Treating The Neck with Toxin
- Dr. Khor See Ming
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
When we talk about anti-aging treatments, most people focus on the face—smoothing out wrinkles, lifting sagging skin, and enhancing overall skin quality. But what about the neck? The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of aging, yet it’s often neglected. Thankfully, modern aesthetic medicine offers a simple yet effective solution: botulinum toxin (commonly referred to as "toxin" or "Botox").
Understanding Neck Aging
Multiple underlying physiological processes contribute to ageing of the facial and neck skin. These include chronological ageing (which leads to thinning and reduction in the elasticity of the skin), accumulated tissue damage from environmental factors such as photodamage from sunlight exposure, downward tension from the platysma muscle complex, increased submental fat and the effects of gravity on ageing skin.
When the skin on the neck becomes thinner and loses elasticity, horizontal lines (sometimes called "necklace lines") form. In addition, the platysma muscle—a thin, sheet-like muscle that extends from the jawline to the collarbone—can become more prominent, creating vertical bands that give the neck an aged appearance. Factors such as genetics, and even the modern-day "tech neck" (caused by constantly looking down at screens) can accelerate neck aging. This is where botulinum toxin comes into play.
To learn more about neck rejuvenation, check out my previous article:
How Toxin Works on the Neck
Botulinum toxin is well-known for its ability to relax muscles and smooth wrinkles. When injected into the neck, it works by:
● Softening horizontal lines and creases
● Reducing vertical platysmal bands
● Enhancing the jawline by relaxing downward-pulling neck muscles
● Creating a smoother, more youthful appearance
This treatment is often referred to as the "Nefertiti Lift," named after the ancient Egyptian queen known for her elegant neck and jawline.
The Treatment Process
The procedure is quick and relatively painless, with minimal downtime. Here’s what to expect:
1. Consultation – Aesthetic doctors assess the neck’s muscle activity and skin quality to determine the best injection points.
2. Injection – Small amounts of toxin are strategically placed into the platysma muscle and horizontal lines using fine needles.
3. Results – Effects start to appear in 3-7 days, with full results visible in about two weeks. The results typically last 3-4 months.
Is It Safe?
When performed by an experienced doctor, treating the neck with toxin is safe and effective. However, a precise injection technique is crucial to avoid unwanted side effects like difficulty swallowing or an unnatural appearance.
Combining Toxin with Other Treatments
For optimal results, toxin injections can be combined with other neck-rejuvenating treatments such as:
Skinboosters (e.g., Polynucleotide and Profhilo) – To hydrate and improve skin texture.
Microneedling with Radiofrequency (e.g., Sylfirm X) – To stimulate collagen production.
Laser Treatments (e.g., Fotona Necklift )– To tighten the loose skin and even out skin tone
Fillers – To restore lost volume in deep horizontal lines
Biostimulators (e.g., Radiesse) – To stimulate collagen synthesis in the skin restore the neck’s youthful smoothness and elasticity.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) – A regenerative treatment derived from the patient's own blood, rich in growth factors and fibrin matrix. PRF helps improve skin texture, boost collagen production, and enhance overall skin quality, making it a perfect complement to botulinum toxin
Who Is a Good Candidate?
This treatment is suitable for individuals noticing early signs of neck aging or seeking a preventative approach. It works best for mild to moderate concerns, while those with severe skin laxity may benefit from a combination of treatments.
The Takeaway
Neck aging is inevitable, but with advancements in aesthetic medicine, you don’t have to accept it as a lost cause. Treating the neck with botulinum toxin is a quick, effective, and minimally invasive way to restore a youthful and elegant profile. If you are noticing changes in your neck, it might be time to give it the attention it deserves!
Interested in learning more? Book a consultation at Dream Clinic and let me - Dr Eunice to design the best treatment plan for you!
References:
Yi, K., Lee, J., Lee, K., Hu, H., Lee, H., & Kim, H. (2022). Anatomical Proposal for botulinum neurotoxin injection Targeting the platysma muscle for treating platysmal band and jawline lifting: A review. Toxins, 14(12), 868. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14120868
Brandt, F. S., & Boker, A. (2003). Botulinum toxin for rejuvenation of the neck. Clinics in Dermatology, 21(6), 513–520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2003.11.004
