Are these horizontal neck lines caused by fat? (photos)

Neck rolls are typically from localized fat collection in your neck. The reasons for this are multifactorial - for example "runs in the family", related to your weight, hormonal, congenital,etc. Liposuction using fine cannulas are very helpful for this. If loose skin is an issue then some non invasive treatments like Ultherapy, Thermage, Thermi-RF, or the Sciton Laser BBL SkinTyte are good options as well. The result is significant improvement for most cases.Next step is to have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

"Injecting soft fillers like Belotero in this area can reduce lines, wrinkles and folds as well as improve skin texture with long-term collagen production. Fillers are being used more frequently to contour and lift rather than solely line fill. Of course, fillers are best used in combination with lasers and microneedling​ with PRP to get the optimal outcome.

I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist to create an individualized treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer"

The neck can have deep horizontal wrinkles and creases even from an early age (genetics play a key role) as well as from sun damage and aging in almost everyone. They can be super annoying and are hard to get rid of.Surgically removing them is the best way to get rid of them but this can leave a lot of scars in very visible areas which most young people don’t want.These creases are usually at the skin level. There are several nonsurgical and surgical options to consider. Some can be done at the same time. Surgery combined with injections and laser treatments before or after surgery is usually the biggest difference.  For people not interested in surgery, the hyaluronic acid injections and laser treatments are the most reasonable options, maybe combined with a chemical peel.These procedures can be done safely in the office and the results are often very satisfying. An in-office private consultation and examination with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be the best way to fully  address your specific concerns and determine the right treatment plan.I hope this helps answer your question.  If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.  

Thank you for your pictures. You have natural creases. This is unique to you. There is no surgery that will predictably improve your natural neck creases. I would not seek any treatment for this.Earl Stephenson Jr, MD DDS FACS

Dear Newme4me,  Thanks for submitting your pictures. The neck lines are not caused by fat but rather  they are caused by fibrous attachments of the skin to the underlying muscle. The fat is just making the lines more noticable by plumping the skin folds. The solution for that condition can be conservative or surgical. The conservative way is to lose weight which will reduce the protruding folds. Obveiously it can be difficult and fluctuating. Surgery, that involves liposuction, is permanent when done right. During the liposuction procedure the fat is removed and the fibrous attachments are weakened and allowing the skin to redraped smoothly. Always, consult with board certified plastic surgeons and check their before and after pictures to make sure that you like the results.                    Best of luck,                                       Dr Widder

Hi @ANewMe Thanks for the question. You indeed have "Neck Rolls". Neck Rolls typically show-up in mid to late 30’s and are usually hereditary (“runs in the family”).  Fortunately there are some options to help address this problem. 
Unlike an aging neck, neck rolls have more fat and less excess skin. This requires a combined approach of delicate liposuction using fine cannulas followed by injecting fat or filler into the creases. The liposuction empty's out the "rolls" and the injection of fat into the creases blends the transition. The result is improved contour with decreased appearance of the bags. The actual crease does not go away (just like the crease in your elbow can never be fully eliminated) however it will be much less apparent. 
Best of luck,
Dr. Karan Chopra
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Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon
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