Once the signs of aging set in, we often focus on our facial lines so much that we overlook what’s happening to our neck. Sagging skin under the jawline and unflattering parallel lines on the neck seem to appear out of the blue.
Fortunately, neck lines, wrinkles, and turkey neck can be treated with Botox, just like facial lines.
Read on to learn how neck Botox works, how much it costs, and if this cosmetic treatment is suitable for you.
What Is Neck Botox and Can Botox Be Used to Tighten the Neck?
Neck Botox is an off-label Botox treatment that targets the neck. The FDA hasn’t approved it yet, but it’s a common practice in medical spas.
With age, our neck muscles pull the neck skin down resulting in sagging, turkey neck skin, prominent vertical bands on the neck, and horizontal neck wrinkles.
Sagging neck skin and wrinkles may also appear from cell phone overuse and bending the neck too much. This is called a tech neck.
Both tech neck and aging neck skin can be treated with Botox. The Botox injector uses small amounts of Botox, usually 20-50 units, to relax the neck muscles. This prevents them from contracting and pulling the skin down.
Neck Botox is also referred to as Botox neck lift or Nefertiti neck lift because it tightens and rejuvenates the neck skin.
What Does a Neck Botox Procedure Look Like?
The first step in the neck Botox procedure is a consultation with your medical provider. They will determine if you are a candidate for the Botox neck lift. If you are, they will give you instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. You may need to stop using certain medications or vitamins, and you shouldn’t drink alcohol for 24 hours before the procedure.
On the day of the procedure, go to your appointment wearing a loose or V-neck shirt.
Your medical provider will clean your neck and mark the locations where small amounts of Botox will be injected. Providers usually inject Botox into the following areas:
- Platysma muscles (two vertical bands) on the neck that pull the neck skin down
- Along the lower jawline
- Along horizontal lines and wrinkles on the neck
The procedure lasts up to ten minutes and is usually painless.
Who Is the Right Candidate for Neck Botox?
If the prominent vertical bands, loose skin, and horizontal wrinkles on your neck are impairing your quality of life, you are a good candidate for neck Botox.
However, you shouldn’t get a Botox neck lift if you belong to any of the following categories:
- Pregnant or lactating women
- People with a sensitivity to human albumin
- People with a history of neuromuscular disorders
Talk to your medical provider about your previous medical history to ensure the neck Botox treatment is safe for you.
What Can You Expect from This Treatment?
You can expect multiple benefits from neck Botox, including:
- Reduced appearance of platysma neck bands
- Lifted and tightened jawline
- Reduced horizontal fine lines and wrinkles
- Smoother and rejuvenated neck
The effects of a Botox neck lift last about three to six months.
What’s the Aftercare?
Neck Botox is a safe, noninvasive procedure that doesn’t require any downtime. However, to ensure the best results and minimize the chances of bruising, refrain from the following activities 24 hours post-treatment:
- Exercise after botox or any kind of bending after Botox
- Lying down or bending down
- Applying pressure to the treated area
- Drinking alcohol
- Hot baths, sunlight, and other sources of heat
Are There Any Side Effects?
Neck Botox patients usually experience minimal side effects. The most common are bruising, swelling, redness, and mild pain. There are things you can do to minimize or speed up bruising after Botox. If you feel pain after the procedure, ask your medical provider which medications to take.
How Much Does Neck Botox Cost?
At Vibrant Skin Bar, Botox costs $12 per unit.
The total cost of neck Botox depends on the number of Botox units you’ll need. Your medical provider determines how much Botox you need during your consultation, but it usually ranges from 20 and 50 units.
Conclusion
When signs of aging appear, many of us focus our attention on facial features and neglect the changes on our neck. By the time we notice neck wrinkles and loose skin, it’s already time for a more serious intervention than anti-aging creams. Neck Botox is the best solution for an aging neck because it is a quick, safe, and minimally invasive procedure that leaves the neck skin looking youthful and smooth.
