While surgical neck lifts remain among the most effective neck tightening procedures, several non-invasive alternatives are available today. While a surgical neck lift offers substantial lifting, it might not be ideal for all patients, particularly those who prefer to avoid surgery or its costs. In light of these considerations, let’s explore the realm of non-invasive neck lift alternatives and the benefits they offer.
How Does Non-Invasive Treatment Work?
In surgical procedures, the process is relatively straightforward. Excess fat and skin are surgically removed while simultaneously tightening the skin to achieve a more youthful appearance. Supplementary procedures such as soft tissue augmentation and facelifts may also be deemed necessary, depending on the individual case and the patient’s preferences.
In contrast to the traditional surgical neck lift, non-invasive procedures take a different approach. These treatments utilize advanced technologies such as ultrasound, radiofrequency, and laser therapy. By delivering targeted energy to the deeper layers of the skin, these technologies stimulate collagen production and promote tissue tightening. But this is only one way of doing it. You can also use Botox, dermal fillers, and other injectable treatments to increase collagen production, which improves skin elasticity.
The beauty of non-invasive neck tightening procedures lies in their ability to rejuvenate the skin without the need for incisions or extensive downtime. These treatments promote gradual improvement, harnessing the body’s natural healing mechanisms for a firmer, more youthful neck appearance.
Types of Non-Surgical Neck Lifts
When considering alternative approaches, various non-invasive techniques can be employed, all without needing complete anesthesia. These are:
- Botox;
- Dermal fillers;
- Kybella;
- CoolSculpting;
- Fractionated ablative laser treatment;
- Radiofrequency based treatments;
- Morpheus8;
- Ultherapy;
Botox
Botox, a famous neuromodulator derived from botulinum toxin, is injected into neck muscles to prevent the downward pull motion responsible for creating bands and wrinkles. Botox minimizes neck bands by temporarily relaxing these muscles, resulting in a smoother, more contoured appearance. While Botox is FDA-approved, its use on neck muscles falls under the off-label use of the product.
The treatment takes around 15 to 30 minutes, and results gradually emerge within a week. Neck Botox effects typically last 3-4 months, at which point a repeat treatment will be required if the patient wants to maintain the results.
Dermal Fillers
Using dermal fillers such as Fillmed for non-invasive methods isn’t anything new, and naturally, they can be used for neck lifts as well. To be precise, hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers can be injected to treat the neck’s sagging or creased areas. These neck fillers, including Fillmed, provide volume and support while simultaneously stimulating collagen production and plumping the skin to reduce wrinkles and improve overall texture. Depending on the specific product used and individual factors, results can last anywhere from 6 months to 1.5 years. Follow-up treatments are needed to sustain the effect.
Kybella
Kybella’s effects are well-known; some even consider it a new wonder drug, but this view is subjective. What is important to us is that the drug’s effects are localized to a specific area—under the chin.
Kybella contains deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that breaks down fat. When injected into the under chin area, Kybella destroys fat cells, leading to a more defined neck contour. Kybella neck tightening treatments can be combined with other neck lifting methods for comprehensive neck rejuvenation.
The treatment typically involves multiple sessions spaced about a month apart. Since fat cells are permanently eliminated, the results can be long-lasting, provided the patient doesn’t undergo significant body changes in the future.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is similar to Kybella, but instead of using acid to destroy the fat, it employs a process known as cryolipolysis to freeze and eliminate fat cells under the chin. Once the fat cells are frozen and dead, the body naturally processes and removes the now-dead fat cells over the following weeks. The best aspect of this process is that it doesn’t harm surrounding cells, as they have a higher freezing point. CoolSculpting’s unique ability to precisely target and eliminate fat cells makes it an effective, non-invasive neck tightening option for improving the appearance of the neck area.
Multiple sessions might be necessary depending on the individual and the desired outcome. While results may become noticeable within a month, the full outcome can take up to 3 months and require several treatments. The results of CoolSculpting treatments are generally long-lasting, provided a healthy lifestyle is maintained.
Fractionated Ablative Laser Treatment
Fractionated ablative laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that uses laser energy to stimulate collagen production. This treatment effectively improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture. When applied to the neck area, the laser creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin’s deeper layers, triggering the body’s natural healing response and the production of new collagen fibers.
As collagen levels increase, the skin becomes firmer and more toned, resulting in a lifted and rejuvenated appearance. This process also helps reduce the appearance of sun damage and pigmentation, contributing to a smoother and more youthful neck. The effects of fractionated ablative laser neck firming treatment can last for years, and multiple sessions may be recommended to achieve optimal results. The drawback is that, unlike the other procedures we’ve mentioned, it has some downtime and may require a bandage and additional aftercare considerations.
Radiofrequency-Based Treatments
A radiofrequency-based treatment works similarly to fractionated ablative laser treatment, but instead of laser energy, it uses controlled radiofrequency energy to penetrate deeper skin layers. This targeted heat stimulates collagen production and tightens existing collagen fibers, resulting in a lifted and firmer neck appearance, just like with ablative laser treatments. That said, radiofrequency procedures are generally more comfortable and don’t require downtime or special aftercare treatments.
The effects can be seen gradually over a few months as collagen remodeling occurs, lasting several years before another neck firming treatment may be required.
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. It utilizes tiny needles that emit radiofrequency energy as they penetrate deep into the skin. This dual-action approach creates controlled micro-injuries while delivering thermal energy, triggering collagen and elastin production. The combination of microneedling and radiofrequency stimulates the skin’s healing process, leading to improved texture, reduced sagging, and enhanced tightness.
As collagen production continues to improve, the skin’s rejuvenation process becomes more evident over time, making Morpheus8 a lasting neck rejuvenation solution. The results become more apparent over the course of a few months and a couple of treatments, and these effects can last for years.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy works similarly to radio and laser-based treatments but uses ultrasound energy to target specific skin layers. Like those treatments, it delivers focused energy to the appropriate skin layer to initiate a natural regenerative process and stimulate collagen production. What sets it apart is its full FDA approval for neck area use, a distinctive feature considering that many other neck firming treatments usually only have off-label applications.
While the initial effects may be noticeable 48 hours after the treatment, the full results only develop over the course of several months as the collagen supply continues to grow. The drawback to this procedure is that it’s one of the most expensive neck lift treatments on the market.
Conclusion
While non-invasive methods may not achieve the same results as a surgical neck lift, they serve as valuable alternatives for those seeking effective results without drastic and invasive interventions.
The allure of non-invasive neck lift treatments lies in their ability to provide noticeable enhancements without the extensive recovery periods and invasiveness associated with surgical options. These techniques underscore the progress made in the field of aesthetics, offering plentiful choices that allow medical practitioners to tailor their approach according to their patients’ unique preferences, goals, and comfort levels.
Ultimately, while surgical neck lifts remain the pinnacle of neck rejuvenation, the availability of several effective non-invasive procedures offers doctors and patients a wealth of excellent alternatives to consider.
FAQ
Can you lift the neck without surgery?
It’s possible to achieve neck tightening without resorting to surgery by choosing one of the non-invasive neck lift procedures, such as: Botox, dermal fillers, Kybella, CoolSculpting, laser treatment, radiofrequency treatments, Morpheus8 or ultherapy.
What is the best neck tightening procedure?
The best neck tightening procedure is still the surgical neck lift. Its results are unmatched by other non-invasive alternatives, and if the sagging is severe, it may be the only option.
What is the best non-invasive neck tightening treatment?
Ultherapy and Morpheus8 are well-known for producing excellent and long-lasting results, but whether they are the best choice for your patient will depend on their unique circumstances.
References:
- Lyu, Jia-Jie; Liu, Sheng-Xiu. Radiofrequency in Facial Rejuvenation. International Journal of Dermatology and Venereology 5(2):p 94-100, June 2022. | DOI: 10.1097/JD9.0000000000000193
- Few JW, Vachon G, Pintas S, Smith JR. Nonsurgical Tissue Repositioning: Analysis of Long-Term Results and Patient Satisfaction From 100 Absorbable Suture Suspension Cases. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2019 Oct 19;2(1):ojz029. doi: 10.1093/asjof/ojz029. PMID: 33791631; PMCID: PMC7780437.
- Arnaoutakis D, Kochhar A, Magro I, Karimi K. The Role of Subcutaneous Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposculpture in the Facial Plastic Surgeon’s Practice. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2022 Sep-Oct;24(S1):S11-S16. doi: 10.1089/fpsam.2022.0225. PMID: 36103269.
- Mejia JD, Nahai FR, Nahai F, Momoh AO. Isolated management of the aging neck. Semin Plast Surg. 2009 Nov;23(4):264-73. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1242178. PMID: 21037862; PMCID: PMC2884910.
- Fabi SG. Noninvasive skin tightening: focus on new ultrasound techniques. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015 Feb 5;8:47-52. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S69118. PMID: 25709486; PMCID: PMC4327394.
- Kandhari R, Kaur I, Gupta J, Al-Niaimi F. Microdroplet Botulinum Toxin: A Review. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2022 Apr-Jun;15(2):101-107. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_162_21. PMID: 35965899; PMCID: PMC9364467.
Injectable aesthetics are popular due to their ability to provide noticeable results with minimal downtime compared to surgical procedures. They are versatile and can be tailored to meet individual aesthetic goals, whether it's enhancing lips, restoring facial volume, or smoothing out wrinkles. However, they should always be administered by qualified professionals to ensure safety and achieve optimal results.
Injectable aesthetics are used to enhance facial features, reduce the signs of aging, and improve overall facial symmetry and appearance.
Key types of injectable aesthetics include:
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Dermal Fillers: These injectables are used to add volume, fill in wrinkles and folds, and enhance facial contours. They often contain substances like hyaluronic acid, collagen, or calcium hydroxylapatite, which help plump up the skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
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Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Botulinum toxin injections temporarily relax facial muscles that cause wrinkles and lines to form. It is commonly used to treat forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow's feet around the eyes.
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Collagen Stimulators: These injectables stimulate the body's own collagen production, helping to improve skin texture and firmness over time. Examples include poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) and calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse).
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Neurotoxin Injections: Besides Botox, other neurotoxins such as Dysport and Xeomin are used similarly to reduce wrinkles and lines.
