Most Effective Resurfacing Laser for Neck and Chest?

Question

After much struggle with this issue, I've been told that Pixel Laser is not strong enough for what I to achieve on my neck/ chest area. I'm not suffering from lax skin or pigmentation, just wrinkles that have resulted from excessive movement, which was related to a mental condition of tourettes/OCD. I desperately want to get rid of these wrinkles as they are almost like "scars" resulting from terrible mental/ physical suffering on my behalf. I'm only 21, and now am even embarassed to wear anything but a t-shirt. What laser will give me a safe and complete resurfacing for the part below my collarbone and up? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Unfortunately without a close examination of the appearance and palpable texture of the skin and dermis, it is impossible to say if a treatment could help. Do be careful with “laser” therapy on the chest as this skin doesn’t heal as well as facial skin and scarring does occur with resurfacing very rarely, but the risk does increase when the treatment is off the face. In fact, the energy settings are often less for this reason when the neck and chest are treated. You should see a dermatologic surgeon in consultation to see if laser, Portrait Plasma, subcision (breaking up the scarring attachment below the crease to help lift it up) and or filler injections could help.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our best protocol for chest aging and sun spots includes Luminase and Exfolase creams followed by fractional laser. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian#Realself100 Surgeon

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

This is a very delicate area to treat and the skill of the doctor is imperative, so I recommend only a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist with a lot of laser experience in this region.

	Not all skin types will be candidates and this region can have more risks of side effects when not appropriately treated.

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with Dr. Banda that a fractional ablative laser is your best bet. The tissues of the neck and chest are sensitive and tolerate less energy than tissues of the face. Typically 2-4 treatments will result in appreciable change. However, change in skin tension and elasticity will take several months to manifest.

	With regards to your overactive neck muscles, Botox can be a temporizing answer. I do agree that selective neck muscle transection would work and is something often performed in children who have a disorder known as torticollis, when physical therapy does not work to correct tightness. You should inquire from a therapist if you would benefit from therapy to your neck.

	I agree that lasers each have their proponents. We use an Active FX laser which is a carbon dioxide fractional laser. Our patients are happy and visibly see results in a short time. Downtime is typically one week. Just do your research and you should do fine.

	Dr. Shah

Michael Tomcik, MD · Answer

The most effective laser for tightening, smoothing and reducing pigment on the neck and chest is one of the Microfractional CO2 Lasers. The energy must be turned down to not cause scars. It may take 2 or 3 treatments to get the best results. If you have dark eyes or tan easily, You should be on a 6% or higher Hydroquinone cream to prevent an increase in pigmentation and, of course, be on Suncreen SPF 60 or higher to "protect your investment". Make sure that you doctor is Board Certified in Dermatology or Plastic surgery and that they are the ones performing the procedure, not a nurse

Most Effective Resurfacing Laser for Neck and Chest?

Answers (5)