissue to provide subtle lifting. As your body absorbs the threads, it builds new collagen around them, which helps maintain the result. We use different types of threads for the neck based on your needs. Smooth threads help with collagen stimulation and fine lines, barbed threads lift and reposition sagging skin, and twisted threads provide added support in areas that need more volume. Most patients find the process comfortable, especially with numbing, and recovery is minimal aside from light swelling or bruising. You can usually return to your daily routine within a day or two, although we recommend avoiding heavy exercise and dental work for the first week.How Long Does Neck Rejuvenation Last?
The results of neck rejuvenation vary depending on the type of treatment you receive and how your skin responds. Some treatments offer gradual improvement, while others provide visible changes within days. Maintenance treatments can help extend and build on your results.- Radiofrequency Microneedling (Sylfirm X): Results can last 6 to 12 months. We often recommend a series of three treatments followed by annual maintenance.
- Botox: Effects typically last three to four months in the neck. Maintenance is needed a few times a year to keep muscles relaxed.
- Dermal Fillers: Depending on the type of filler used, results may last 6 to 12 months in the neck area.
- PDO Threads: Most patients see results for 9 to 12 months, although some threads provide support for up to 18 months.
- Kybella: Fat reduction is considered permanent if your weight stays stable.