Botox to Treat Neck Wrinkles
The natural aging process can have a dramatic impact on the surface of the skin. Fine lines, wrinkles, and loose, sagging skin are some of the tell-tale signs of aging that can appear anywhere on the body but are, perhaps, most apparent on the face and neck. Tech neck, a condition characterized by deep creases and obvious neck bands, can exacerbate the appearance of an aging neck. Tech neck develops as a result of looking down at a phone or computer with great frequency on a regular basis. The neck area is highly susceptible to developing premature signs of aging due to the relatively low amount of collagen in the thin neck skin, overexposure to UV, and lack of a targeted skincare routine that involves the neck.
Signs of aging in the neck area can cause patients to feel particularly self-conscious, but luckily, advances in cosmetic dermatology offer patients a non-invasive solution for the appearance of wrinkled, sagging neck skin. For patients looking to rejuvenate their neck area, a Botox neck lift is a great treatment option. Botox is often associated with erasing fine lines and wrinkles on the face, such as the crow’s feet and forehead lines. Botox injections can also be extremely effective for removing the fine lines and platysmal bands that affect the neck. A Botox neck lift can help to eliminate dynamic wrinkles, tighten the skin, improve the contour of the jaw, and reduce the appearance of jowls. Botox is even FDA approved to treat neck pain resulting from medical conditions such as cervical dystonia. Cervical dystonia is a condition in which involuntary neck muscle spasms create pain and discomfort in the neck. When Botox works to “freeze” the muscles, the treatment helps to eliminate the pain.
Botox injections should always be performed by a board-certified dermatologist with the experience and expertise required to execute the treatment in a safe and effective manner that produces ideal results. Dr. Michele Green in New York City is an Allergan platinum injector of Botox with over 25 years of experience providing some of the most discerning men and women from around the globe with what is described as “the best Botox in New York”. She was among the first dermatologists to utilize cosmetic Botox injections, and is consistently voted as one of NYC’s best physicians by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her holistic approach and ‘less is more’ philosophy when it comes to anti-aging and rejuvenation treatments. As an internationally renowned leader in the field of cosmetic dermatology and expert in non-invasive cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers, chemical peels, microneedling, and laser resurfacing procedures, Dr. Green is guaranteed to help you look and feel like the best version of yourself.
What is Botox?
Botulinum toxin type A, commonly known by the brand name Botox, has been FDA approved to treat a variety of conditions and cosmetic concerns since 2002. Created by the company Allergan, Botox injections serve a variety of functions from eliminating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, to alleviating the symptoms of medical conditions such as cervical dystonia, chronic migraines, and hyperhidrosis. The treatment is composed of a the neurotoxin onabotulinumtoxinA and works by essentially “freezing” the muscle at the injection site. Botox is the most popular non-invasive injectable treatment that is performed in the United States and is a safe and effective alternative to more invasive procedures, such as plastic surgery. When used on the neck, Botox can eliminate horizontal wrinkles, reduce the appearance of fine lines, ameliorate turkey neck, and slim the jaw line. The procedure can also reduce muscle pain or spasms in the treatment area.
How does Botox work?
As we age, our skin starts to become loose and sagging, and fine lines and wrinkles begin to become etched into the skin. Many of the wrinkles found on the face and neck are dynamic wrinkles, which are wrinkles that are caused by the repeated contraction of muscles. On the face, this manifests most commonly as crows feet, which are wrinkles at the corner of the eye that appear as a result of crinkling your eyes, or forehead lines, the horizontal lines that form on the forehead. When it comes to neck muscles, dynamic wrinkles can occur as a result of the platysma muscles, which pull on the skin, causing the skin to appear lined and sagging. Horizontal bands can also occur from issues such as “tech neck,” which are the lines that form as a result of frequently looking down at phones and computers. An injection of Botox into the neck muscles can help to reduce the signs of these dynamic wrinkles.
The active ingredient in Botox is the neurotoxin onabotulinumtoxinA, which is injected in liquid form into the treatment area. When injected into the muscle, the botulinum toxin type A works by inhibiting the neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that “tell” the muscles when to contract. When the acetylcholine is blocked by the Botox injection, the muscles no longer contract, causing them to relax. Cosmetically, this leads to the relaxation of the dynamic muscles, such as the platysma muscle, that are responsible for the creation of fine lines and wrinkles. As such, the wrinkles become smoothed out and disappear, erasing the signs of aging from the treatment area. If Botox is being used to treat a medical condition such as cervical dystonia, which is characterized by chronic neck spasms, the injection blocks the neurotransmitters that cause the muscles to contract thereby eliminating the spasms.
What is a Botox Neck Lift?
Neck botox, which is sometimes referred to as a Nefertiti Lift, is when Botox is injected into the neck to eliminate neck lines, horizontal wrinkles, and improve sagging jowls. The muscles found in the neck have a tendency to pull downwards, which causes sagging along the jawline and contributes to the prevalence of jowls. As such, Botox injected strategically into the neck muscles can help to improve the jawline for a tighter, more contoured look. A neck lift will also help with “turkey neck,” which is when the neck skin starts to sag, leading to loose skin that is unflatteringly compared to the neck flap of a turkey. Botox can help to tighten the skin and can be paired with Thermage treatment for skin tightening.
Neck Botox can also help with pain relief and pain management for certain conditions that affect the neck, including cervical dystonia. Cervical dystonia, a condition also known as spasmodic torticollis, is characterized by frequent, involuntary muscle spasms in the neck, which cause the head to be pulled forward, backward, or to the side. These spasms and uncomfortable head position can cause pain and discomfort in the neck. When Botox is injected into the muscle, it blocks the neurotransmitters that tell the muscle to contract, thereby reducing the involuntary, painful spasms. As such, neck Botox can serve both cosmetic and medical functions.
Thermage (lower face & neck), with Voluma & Restylane Lyft
How do I prepare for Botox treatment for my neck?
You will begin the treatment process by having a consultation appointment with Dr. Green. IDr. Green will be able to examine the treatment area and determine the treatment options that are best suited for your individual needs and aesthetic goals. If Botox is one of the treatments in your plan, there is very little preparation that you will need to do before your treatment. Dr. Green asks that you arrive on the day of the procedure with a clean, product-free treatment area on the neck and that you avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Aleve. These products can increase your risk of bruising or bleeding following the treatment. Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Green, is an expert injector who has been performing Botox injections for over 25 years.
What is the procedure for neck Botox treatment?
The first step is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side. Dr. Green will conduct a thorough medical history and will review any previous cosmetic treatments you may have had. You will then have the opportunity to identify your specific skin concerns and your overall aesthetic goals. If you are a good candidate for treatment with neck Botox, the procedure can be performed on the same day. The exact dosage that each patient receives for neck Botox is dependent upon the size and scope of the treatment area, as well as each patient’s individual aesthetic goals. The procedure itself is very fast and can take as few as ten minutes to complete. Patients typically do not feel any discomfort during the injections themselves but may request the use of a topical anesthetic in order to further decrease any feelings of discomfort. Botox treatment is truly a lunchtime procedure, as there is no downtime following the treatment and you can immediately return to your regularly scheduled activities. After Dr. Green injects Botox, an ice pack may be applied to the treatment area to reduce any potential initial swelling. Dr. Green will provide you with the aftercare information and may offer a follow up in several weeks if needed to ensure your injections are perfect.
What is the aftercare following Botox treatment for neck bands?
Botox treatment is a safe and effective treatment for fine lines, wrinkles, and neck pain that requires essentially no recovery time following the procedure. While there is no downtime after the treatment, there are certain activities that should be avoided directly following the treatment. Dr. Green recommends that you do not lay down on the treatment for several hours after the treatment nor should you massage the treatment area for approximately two days. This is so that the injection does not migrate to any other part of your body, which can be potentially dangerous. Further, you should stay away from intense physical activity for 24 hours after your Botox injections. When you have your Botox injections with Dr. Green, she will provide you with all of the pertinent aftercare instructions that she advises her patients adhere to in order to achieve and maintain the best results.
How long does neck Botox last?
Botox treatment is very effective in the rejuvenation of the appearance of the neck through the elimination of fine lines, wrinkles, and jowls. Once the treatment has been administered, the effects of the procedure generally become apparent within ten days. After that, the results of Botox may be visible for anywhere between three and four months. Though the results are temporary, Botox treatment can be repeated once the effects begin to wear off. When you have your consultation with Dr. Green, she will help to determine the treatment schedule that is best for you needs and ensures consistent, effective skincare.
How do Botox injections treat neck pain?
Botox treatment has been FDA approved to treat neck pain in the form of cervical dystonia, which is a condition characterized by frequent, involuntary spasms that cause pain and discomfort in the neck. The Botox injections are a very effective way to treat this neck pain, as the botulinum toxin type A found in the Botox injection blocks the neurotransmitters that are responsible for the muscle contractions causing the spasms. As such, the muscles relax and the spasms stop. For many patients, combining Botox treatment with physical therapy is extremely effective in reducing pain and discomfort.
In clinical studies done to examine the effects of Botox on cervical dystonia, researchers found that patients began feeling the pain relief from the treatment within two weeks of receiving the first treatment. The pain relief peaked for most patients at six weeks after receiving the Botox injection. While the pain management effects of the treatment did wear off approximately three months after receiving the Botox injections, the treatment can be repeated approximately every three months for continued relief. With many repeated treatments, there is the potential that the body will build up anti-bodies against the Botox rendering it less effective. If this occurs, there are alternative treatments such as dysport and xeomin.
Can Botox be combined with other procedures to rejuvenate the neck?
Yes! A Botox neck lift can be combined with other non-invasive cosmetic treatments for optimal rejuvenation and to create a smooth, firm, and youthful appearance that lasts. Botox is particularly effective for eliminating dynamic wrinkles by relaxing the muscles that are responsible for repeated expression. Patients that are struggling with particularly lax skin, submental fat, or crepey skin, may opt to combine their neck Botox treatment with other procedures such as Thermage radiofrequency, Kybella, and Fraxel lasers.
Thermage – Thermage® is the gold standard treatment when it comes to skin tightening. While Botox is very effective at eliminating wrinkles and can help to tighten the skin somewhat, for patients dealing with particularly lax and sagging skin, an additional skin tightening treatment will be necessary. Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) technology to tighten the skin by heating the inner layer of the tissue. This heating creates controlled damage to the tissue so that the body’s healing response is activated. The natural healing process involves the creation of the protein collagen and stimulates cell turnover for smooth, tight, youthful-looking skin.
Kybella – For patients who have a high amount of submental fat, or fat and fullness just under the chin, Botox can be paired with a fat reduction treatment, such as Kybella. Kybella is an injectable treatment that eliminates fat cells around the jowls and neck. The treatment works by injecting a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which is naturally found in the body, and works to break down fat cells. The treatment can be used to “de-bulk” the area under the chin, which eliminates excess fat and improves the jawline. Kybella® can then be paired with Botox to further eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.
Fraxel laser – For patients looking to improve the texture of their skin along with eliminating fine lines and wrinkles, Dr. Green recommends pairing Botox with Fraxel® laser treatments. The Fraxel laser works to “resurface” the skin by creating micro-injuries, which trigger the body’s natural healing process. This process triggers the production of collagen, which leads to smooth, firm skin for improved skin texture.
CoolSculpting® – Patients who have a significant amount of submental fat, under the neck, can have this fat “frozen” by CoolSculpting. With a unique applicator, the CoolMini, the excess fat under the neck can be “frozen” and is slowly eliminated through your own body’s metabolism. Depending on the amount of fat under the neck, two or more Cool-mini treatments may be necessary with this painless, non-invasive treatment.
Is Botox safe for neck muscles? Is Botox in the neck dangerous?
Botox® is an FDA approved treatment that is both safe and effective. There are mild side effects associated with the treatment that are commonly experienced, such as mild amounts of swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection sites. The risk of developing more serious side effects, however, increases if you seek treatment from a less experienced practitioner or a in a medical spa setting. For this reason, it is crucial to seek out a board-certified, experienced dermatologist, such as Dr. Green. Dr. Michele Green is an expert injector in NYC with over 25 years of experience providing some of the most discerning men and women from around the globe with what is described as “the best Botox in New York.’ Dr. Green always customizes the treatment approach for her patients based on their individual needs and goals, guaranteeing that they achieve their ideal results in a safe and effective way.
How much does Botox cost in the neck?
The total cost of having Botox injections in the neck area will ultimately be dependent on a number of contributing factors. Often, the size and scope of the treatment area, the geographic location of the office in which you are treated, and the type of institution at which you are receiving treatment are factors that may influence the cost of your treatment. When making a determination about how many units are necessary to treat an individual patient, Dr. Green takes into account the surface area that needs to be treated, the muscles necessary to address in treatment, and whether or not there is pain and the severity of that neck pain. Further, the type of institution where you are receiving your treatment plays a part in determining the price. A medical spa, for example, may offer less expensive Botox injections compared to the cost of treatment from a board-certified dermatologist. However, the risk of developing more serious side effects can increase if you receive treatment from someone other than a board-certified, expert dermatologist. When you arrive at Dr. Green’s office for your initial consultation, the office will be able to make an estimate of the cost of treatment based on your specific needs and goals.
Can Botox cause neck pain?
Botox is a treatment that is FDA approved to relieve chronic neck pain. As such, it does not typically cause patients to experience any further neck pain. If neck pain persists following Botox treatment, be sure to contact your treating physician.
Can Botox help with neck pain?
Yes! Botox is an FDA approved treatment for painful neck conditions such as cervical dystonia. Cervical dystonia is characterized by painful and uncomfortable spasms in the neck that are the result of repeated, involuntary muscle contractions. Botox can freeze the muscles responsible for the contractions, thereby reducing the pain from this condition. A board-certified dermatologist should perform your Botox injections to ensure the procedure is safe and effective, and to guarantee satisfactory results.
Can Botox help a turkey neck?
Turkey neck is an unflattering term for the loose, sagging skin that can appear along the neck as a result of the natural aging process. For those wishing to eliminate the appearance of turkey neck, a Botox neck lift can help to tighten the skin a bit, but if there is too much skin laxity in the treatment area, patients will need to combine the Botox with a skin tightening laser, such as Thermage. For some patients, if there is an excess of loose skin, that may require a surgical neck lift or face lift to fully address the lax skin. When you consult with board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, she will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan for your turkey neck that results in smooth, firm, tight skin that lasts. Dr. Green will refer you to a trusted, experienced plastic surgeon with expertise in the neck lift if you are not a good candidate for non-invasive neck lift cosmetic treatment options.
Does Botox help neck wrinkles?
Yes! Botox is the ideal treatment for eliminating dynamic wrinkles or bands on the neck. Botox works by freezing the muscles in the neck that are responsible for etching in fine lines, wrinkles, and what is known as tech neck – when lines form as a result of looking down at a phone or computer. Relaxing these neck muscles with Botox injections is what helps to reduce the appearance of neck wrinkles and create an overall more youthful appearance.
Can Botox tighten your neck?
Botox injections, in addition to eliminating the appearance of fine lines and neck bands, can be used strategically to help tighten the skin on the neck. Injecting Botox into the neck muscles in a deliberate manner can prevent downward contraction, tightening the neck skin. Patients with an excess of loose skin, however, may need to combine their Botox injections with a number of other non-invasive treatment methods in order to achieve their ideal results. Dr. Michele Green in NYC often recommends to her patients that they take advantage of the benefits of Botox in addition to procedures such as Thermage, Vivace, and Fraxel resurfacing laser to create skin that is smooth, tight, firm, and youthful.
How many units of Botox are needed for the neck bands and Botox neck lift?
Every individual patient presents with their own unique skin needs and goals. The number of units of Botox that will be necessary to treat neck bands on a given patient will vary depending on the size of the patient’s neck and the severity of the dynamic wrinkles that they present with. When you arrive at Dr. Green’s office for your initial consultation, she will examine the treatment area and be able to determine the units of Botox necessary for effective treatment. On average, Dr. Green will use between 25 and 50 units of Botox for a neck lift.
What are the side effects of Botox injections in the neck?
Although Botox is a safe and effective anti-aging treatment for the face and neck when injected by a board-certified dermatologist, there are some potential side effects that patients may encounter following their treatment session. Common side effects include mild swelling, redness, and tenderness at the sites of injection. These side effects typically resolve on their own shortly after treatment. Other mild side effects that may occur following treatment include flu-like symptoms, back pain, neck pain, headache, muscle weakness, dizziness, or trouble swallowing. In very rare cases, patients may develop more severe side effects, which can include allergic reaction to the Botox injection, or a migration of the toxin to other areas of the body. Should migration of the toxin occur, patients may experience trouble breathing and trouble swallowing. If patients begin to experience the severe side effects after receiving Botox treatment, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Patients should always have their Botox injections with an experienced board-certified cosmetic dermatologist to ensure that their procedure is executed in a safe and effective manner. Dr. Green is an Allergan platinum injector, offering what is described as “the best Botox in New York”.
Does Botox help a crepey neck?
Crepey skin occurs when the skin begins to feel thin, sagging, and fine lines develop along the surface. The resulting texture is skin that looks like crepe paper. Botox can help to eliminate the appearance of fine lines that develop on the surface of the skin and can easily be paired with other non-invasive cosmetic treatments, such as Fraxel laser, to help with the texture of the skin. Fraxel is often referred to by Dr. Green as the ‘magic eraser’ for its unique ability to target and treat a myriad of skin concerns, including uneven skin texture related to wrinkles, fine lines, deep creases, and crepiness. Fraxel utilizes a fractional laser technology to create controlled, precise micro-injuries in the dermis of the skin. This treatment stimulates the natural wound healing process of the skin, which leads to the production of new collagen and elastin.
Collagen and elastin are proteins that help provide the skin with a firmness and tightness that is associated with a youthful look and feel. By encouraging new collagen production, this innovative laser resurfacing treatment can result in an improved skin texture and tone. The Fraxel Dual laser, a treatment offered in Dr. Green’s private dermatology office, is equipped with two distinct wavelength settings, allowing it to target uneven skin tone by using the same device. If a patient is troubled by the presence of fine lines, wrinkles, neck creases, crepiness, and an uneven skin tone, Dr. Green may recommend a combination approach that incorporates treatment with the Fraxel Dual and Botox injections. Consulting with Dr. Green is the best way to determine if Fraxel treatment is appropriate for your neck rejuvenation treatment plan.
Can Botox help loose neck skin?
Botox injections can be used to improve the overall appearance of loose neck skin. Strategically injecting Botox into the neck area can result in more relaxed neck muscles, limiting downward contraction that contributes to the appearance of loose neck skin. Sometimes, a patient may have too much skin laxity to rely solely on Botox injections for improvement. If a patient is interested in tightening the skin in the neck area, Dr. Green may recommend they are first treated with the innovative Thermage radiofrequency skin tightening procedure. Thermage is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that utilizes radio frequency energy to stimulate the production of new collagen in the skin.
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the skin that contributes to a firm foundation and overall youthful appearance. As a part of the natural aging process, collagen is broken down overtime at a faster rate than it is created. This gives way to skin laxity and can lead to the appearance of loose neck skin. In addition, the neck area has thinner skin with a lesser amount of collagen compared to other areas of the body and face. By treating the neck area with Thermage, patients can achieve improved skin elasticity and a firmer, smoother, tighter appearance. Thermage and Botox treatments can easily be incorporated into the neck rejuvenation treatment plan of a given patient, serving as complementary anti-aging treatments for the neck area.
44 year old female, Botox for wrinkles
How long does neck pain last after Botox?
Botox injections are beneficial for a host of medical conditions in addition to their cosmetic use. If you are receiving Botox treatment to mitigate neck pain that results from cervical dystonia, the pain relief is often noticeable in as little as two weeks following your treatment session. In a clinical trial, researchers found that most patients being treated for neck pain experience the greatest amount of pain relief six weeks after receiving their Botox treatment. Treatment sessions of Botox injections can be repeated every four to six months in order to manage the pain associated with the muscle spasms and involuntary contractions caused by cervical dystonia. It is recommended to always have a consultation with a board-certified medical professional for your Botox injections, regardless of whether your goals are medical or cosmetic. Working with an experienced and knowledgeable dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, is the best way to ensure that your treatment is safe and effective, and produces satisfactory results. Additionally, a healthcare professional will have the expertise to advise in the event that you experience any potential side effects or require subsequent treatment during a follow-up treatment session.
Can you Botox your neck lines? Does Botox get rid of neck lines?
Yes and yes! Botox can absolutely be injected into both vertical and horizontal neck lines to effectively diminish their appearance, resulting in a smoother, more youthful skin texture. Botox injections in the neck area can prove to be a wonderful non-surgical treatment alternative to a traditional plastic surgery neck lift procedure. An expert injector, like Dr. Michele Green in New York City, can inject Botox deliberately to target the neck muscles that are associated with developing the various signs of aging in the neck area. Botox is commonly used to temporarily rid the neck area of neck lines, with the cosmetic effects from a treatment session typically lasting between 3-6 months. Patients can elect to engage in maintenance treatment sessions as necessary to keep up their ideal cosmetic effects. A board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, should always perform your Botox treatments in order to ensure the procedure is executed in a safe and effective manner that yields optimal cosmetic results.
Do Botox neck injections hurt?
No! Botox is a quick and painless cosmetic procedure that can easily be performed in just a few minutes, making it possible to schedule a treatment session with ease. Patients who are being treated with Botox injections for vertical bands or fine lines on the neck do not require any numbing cream or other preparation, as the treatment is fast and overall comfortable for the patient. If a patient is highly sensitive, however, a topical numbing cream may be prescribed to them to apply to the treatment area one hour prior to their Botox treatment session. Once the patient arrives at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, the numbing cream will be removed and the skin sterilized in preparation for the injections.
Who is a good candidate for a Botox Neck Lift?
The appearance of an aging neck can, for many, be a source of great frustration and cause feelings of self-consciousness. It can be a challenge to find just the right anti-aging treatments for the neck area without the help of an expert. Luckily, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green, is here to help. Whether you are struggling with the presence of fine lines and wrinkles, platysmal bands, or skin laxity, Dr. Green has a solution for you that will leave you with smoother, firmer, more youthful skin that lasts. As a leader in the field of cosmetic dermatology for over 25 years, Dr. Green has helped countless patients from around the globe achieve their ideal aesthetic goals through the use of the best non-invasive cosmetic treatments available, including Botox, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, microneedling, and more.
When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office located in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, she will work with you to create a completely customized treatment approach that incorporates the optimal cosmetic procedures and specially formulated skincare products to address your unique needs and achieve your desired results. For her holistic approach and ‘less is more’ philosophy when it comes to rejuvenation treatments, Dr. Green is consistently voted as one of New York’s best physicians by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors. To access more information regarding non-invasive cosmetic treatments, including neck rejuvenation with Botox injections, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Green in NYC, please contact us online today or call 212-535-3088.