My Neck Looks Wrinkly and The Muscles Tighten Up When I Speak. What Can I Do? (photo)

Question

I am a 41 year old female and only a year ago I started to see how my neck muscles tighten up and when I'm speaking, and my neck looks so wrinkly. It happens too when I inhale my cigarette. I am a TV journalist and how my neck looks now really bothers me. I get a lot of "I thought you were early 30's" comments from people, thanks to my Asian genes, but my neck just doesn't want to cooperate. Pls help. Thank you!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"A combination approach would give the most improvement. Nonsurgical options such as Kybella, PDO NovaThreads, and Ultherapy do well in combination for skin tightening, but the results are mild compared to surgical options.

I would recommend a VASER Hi-Definition Liposuction with ThermiRF, Renuvion (J Plasma) and InMode BodyTite to contour and tighten the chin and neck. A neck lift can be performed at the same time, if you're a good candidate. I suggest seeing a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer.​"

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It's best to begin by consulting with a surgeon in-person to discuss your options. The presence of banding down the front of the #neck, and, amount of excess skin and condition of your skin are among some factors which determine what treatments will best rejuvenate your neck . During your initial examination, your chin will be evaluated along with the neck and jawline. A weak #chin implies a lack of chin support for the skin along the neck line. In younger individuals a chin implant alone is usually all that is needed to improve the appearance of the neck. Subsequently, it will also improve the overall #balance of the face and can create the illusion of a smaller nose. As a stand-alone procedure, chin augmentation can be performed in the office under local #anesthesia. For individuals with signs of #aging in the neck, a chin implant added to one of the recommended procedures above, will provide optimal results.If you are not a candidate at the time of your #consultation, your board certified plastic surgeon can recommend alternatives to address your concern. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in #neck lift procedures is important to ensure you are receiving the best advice, care, and surgical experience possible.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Neck cords may respond well to Botox as long as the skin tone is OK.  If Botox doesn't help then a neck lift may be the next step

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Botox along the edge of the platysma muscle can give some temporary help to platysma banding.  Later on, they will need surgical repair.  I think skin tightening technology is a waste of time and money.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

You are describing 2 issues:

	1. Hyperactivity of your superficial neck muscle known as platysma;

	2. Early skin laxity.

	When I examine the photo you provided I would describe these issues as "early" and "mild". I think you can expect some nice improvements with non-surgical treatments such as Ultherapy and Botox or Dysport.

	Consult with a facial cosmetic surgeon for a thorough in-person assessment.

	Lastly, smoking does do significant harm - also related to aging; but you knew this already.

My Neck Looks Wrinkly and The Muscles Tighten Up When I Speak. What Can I Do? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Botox can help early muscle bands (platysma) in the neck.

Answer: Botox can help early muscle bands (platysma) in the neck.

Answer: Neck Changes at Age 41

Answer: Neck Changes at Age 41

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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My Neck Looks Wrinkly and The Muscles Tighten Up When I Speak. What Can I Do? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Botox can help early muscle bands (platysma) in the neck.

Answer: Botox can help early muscle bands (platysma) in the neck.

Answer: Neck Changes at Age 41

Answer: Neck Changes at Age 41

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.