Michele S. Green M.D., FAAD., is a Board-Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist, Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and has been an international leader in cosmetic dermatology for over 25 years. Upper East Side patients and those around the globe flock to her practice for cosmetic dermatology treatment. A graduate from Yale University, with an MD and Chief residency from The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC, Dr. Green treats some of the most discerning, demanding women and men in the world, with issues ranging from premature skin aging to hyperpigmentation, rosacea, wrinkles, acne, skin laxity, hair loss, and sun damage.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Michele S. GreenAs we age, our necks are the first areas to show the visible signs of aging. The neck is very susceptible to premature signs of aging due to the thinness of the neck, increased sun exposure, lack of proper skincare, genetics, environmental damage, and excess screen time. Thankfully, there are many amazing non-surgical neck rejuvenation options that require no downtime. At the private NYC dermatology office of Dr. Michele Green, non-surgical neck lifts are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures; here’s why.
What is a non-surgical neck lift?
A non-surgical neck lift refers to any cosmetic procedure or combination of cosmetic procedures used to rejuvenate the appearance of the neck area without cosmetic surgery The treatments associated with a non-surgical neck lift do not involve any incisions and often are not accompanied by much downtime. For many patients, these benefits make the non-surgical neck lift options preferable. Some of the most popular non-surgical options include radiofrequency laser treatments, including Thermage FLX, and Fraxel, cosmetic injectables such as Botox, Kybella, Sculptra, and non-invasive removal of excess fat, such as CoolMini by CoolSculpting.
How does a non-surgical neck lift work?
The key to rejuvenating the skin, especially the delicate skin of the neck, is to stimulate new collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are proteins in the skin that provide it with structural support and elasticity, respectively. Over time, collagen and elastin in the skin are broken down and depleted, leading to the development of various signs of aging, especially in your neck.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Michele S. GreenWhat is a Botox Neck Lift?
Neck botox, which is sometimes referred to as a Nefertiti Lift, is when Botox is injected into the neck to eliminate neck lines, horizontal wrinkles, and improve sagging jowls. The muscles found in the neck have a tendency to pull downwards, which causes sagging along the jawline and contributes to the prevalence of jowls. As such, Botox injected strategically into the neck muscles can help to improve the jawline for a tighter, more contoured look. A neck lift will also help with “turkey neck,” which is when the neck skin starts to sag, leading to loose skin that is unflatteringly compared to the neck flap of a turkey. Botox can help to tighten the skin and can be paired with Thermage treatment for skin tightening.
How does Thermage FLX skin tightening treatment work?
The most popular skin tightening treatment for improving skin elasticity and rejuvenating the neck skin is Thermage FLX. The Thermage FLX is the state-of-the-art, latest generation in non-invasive skin tightening technology by Solta Medical. Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency (RF) technology. The Thermage handpiece is applied to the skin’s surface, and the radiofrequency energy treats the dermal layers below. The deep heating of collagen fibers with the RF laser technology induces the production of new collagen in the skin. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the skin that contributes to its firmness and youthful appearance. Part of the natural aging process entails that collagen in the skin breaks down, resulting in skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Replenishing collagen levels in the skin with Thermage FLX treatment results in firmer, tighter skin and a natural-looking youthful appearance after just a single treatment session.
Can you combine other cosmetic treatments with Thermage FLX?
Thermage FLX skin tightening treatment can be combined with other non-invasive cosmetic treatments for maximum results. Many patients who consult Dr. Green for skin tightening, are also concerned with rejuvenating the texture of their skin, photo damage, sun damage, fine lines, deep lines, and volume loss. By combining Thermage with Botox injections, and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, enhanced facial contouring can be achieved.
Does Fraxel laser treatment tighten the skin?
Fraxel is an excellent laser for improving skin tone and texture, reducing lines and wrinkles around the face, especially lines around the eyes and mouth. It also improves the appearance of acne scars and surgical scars. Fraxel laser treats sun damage and sun spots. Fraxel does produce some skin tightening when new collagen is formed, using the 1550 setting. However, a true skin tightening laser, such as Thermage, is able to provide much greater skin tightening results. Thermage utilizes radiofrequency technology to tighten the skin, on the face and body, producing new collagen and providing a more youthful appearance. Many patients choose to combine both Thermage and Fraxel treatments into their treatment plan to maximize their rejuvenation results.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Michele S. Green
How does CoolMini by CoolSculpting work?
Stubborn pockets of fat that are unresponsive to diet and exercise may seem almost impossible to get rid of. When the submental area is affected by a stubborn pocket of fat, the neck area may appear aged. To reduce submental fat and rejuvenate the neck area, the CoolMini is ideal. The CoolMini by CoolSculpting is an innovative technology that relies on controlled cooling to break down fat cells and eliminate unwanted fat in a treatment area. Each CoolSculpting treatment reduces the fat in the treated area by 20 percent. The fat cells that are broken down are naturally metabolized by the body in the weeks following the CoolSculpting treatment session.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Michele S. Green
How does Kybella work for skin tightening?
Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved injectable drug for dissolving submental fat and reducing the appearance of moderate to severe fat under the chin. Kybella is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that assists in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. Through a series of Kybella injections, Dr. Green is able to shape the jawline and help improve the overall contouring of the neck and chin area. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they are gone permanently. This process of dissolving fat cells is called lipolysis. Kybella injections prevent these fat cells from accumulating fat in those cells which are destroyed. Over the coming weeks, typically 4 to 6 weeks after Kybella injections, these fat cells are cleared from the body through natural metabolic processes.
How are hyaluronic dermal fillers different from Sculptra?
Sculptra, a liquid filler created by the company Galderma, has long been acknowledged as an unparalleled volumizer for the face, with longevity beyond typical hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. One of the key differences with Sculptra, compared to other dermal fillers, like Restylane, Juvederm, and Juvederm Voluma, is that they are formulated from hyaluronic acid and not poly-L-lactic acid. Hyaluronic acid fillers last for a shorter period of time and can only be used in certain anatomic locations of the face and body. Unlike Sculptra aesthetic, hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with either Vitrase or Hylenex. In addition, traditional hyaluronic acid fillers cannot be injected in the same depth or in the same manner.
Sculptra is the perfect dermal filler to achieve a complete liquid facelift since it can be injected into almost every area of the face and facial lines. Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid filler, Sculptra can be used in areas such as the neck and jowls. Sculptra is commonly injected into the deep lines (nasolabial folds) of the face, along with marionette lines (smile lines), temples, and chin area. One of the most popular areas for Sculptra aesthetic is the mid-face as a cheek filler. After a series of treatments, new collagen is produced, and beautiful cheek bones are highlighted. Sculptra is contraindicated in the under eye area and lips, as Sculptra is meant to be a deep injection, and not designed for superficial facial areas or mucous membranes.
How Can You Get Started with non-surgical neck rejuvenation treatment today?
If you are frustrated by the appearance of loose skin, excess fat, neck bands, fine lines, and sun spots, and are interested in learning more about treatment options for neck rejuvenation, Dr. Green is here to help. Dr. Michele Green in New York City is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing the best non-surgical options for rejuvenation available, including a non-surgical neck lift. Dr. Green has been consistently voted as one of the “Best Doctors” by Castle Connelly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times as a pioneer in the field of cosmetic and medical dermatology. Please call the office today at 212-535-3088 or contact us online to schedule a consultation to discuss if you are a good candidate for a non-surgical neck lift, it’s time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green in New York.
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