The skin around your neck is often one of the first areas to show signs of aging. This can manifest as sagging, wrinkles, and a loss of definition, negatively influencing how you feel about yourself and your appearance. When this happens, many begin their search for an oculoplastic surgeon to inquire about non-surgical neck contouring options.

Neck contouring isn’t as cut-and-dry as it used to be; it has evolved dramatically in recent years, offering a spectrum of solutions that range from minimally invasive to surgical interventions. The duration of your results depends on factors such as the contouring method used, your skin quality, lifestyle habits, and the natural aging process. Surgical neck lifts offer the most dramatic and longest-lasting results, lasting 10 or more years. Other non-surgical alternatives have varying timelines.

Surgical Neck Contouring

A surgical neck contouring procedure is a neck lift. The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from your neck to correct wrinkles and creases caused by aging. It is the most comprehensive and enduring solution for correcting the signs of aging in your neck. Mini neck lifts are designed to be less invasive, with shorter recovery times, without compromising results.
Non-Surgical Neck Contouring

Many patients seeking to improve the appearance of their neck want to explore non-surgical neck contouring options. This demand caused scientists and specialists to get to work on creating effective treatments that don’t require surgery. Advancements in medical science have led to technologies that stimulate collagen production, tighten skin, and reduce fat deposits, all in wholly or minimally non-invasive ways. Treatment options include:

• Injectables
• Radiofrequency
• Ultrasound
• Later treatments
• Thread lifts

Longevity

How long your neck contouring results lasts varies widely depending on the treatment approach you choose. Surgical neck lifts offer the longest and most dramatic results, maintained for 10 to 15 years. Mini neck lifts are less invasive but offer results lasting 5-10 years.

Non-surgical options often require more maintenance than surgical treatments but offer greater patient flexibility and minimal downtime. Injectables typically last from 6 months to 2 years. Radiofrequency offers results that last 1 to 3 years. Ultrasound neck contouring is scheduled for one to two years.

Laser neck contouring, when post-procedure instructions are followed, lasts three to ten years. But the type of laser procedure and case-specific factors do influence the longevity of your neck contouring. And finally, if you opt for thread lift neck contouring, you can expect younger-looking skin to last one to three years.

Influencing Factors

Multiple influencing factors impact the longevity of your neck contouring results. Age is a crucial factor; younger patients with more elastic skin often achieve longer-lasting results across most treatment types. Lifestyle is another key contributor to maintaining your results. Sun exposure is harsh on your skin and can reduce the life of your treatment. Smoking and poor weight maintenance also contribute to life expectancy.

Factors that play a large role in lasting results include your surgeon’s experience, technique, and available technology. To ensure you get the most out of your treatment, be sure to follow all instructions provided by your care team.

Achieving Long Lasting Results

Extending the life of your neck contouring results requires a strategic approach that combines professional treatment with consistent care. In any situation, the sun is hard on your skin, so using good sun protection is a good rule of thumb. Talk to your doctor about developing a quality skincare routine that caters to your skin. Your care team can answer any questions and help you determine the best options for long-lasting results.

CTA: Learn how neck contouring can renew your skin by consulting with an experienced oculoplastic surgeon.

Reference:

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Neck Lift.