Neck Lines: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Neck lines and wrinkles are common signs of ageing that can affect both men and women. These lines, often referred to as necklace lines or ‘tech neck’ (for vertical lines), can detract from a youthful appearance and impact self-confidence.

Understanding the causes of neck wrinkles and exploring effective treatment options can help individuals achieve smoother, firmer skin and restore a more youthful neck contour and this is what we discuss below.

What Are Neck Wrinkles?

Neck wrinkles manifest as fine lines or deep creases on the neck area, ranging from horizontal lines known as necklace lines to vertical wrinkles often referred to as tech neck or turkey neck.

These wrinkles can develop due to a variety of factors including natural ageing and loss of skin elasticity, repeated muscle contractions over time, as well as genetics and lifestyle habits such as smoking, sun exposure, and poor skincare.

What Causes Neck Wrinkles?

The skin on the neck is thinner and more delicate compared to other areas of the body, making it particularly susceptible to wrinkles and sagging.

As we age, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, leading to a loss of skin elasticity and firmness which is the main cause of neck wrinkles and part of the way our face naturally ages.

Additionally, repeated movements such as looking down at screens or phones can contribute to the formation of neck wrinkles over time as the skin is repeatedly folded, causing the wrinkles to deepen.

How Can You Prevent Neck Lines?

Preventing neck lines involves adopting a comprehensive skincare routine and making lifestyle changes to protect the skin from damage.

This includes wearing sunscreen daily to shield the skin from harmful UV rays, staying hydrated to maintain skin moisture and elasticity, and avoiding smoking and excessive sun exposure. Some neck exercises can have a limited impact and reduce neck wrinkles although none of these or the above methods will eliminate neck wrinkles entirely.

What are the Best Treatments for Neck Lines?

A range of treatments are available to help reduce the appearance of neck lines and these include both non-invasive treatments for short-term results, and surgical treatments for more long lasting effects:

Anti-Ageing Injectables.
Chemical Peels.
Dermal Fillers.
Microneedling.
Morpheus 8.
Radiofrequency.
Neck Lifts (Cervicoplasty or Platysmaplasty)

Can Lifestyle Changes Get Rid of Neck Lines?

While lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, staying hydrated, and protecting the skin from sun damage can help prevent further neck wrinkles, they may not be sufficient to eliminate existing lines entirely.

Regardless of having neck creases or not, making these lifestyle changes can improve your general health, and if you choose to have non-invasive treatments or surgery, can help maintain the end results. Also, consider regular exercise, trying to maintain a healthy diet, controlling your weight, and using moisturisers to further improve the condition of your neck skin.

How Can Non-Invasive Treatments Get Rid of Neck Lines?

Non-invasive treatments offer effective solutions for reducing neck lines without the need for surgery. These include anti-ageing injectables, chemical peels, dermal fillers, microneedling, Morpheus 8, and radiofrequency.

Non-invasive neck wrinkle treatment is much quicker than surgery with virtually no downtime in most instances. This means that you can maintain your work commitments and can enjoy a shorter recovery period.

However, the results of non-invasive treatments for neck creases are varying with some lasting for up to 3 years, and others lasting just 3 months. This means that repeat treatments are often needed as they are not permanent solutions.

Anti-Ageing Injectables

Anti-ageing injectables contain local muscle relaxants that help smooth the skin on your neck – they do this by relaxing the muscles that are responsible for producing the neck creases. The process is incredibly common, takes just 30 minutes, and has effectively no downtime or recovery period.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate dead cells and promote collagen production, resulting in improved skin texture and reduced wrinkles. A slight burning sensation can be felt during the procedure but this lasts for around 5-10 minutes and can be combated with a cold compress. The results are excellent and can combat both vertical and horizontal neck wrinkles.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are an effective neck wrinkle treatment as they are injected into your neck to smooth our lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is the active ingredient which can be found in our skin, muscles, and tendons. Permanent fillers are available, but at the Cadogan Clinic we only use temporary fillers to eliminate neck wrinkles.

Microneedling

Microneedling involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The Derma FNS pen is used on your neck and after the treatment is completed, you can expect to see results in 6-8 weeks. In most cases, multiple sessions are needed to get the best results.

Morpheus 8

Morpheus 8 is a minimally invasive treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin and improve neck contour. It’s essentially a form of enhanced microneedling which promotes collagen growth by encouraging self-healing via the pinpricks and radiofrequency treatment. While the effects of the Morpheus 8 procedure are long lasting, your skin will continue to age, so top-up sessions may be required anywhere between 12 months to 3 years after your initial consultation.

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency treatments use energy waves to heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production. This reaction and collagen production helps smooth neck wrinkles and give your skin a more youthful appearance.

Are Surgical Treatments the Best Option to Get Rid of Neck Lines?

Surgery offers a more long lasting alternative to non-invasive treatments for neck lines. The procedures are more complex, usually have a longer downtime, and a lengthier recovery period which are drawbacks. However, if you want the best results, or an immediate solution where you don’t have to return for repeat treatments, surgery is the way forward.

Aside from the procedures listed below, liposuction is often used as complementary treatment to get rid of neck wrinkles, but rarely on its own. Additionally, full facelifts, mini facelifts, and micro facelifts can be used to target neck lines but the result is typically indirect and their primary purpose is to rejuvenate the lower face.

Neck Lift

A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves tightening the skin and underlying muscles of the neck to improve contour and reduce wrinkles. It can be combined with other procedures such as a facelift of liposuction to enhance the overall effect. The surgery takes between 2-4 hours, and there is a lengthier recovery period of 6-8 weeks.

Within the umbrella of the neck lift procedure, there are two sub techniques – Cervicoplasty, and Platysmaplasty. A Cervicoplasty concentrates on removing excess skin from your neck and this alone may be enough to achieve the desired results without the need for additional surgery.

Alternatively, where a Cervicoplasty is not enough, a Platysmaplasty is performed and this involves tightening and sculpting neck muscles called the platysma. Once the skin has been tightened, it is made taught and any incisions are closed.

Get the Right Neck Wrinkle Treatment to Suit Your Lifestyle and Goals

Neck lines and wrinkles can be a source of frustration for many individuals, impacting their confidence and self-esteem. However, with advancements in skincare technology and a range of treatment options available, it is possible to achieve smoother, firmer skin and restore a more youthful neck contour.

Whether opting for non-invasive treatments such as injectables and chemical peels or considering surgical interventions like neck lifts and Platysmaplasty, individuals have options to address their concerns and achieve their desired aesthetic goals.

Non-invasive treatments are typically a great starting point as they provide quicker results, are less time consuming, and the recovery time is much quicker. If you don’t want to consider surgery, or don’t have the time, consider options like dermal fillers, anti-ageing injections, and Morpheus 8.

Alternatively, if you want to take definitive action and have a single treatment to get rid of neck wrinkles, surgical options offer long last results. Either Cervicoplasty or Platysmaplasty neck lifts offer superb end results with other treatments like liposuction and facelifts potentially complementing the surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age do neck lines appear?

Typically, neck wrinkles can start to appear in your 20s and 30s but usually become more pronounced in your mid 30s and 40s.

What causes neck lines?

Neck lines and wrinkles are caused by various factors including the natural ageing process as your skin loses collagen, smoking, repetitive downward head motions, and sun damage.

Will neck wrinkles go away with weight loss?

Controlling your weight can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles but won’t get rid of neck lines completely. Instead, non-invasive treatments or surgical treatments are the best options to eliminate neck wrinkles.

Treatments mentioned in this article

Skin Rejuvenation

Microneedling (Dermapen)

Microneedling lightly promotes the growth of fresh skin cells and collagen for a youthful glow.

Skin Rejuvenation

Morpheus8 Treatment

Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radio frequency waves to lift and plump the skin.

Injectables

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Anti-ageing injectables relax the muscles in the face to lessen the appearance of wrinkles.

Injectables

Dermal Fillers