The Science of Necking

MY NAME IS DR. KAY AND I’M A PHYSICIAN AND FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON BASED IN LA. I LOVE HELPING PEOPLE LOOK AND FEEL THEIR BEST! CHECK OUT MY INSTAGRAM @BEAUTYBYDRKAY TO SEE SOME OF MY WORK.

The long, slender neck is a symbol of youth, beauty, and elegance. When the aging process hits the neck and lower face, it creeps silently upon us, until suddenly, one day, we notice significant neck sagging, jowling and textural skin changes. Luckly, we have new advances in the treatment of the aging of the neck that can add a nice, step-wise approach to neck rejuvenation for patients of all ages. Get your neck looking beautiful this year.

Beginning in heir thirties, patients experience the slow breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers of the skin that is responsible for the gradual sagging and loss of tone in the neck. This leads to the gravitational fall of important suspensory ligaments that hold fat in its proper location. With collagen breakdown and gravity working against youth, it is just a matter of time before the first changes of jowling and flabbiness begin to appear in the lower face and neck.

When textural neck changes orrcur, it is bet to begin an anti-aging regimen that encourages the stimulation of collagen production with a non-irritating retin-A based product. These vitamin A dertivatives – including gentle retinol, stronger retinoic acid, and Retin-A itself, are the only proven cosmeceutical ingredients that have been studied and proven to stimulate collagen production and thus prevent and reverse fine lines, proven to stimulate collagen production and thus prevent and reverse fine lines, wrinkles, and textural changes of the skin. The potency of Retin-A, however, also makes it quite irritating to the sun-sensitive neck. Make sure to include SPF in your skin care regimen to protect your skin from sun damage. This is essential to protect from the harsh UV light that beats down on the neck and decollete, causing poikiloderma, sun damage, and a leathery appearance.

Platysmal bands, which cause tenting of the neck skin, and neck folds can be treated with botox. This can help with wrinkled skin, and to prevent future wrinkles. Fillers such as Restylane can be injected into deeper lines to smoothen the texture and appearance of the skin.

Submandibular fat, commonly known as the “double chin” can be treated non-surgically with KYBELLA®, an injectable treatment containing Deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, KYBELLA®destroys fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, so further treatment is not expected once you reach your desired aesthetic goal. Most patients receive 3-4 treatments – and then don’t have to worry about that fat coming back!

Check out what I’m sharing on Instagram! @beautybydrkay.

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