How to Correct Thin Neck?

Question

I have the opposite issue, my neck is too thin, and the muscles are really prominent. I'd like to know the cost to correct my problem.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

This is a problem which has no easy solution. In most instances we interpret thin skin as loose skin and we perform a neck lift. However, if thin skin is the real problem, one of the only products available to thicken the dermis is retin-A. The neck can be very sensitive to this and some patients require building a tolerance with retinol type products first before progressing to the lowest dose or Retin-A. Discuss this option with your dermatologist.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to say without the benefit of a formal evaluation. This is my expertise and a huge portion of my practice. Asymmetry is normal and expected. See an expert who does facial shaping with surgical and non surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

If you have such thin skin in this area, no thickening from Fraxel laser would be enough to hide the muscle bands. Surgical lifting might be the only appropriate treatment to provide you with a good result. Please see a plastic surgeon for a consultation.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

The thinness of the skin can't be improved. The muscle cords can be excised at the same time as the neck is tightened with a neck lift to improve the aged look of the neck.

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear Golf_laquinta
Thank you for your question!
There is no easy solution for a thin neck. Fillers and fat grafting may cause irregularities so I would approach this with caution. I have seen results of Sculptra in the neck--both excellent and disasterous. This would require a very skilled and experienced injector--but personally I  would be very reticent to perform this.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is a difficult problem to fix. However, injections of Sculptra or Fat will help in thickening the skin and making the neck look fuller.  Also use a good quality skin care to improve the neck skin and that makes it look more attractive.
Regards

Michael Law, MD · Answer

Though it is not technically part of the face, a neck with loose, sagging skin can age the face dramatically. A neck lift is a standard part of most facelift surgeries, as the neck skin is mobilized in continuity with the lower face.

	Immediately under the skin of the neck is the platysma muscle, which you can easily see in a mirror when you clench your teeth and tighten your jaw. In youth, this paired muscle meets in the midline below the chin. With age, the right and left sides of the platysma often separate, producing vertical 'cords' in the anterior neck. The platysma can be divided anteriorly and tightened during neck lift cosmetic surgery to permanently eliminate these 'cords' and improve the neck contour. One tightened in the midline below the chin, lateral traction on the platysma then creates a 'sling' which elevates the soft tissues below the jawline.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If your skin is very thin, this cannot be improved, but the underlying muscles that are prominent can probably be treated.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There is nothing that can be done to improve the thickness of a neck or reduce the prominent muscles. The anterior platysmal bands, when present, which include the neck cords, can be tightened in the front of the neck and clipped so that they do not return when the face/neck lift is performed. The cost for a comprehensive face/neck lift operation is approximately $11,000, which includes the operating room, the anesthesia, and the surgeon’s fee for performing the procedure.

Stella Desyatnikova, MD · Answer

Remember the saying by the famous and beautiful French actress Catherine Deneuve:
When you get older, you have to choose between your fanny or your face.
This is what happens as we age: if we don't have enough subcutaneous fat on the face or neck, it can age us and make us look older.
So, you have a couple of options: you can try to gain some weight and see if this issue improves, or you can just make peace with your thin neck and think about all the good attributes that go along with it. 
Good luck and Happy Holidays.

How to Correct Thin Neck?

Answers (11)

More Neck Lift Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (11)

More Neck Lift Questions

What Do Neck Lift Incisions Look Like?

Submentoplasty or Neck Lift for Fat and Sagging Under Chin?

Plastic Surgery to Remove Gobbler Under Chin?

Estimated Cost of Neck Lift for Neck Bands and Loose Skin?

Laser Treatment for Crepey Neck Skin?

What Causes the Neck Muscle to Loosen?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS