What are my options for removing the horizontal neck lines? (photos)

Question

I'm 42 years old and my neck really bothers me and I feel makes me look much older than I am. I would like a smoother neck with minimal or no horizontal lines. Is surgery my only option?

Arnold Almonte, DO · Answer

Hi, based on your pictures, the horizontal lines on your neck are permanent, similar to a crease on a folded piece of paper. No matter how much you stretch that paper, the crease will still be visible. So for your neck, no matter how much the skin would be stretched from a neck lift procedure, where the incisions would be around or behind the ears, the horizontal creases will remain visible. A great procedure for you would be the "horizontal neck lift", a procedure where the skin is directly excised between the creases. This would leave you with a smoother neck as the excess skin would be removed, and a single horizontal crease instead of two horizontal creases as you have now. Furthermore, if the incision is closed with precision, that scar could wind up barely visible in a couple of months.Seek out a surgeon who is experienced with this procedure. I wish you the best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

there are mnay treatments for this although the majority of the time this is genetic and is only improved not cured with treatment.  Liposuction with energy on the neck does very well to tighten, fillers can go directly into the lines for improvement.  Radiofrequency like thermage or venus legacy over time will help tighten as well.  I suggest seeing an expert for an in perosn consultation.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Kevin Sadati, DO · Answer

I recommend a liposuction and mini neck lift to help improve your neck contouring and elimination of your horizontal lines. This procedure can be preformed under local anesthesia and twilight sedation without the need for general anesthesia.

Sean Maguire, MD · Answer

Based on your photo, I would do liposuction of the neck. This would address the isolated fat in your neck, provide some skin tightening and also improve the horizontal lines.

Ben Talei, MD · Answer

A combination of surgical and laser is the best for those lines.  The only way to remove them completely is to actually cut them out but not everyone heals invisibly from that.  The better option is to perform a deep plane vertical neck lift which will significantly reposition and stretch them followed by a series of laser sessions using a sublative type laser

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos but an examination is really needed.  That said either surgery or some type of resurfacing either laser or chivalry might be beneficial Dr Corbin

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

While you may never completely remove the lines, you can have them softer and smoother neck.  Yes, surgery is probably the best option.  There are skin tightening procedures (Protege), but they are temporary.

Edward J. Domanskis, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

You can definitely improve your neck lines but not eliminate them. It is difficult to see from the photo you submitted but if there is excess skin, then a neck lift would help. If you have fullness, then liposuction would improve the area. Also, a non surgical approach like Thermage may be an option.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Many times a pure neck lift is not the answer, as the further down the neck we see the problem, the less benefit we get from a traditional neck lift. The best way is to directly excise the lines but that will leave a low horizontal scar on your neck like a patient who had thyroid surgery.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Surgery is the best way to improve your neck. I need to see you or more pictures, such as a profile view, but hopefully just a neck lift may accomplish your goals.

What are my options for removing the horizontal neck lines? (photos)

Answers (10)