For many clients – and indeed practitioners – anti-ageing treatments tend to focus primarily on the face. Yet treating the face in isolation can actually accentuate the issues in areas such as the neck and décolletage if they appear comparatively older.
Ideally, anti-ageing treatments should encompass a broad area rather than troubleshooting a specific facial line or wrinkle. This will give a holistic and flattering result. Yet many skin clinics offer a relatively limited range of treatments, sometimes just injectables.
Areas such as the neck and décolletage require a different approach. The issue is a combination of equipment and skills. For best results, alternative technology and/or products may be required – in addition to which, the knowledge and experience to carry out the more sophisticated treatments.
Neck & Décolletage Skin
The first thing to understand is that the skin on the neck and décolletage is different to that on the face. It is particularly delicate and thin, which means that this area can be quick to show the signs of ageing. It contains less elastin fibres than the face which means there’s less support for collagen. It also lacks the support and volume that fat can provide elsewhere on the body.
Loose Skin
Nearly everyone finds that the neck area loses tightness with age, leading to saggy skin and creases. Thankfully, this is an area that can be treated without the cost and inconvenience of surgery. Options to consider include:
- Ultherapy® Ultrasound Treatment – a technology based solution that delivers ultrasound energy into the skin where it promotes collagen production and healing for skin that looks fresher and healthier. This treatment is FDA approved for use on the décolletage
- Tixel thermal fractional rejuvenation treatment – this treatment uses heat to stimulate the skin’s healing and renewal processes from within
- Resurfx laser skin resurfacing – laser energy is delivered into the deeper layers of the skin where it boosts collagen, elastin and cell renewal – tightening and remodelling the skin
- Dermal Fillers – structural use of fillers can help to lift loose neck skin by providing more structure and shape. This can be done as a non-surgical neck lift, focused on the area. Results also create better definition around the chin and jawline
Neck Bands
Some patients complain about visible neck bands. This is also known as turkey neck and occurs when the platysma vertical muscle is contracted (shorter), making it more obvious. It tends to have a ‘strained’ look. Treatment for this condition is now possible:
- ‘Nefertiti Lift’ with Botulinum toxin – where patients have visible vertical ‘neck bands’, anti-wrinkle injections (i.e. BOTOX or Bocouture) can be applied to relax overactive muscle activity. This calms the prominent muscle bands and delivers a smoother profile. This also creates an upward lift for more youthful definition of the neck
Tech Neck
Modern culture involves a lot of looking downwards at phones and tablets. This habit can put pressure on the delicate neck skin, causing premature lines and creases to develop. There are options for improving this:
- Profhilo – an injectable product which works to improve loose skin, adding structure that can better support and even provide a ‘lift’ to the neck for a more youthful profile
- Mesotherapy – injecting carefully chosen cocktail of ingredients to boost the skin’s renewal, leading to tighter and fresher looking skin
Pigmentation
The décolletage is often exposed to the sun, especially for women. As the area tends to be neglected, it may not benefit from regular protection with high SPF sunscreen – especially on a daily basis when not on holiday. Sun damage on the delicate skin can create patchy pigmentation, excessive freckles, sun spots and other pigment issues. Energy-based devices can be helpful in reducing pigmentation
- Laser Treatments including IPL use light energy to penetrate to the skin’s deeper layers, targeting areas of discoloration in particular
- LED treatment is a gentle and safe treatment that can be used to improve pigmentation
- Prescription Skincare including ZO Skin Health offers some pigmentation-reduction creams and solutions that can be very helpful on a daily basis. It also offers excellent SPF protection options
Combination Treatment for Neck & Décolletage
With a range of potential solutions at hand, the best results are often found in combining a couple of methods in order to tackle different aspects. Tailor-made combination treatments is an area that Mulberry House Clinic excel in. The approach starts with detailed assessment in order to identify the needs and opportunities. Dr John Tanqueray carries out thorough consultations in order to provide the best possible advice on treatment. He can then advise on the most appropriate treatment plan.
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with extensive experience. Cosmetic skin treatments are carried out by Dr John Tanqueray, who works closely with leading manufacturers to remain at the forefront of the medical aesthetics.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
