A woman’s NECK reveals ALL.....

A woman's EYES and DÉCOLLETAGE never lie, but her neck --above all-- sets the tone for youth. As one of the four areas of the body to initially show  signs of aging, the neck precedes the décolleté, eyes and hands in the sag-arena. Whenever I consult with a client regarding her skin-care concerns, my eyes go directly to her neck (and décolleté), I don't even address her face first. Why? Because this region is usually neglected, and/or not cared for as thoughtfully as the face and hands. Therefore, early signs of aging of the neck are not uncommon.

If your neck is of concern to you, here are some NON-invasive, NON-surgical ways to firm it up:

ULTHERAPY: An amazing, revolutionary technology, and my go-to protocol when suggesting treatments for clients. It uses ultrasound energy as well as heat to stimulate collagen and increase elasticity, to lift and tighten loose, sagging skin on the neck (as well as under the chin and above the eyebrow). Ultherapy yields amazing results, but does not come cheap. Treatments can run upwards of $1,200-$5000. 

BOTOX: On the neck? Absolutely. If there are an abundance of saggy vertical muslcle-bands on the neck and Botox can assist the sag by temporarily freezing these muscles, resulting in a smoother, tighter skin surface. The cost of Botox is  reasonable compared to other cosmetic procedures, and oh-so worth it. Expect to pay on average of $12-$16 per unit. 

CO-2 FRACTIONAL LASER THERAPY: Carbon Dioxide laser can really help with skin concerns on the neck (and face). It delivers über-powerful results without harsh side affects. This laser delivers the longest wavelength of any other laser on the market so it penetrates deep, yielding great results. Another plus about the CO-2 is that it can be used on darker skin-tones with ease (for those of you concerned with hyper pigmentation. I consider the CO-2 laser to be a 21st century marvel, it's terrific technology and truly works in smoothing-out skin by minimizing skin legions, eliminating discoloration, firming the skin and erasing telangiectasia (to name a few). Expect to pay upwards of $500 for a neck treatment.

MORE ON CO-2:

Fractional CO-2 lasers excel at treating sun damage, deep wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, blotchy skin tone, acne scars as well as scars resulting from an injury. It can also be used to improve skin texture, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone on the neck in particular (as well as the face, chest, arms and legs). 

RETINOIDS: Are you using Retinols or Retinoids in your nighttime regime? If not, what are you waiting for? If you're over 35 and you care about your skin, you should be using a topical Retinoid cream. Retinoids plump and firm the skin by stimulating skin cells to produce collagen. Whatever regime you institute for the face, should be adopted for décolleté and neck as well. Retinoids have been around for over 25 years and, in my opinion, are the quintessential miracle cream; nothing else transforms skin like it. If you're scared of the "red and peel" phase, don't be. Once you push through the transition and allow the skin to adapt to the affects of Retinoic Acid, you'll be thrilled to see renewed skin. Retinoids are available only by prescription, so consult with your doctor regarding the best version for your skin and neck. If sensitivity or budget is a concern, I suggest you lean into Retinoids by using their over-the-counter cousin, Retinols. Unlike Retinoids, which is Retinoic Acid, Retinols 

MICRO-CURRENT:

What is it? It's old-school skin care technology that works. Known as an "energy face lift", a mico-current of pure energy is pulsed into the skin by way of manipulating the energy over strategic areas of the neck, décolleté and face, using smooth metal probes. When the current enters the muscle, the muscle responds by filling with blood, plumping up and firming the area. The key to Micro-Current success is repetitive treatment. This workout for the muscles will yield results after a few treatments (similar to going to the gym often), and best of all, you can receive your Micro-Current treatments from your Esthetician. Expect to pay, on average, $80 per one hour session. 

For more information regarding the aforementioned non-invasive, non-surgical procedures, contact your Board Certified Dermatologist, Medical Spa Doctor or Plastic Surgeon for a consultation. 

-CIAO for now xo

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