Botox for Neck Wrinkles
Fine lines, wrinkles, and loose, sagging skin are telltale signs of aging that can appear anywhere on the body but are most apparent on the face and neck. The neck is highly susceptible to premature signs of aging due to its relatively low collagen content, overexposure to UV rays, and a lack of targeted skincare. Tech neck, characterized by deep creases and prominent neck bands, can exacerbate the appearance of an aging neck. It develops from frequent phone or computer use, which we rely on more than ever. Fortunately, NYC board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green offers a variety of cosmetic treatments, including Botox injections, laser treatments, and injectable fillers, in her private Upper East Side office to diminish the appearance of signs of aging and tech neck.
A Botox neck lift is an excellent treatment for patients looking to rejuvenate the neck and reduce the appearance of wrinkles without downtime. Botox works to “freeze” muscle activity, eliminating both spasms and pain. Botox is highly effective at reducing fine lines and platysmal bands in the neck. A Botox neck lift can help eliminate dynamic vertical neck lines, tighten skin, improve jaw contour, and reduce the appearance of jowls. Botox is even FDA-approved to treat neck pain resulting from medical conditions such as cervical dystonia, a condition in which involuntary neck muscle spasms create pain and discomfort. Botox cosmetic injections should always be performed by an experienced board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green, who has the knowledge and expertise to administer treatment safely and effectively, achieving 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 use cosmetic Botox injections and is consistently voted one of NYC’s best physicians by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her holistic approach and ‘less is more’ philosophy in anti-aging and rejuvenation treatments. As an internationally renowned leader in cosmetic dermatology and an expert in non-invasive cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers, chemical peels, microneedling, and laser resurfacing, Dr. Green is committed to helping you create a customized Botox treatment plan to help you look and feel like the best version of yourself.
What is Botox?
Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) has been FDA-approved since 2002 for the treatment of various medical conditions and cosmetic skin concerns. Created by the company Allergan, Botox injections serve multiple functions, from reducing facial muscle contractions and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to alleviating symptoms of medical conditions such as cervical dystonia, chronic migraines, and hyperhidrosis. The neurotoxin, onabotulinumtoxinA, in Botox, works by “freezing” targeted muscles at the injection sites. With minimal downtime, Botox treatment is the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure performed in the United States. It is a safe and effective alternative to more invasive procedures, such as plastic surgery. When used on the neck, Botox can eliminate horizontal wrinkles and neck bands, reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve the “turkey neck,” and slim the jawline. Botox injections can also reduce muscle pain or spasms in the treatment area.
How does Botox work?
The active ingredient in Botox is onabotulinumtoxinA, a liquid injectable neurotoxin. Once injected, the botulinum toxin essentially “freezes” the muscles by inhibiting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that “tell” the muscles when to contract. When Botox blocks acetylcholine, the underlying muscles relax. Cosmetically, this relaxes dynamic muscles, such as the platysma muscles, which can create fine lines and wrinkles. As a result, the wrinkles are smoothed out and disappear, erasing the signs of aging in the treatment area. If Botox injections are used to treat cervical dystonia, a medical condition characterized by chronic neck spasms, the muscles that contract the neck will relax, thereby eliminating the spasms. Botox results last for three to four months before another treatment session is required to maintain optimal results.
What does Botox in your neck do?
Botox can be injected into the neck for cosmetic reasons to eliminate the appearance of wrinkles. A Botox neck lift, sometimes called a Nefertiti Lift, involves injecting Botox into the neck to reduce lines and wrinkles and improve sagging jowls. The neck muscles tend to pull downward, causing sagging along the jawline and contributing to jowls. As such, strategically injected Botox into the neck muscles can help improve the jawline for a tighter, more contoured look.
Botox treatment has also been FDA-approved to treat neck pain caused by cervical dystonia, a condition characterized by frequent, involuntary muscle spasms that cause pain and discomfort in the neck. Botox is a very effective treatment option for this type of neck pain, as the botulinum toxin type A injected blocks the neurotransmitters responsible for muscle contractions that cause spasms. As a result, the muscles relax, and the spasms stop. Combining Botox treatment with physical therapy is highly effective for many patients in reducing pain and discomfort. As such, Botox for the neck can serve both cosmetic and medical functions.
Note: Dr. Green only performs Botox for cosmetic indications and does not treat migraines or cervical dystonia.
How do I prepare for Botox treatment for my neck?
Very little preparation is required before treatment. Patients are asked to arrive on the day of their appointment with clean, product-free skin and to avoid applying lotions, oils, or makeup to the neck area. To minimize the risk of bruising or bleeding, Dr. Green recommends avoiding anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain herbal supplements, for several days before treatment unless medically necessary. Some patients may choose to take Arnica, an over-the-counter herbal supplement, before their appointment to help prevent and reduce bruising. Patients should also inform Dr. Green of any recent illnesses, infections, or changes in their health before receiving Botox injections to ensure the treatment is performed safely and effectively.
What is the procedure for neck Botox treatment?
Neck Botox treatment begins with a consultation with Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology office on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Dr. Green will take a thorough medical history and review any previous cosmetic treatments you have had. You will then discuss your specific skin concerns and overall aesthetic goals. If you are a good candidate for neck Botox, the procedure can be performed the same day. The procedure is quick and can take as few as ten minutes. Patients typically do not feel discomfort during the Botox injections, but may request a topical anesthetic to minimize any risk of discomfort. Botox treatment is truly a “lunchtime” procedure, as there is no downtime and you can return to your regular activities immediately. After Dr. Green performs the Botox injections, an ice pack may be applied directly to the treatment area to reduce initial swelling. Dr. Green will provide you with aftercare information and may offer a follow-up in several weeks, if needed, to ensure your Botox injections are perfect. The cosmetic effects of Botox last for up to four months, with most patients scheduling Botox injections on a regular quarterly schedule to maintain the best results. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will work with you to develop a timeline for your Botox treatments that suits your needs.
What is the aftercare following Botox treatment for neck bands?
One of the most significant advantages of Botox is the minimal aftercare and no downtime. Botox is a safe and effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, as well as neck pain, with no recovery time. While there is no downtime after the treatment, certain activities should be avoided immediately afterward. Dr. Green recommends that you refrain from lying down on the treated area for several hours after the treatment and from applying unnecessary pressure to the area for two days to prevent the injection from migrating to other parts of your body. Additionally, you should avoid intense physical activity for 24 hours after Botox injections to your vertical neck bands to reduce the risk of the neurotoxin migrating. When you have your Botox injections with Dr. Green, she will provide you with all the pertinent aftercare instructions she recommends to help you achieve and maintain the best results.
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, some patients may experience side effects after their treatment session. Common side effects include mild swelling, redness, and tenderness at injection sites. These side effects typically resolve on their own shortly after treatment. Other mild side effects may include flu-like symptoms, back pain, neck pain, headache, muscle weakness, dizziness, or trouble swallowing. In rare cases, patients may develop more severe side effects, including allergic reactions to the Botox injection or toxin migration to other areas of the body. If the toxin migrates, patients may experience difficulty breathing and swallowing. If patients begin to experience severe side effects after receiving Botox treatment, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Patients should always have Botox injections performed by an experienced, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist to ensure the procedure is performed safely and effectively. Dr. Green is an Allergan platinum injector, offering what is described as “the best Botox in New York.” With over 25 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and Botox, she will expertly administer your injections to ensure safe, effective results.
How long does neck Botox last?
Botox treatment is highly effective at rejuvenating the neck by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and jowling. After the injections, patients may begin to feel the effects within days of treatment, though the full effects are visible in two weeks. The effects of neck Botox typically last for 3 to 4 months. Although the results are temporary, Botox treatment can be repeated once the effects wear off. Patients appreciate that their Botox treatment can be customized over time to meet their evolving cosmetic needs and goals. When you consult Dr. Green, she will help determine your best Botox treatment schedule.
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 to achieve optimal rejuvenation and a smooth, firm, long-lasting, youthful appearance. Botox effectively eliminates dynamic fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing the muscles responsible for repeated expressions. Patients struggling with lax skin, submental fat, fine lines, sun damage, and horizontal lines may combine their neck Botox treatment with other procedures, such as Thermage, Kybella, CoolSculpting, Fraxel, and Sculptra, to achieve their desired aesthetic results.
Thermage – Thermage is the gold standard non-invasive treatment for skin tightening. While Botox is very effective at eliminating wrinkles and improving overall skin texture, patients with particularly loose and sagging skin will need a more robust skin-tightening treatment. Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) technology to tighten the skin by heating the inner layer of the tissue. This heat creates controlled damage to the skin’s dermal layers, activating the body’s healing response. The natural healing process involves the creation of the protein collagen and stimulates cell turnover, resulting in smooth, tight, youthful-looking skin. There is no downtime with Thermage, so patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately after the procedure. Once treatment effects have become apparent, they last up to two years. Many patients have Thermage annually to maintain the best cosmetic results.
Kybella – Kybella is an injectable enzyme that eliminates unwanted excess fat by dissolving the fat cells in the treatment area. Kybella injectable treatment eliminates fat, resulting in a slimmer, tighter, more youthful appearance around the jowls and neck. The fat-reduction treatment works by injecting a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring compound that helps break down dietary fat. The therapy can “de-bulk” the area under the chin, eliminating excess fat and improving the jawline. Kybella can then be paired with Botox to eradicate fine lines and wrinkles. The most common side effect of Kybella is temporary swelling, which resolves within several days after injections. Kybella is a great alternative to surgical options for fat reduction, which are costly and associated with long downtime, anesthesia, and incisions. Most patients require an average of 3 Kybella treatment sessions to achieve their desired results, which are permanent as long as no additional weight gain occurs after treatment.
CoolSculpting – Patients with significant submental fat under the chin can have it “frozen” and eliminated. With a unique applicator, the CoolMini, the excess fat under the neck can be “frozen” and slowly eliminated through your body’s metabolism. Depending on the amount of fat under the neck, two or more CoolMini treatment sessions may be necessary with this painless, non-invasive treatment. The cosmetic results are permanent, given there is no additional weight gain following the procedure.
Fraxel laser – Dr. Green often refers to Fraxel as the ‘magic eraser’ for its unique ability to target a wide range of skin concerns. Fraxel operates at two distinct wavelengths of light to improve skin texture and tone. For patients looking to improve their overall complexion and eliminate dynamic 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 collagen production, resulting in smooth, firm skin with lasting improvements in texture. Patients require a series of treatments, each spaced one month apart, to achieve optimal results.
Sculptra — Sculptra is an innovative dermal filler made from poly-L-lactic acid, a biocompatible and biodegradable material. Unlike traditional fillers that provide immediate volume, Sculptra works gradually by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. When injected into areas such as horizontal neck lines, it helps restore lost volume and improve skin texture over time. This collagen-boosting effect not only smooths out wrinkles but also leads to more youthful-looking skin as the treatment continues to enhance the skin’s structure from within. Typically, results can last up to two years, making Sculptra a long-lasting solution for those looking to rejuvenate their appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Neck Botox
Can you Botox your neck?
Yes! Botox can be injected into vertical and horizontal neck lines to effectively diminish their appearance, resulting in smoother, more youthful skin texture. Botox injections in the neck area can be an excellent alternative to a traditional plastic surgery neck lift. An expert injector, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City, can precisely inject Botox to target neck muscles that contribute to various signs of aging. Botox is commonly used to temporarily smooth the neck area, with the cosmetic effects of a treatment session typically lasting between 3 and 6 months. Patients can attend maintenance treatment sessions to maintain their ideal cosmetic results. A board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, should always perform Botox treatments to ensure the procedure is executed safely and effectively, yielding optimal cosmetic results.
Is Botox the same as other neuromodulators?
Neuromodulators are injectable substances that temporarily paralyze specific muscles, reducing contractions and smoothing out dynamic wrinkles. Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is among the most well-known neuromodulators. Other options used for cosmetic purposes include Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA), Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA), Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA), Myobloc (rimabotulinumtoxinB), and Daxxify (daxibotulinumtoxinA). These medications are generally interchangeable and can produce similar cosmetic outcomes or address symptoms of various medical conditions. The key differences mainly concern their formulation and whether they contain certain additives. For example, Botox has complexing proteins attached to the toxin, while Xeomin and Dysport do not. These formulation differences can affect how long the treatment lasts and how effective it is, depending on the individual.
Does Botox help with neck pain?
Yes! Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for painful neck conditions, including cervical dystonia. Cervical dystonia is characterized by aching, uncomfortable neck spasms caused by repeated, involuntary muscle contractions. Botox can block the signals to the muscles responsible for these contractions, reducing pain associated with the condition. A board-certified dermatologist should perform Botox injections to ensure the procedure is safe and effective and to guarantee satisfactory results.
Will Botox help turkey neck?
Turkey neck is an unflattering term for the loose, sagging skin that can appear on the neck due to natural aging. Botox is not a skin-tightening procedure and cannot correct a turkey neck. For better results, Dr. Green recommends Thermage. Thermage is a non-invasive, FDA-approved skin-tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to stimulate collagen production and promote skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime. Over 3 to 6 months, increased collagen production in the treated area replaces loose, sagging skin with firmer, smoother skin. Thermage results can last for a year and a half, and many patients undergo annual treatment sessions to maintain them. However, if there is excessive skin laxity in the treatment area, patients may require a surgical neck lift or facelift to address it. When you consult with board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology office on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan for your turkey neck that results in smooth, firm, tight skin that lasts. If you are not a good candidate for non-invasive neck lift treatments, Dr. Green will refer you to a trusted, experienced plastic surgeon with expertise in neck lift surgery.
Does Botox help neck wrinkles?
Yes! Botox is the ideal treatment for eliminating dynamic fine lines, wrinkles, or bands on the neck. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the neck muscles responsible for etching fine lines and wrinkles, as well as tech neck – the lines that form from looking down at a phone or computer. Relaxing these neck muscles with Botox injections helps reduce the appearance of neck wrinkles and create a more youthful overall appearance.
Can Botox help a saggy neck?
One of the most common questions asked about Botox is, “Will Botox tighten neck skin?” Unfortunately, Botox is not indicated for tightening or treating sagging, loose skin on the neck. Skin laxity and sagging develop as collagen and elastin decline with age. Collagen and elastin are proteins that help maintain the skin’s firmness and tightness, contributing to a youthful look and feel. With aging, collagen breaks down faster than it is produced, leading to skin laxity and loose neck skin. In addition, the neck has thinner skin with less collagen than other areas of the body and the face, making it more prone to loose, sagging skin. Treating the neck with Thermage can help patients achieve improved skin elasticity and a firmer, smoother, tighter appearance. Thermage delivers radiofrequency energy to the dermis, gently heating the inner layer of skin to stimulate new collagen production and remodel existing collagen, resulting in tighter, firmer skin. Because there is no downtime with Thermage, it is an excellent option for tightening the skin around the jawline and reducing jowls. Patients can pair Thermage and Botox treatments to achieve optimal rejuvenation of the neck and jawline.
Can Botox prevent neck wrinkles?
Yes, preventative Botox is an increasingly common cosmetic procedure. Preventive Botox injections stop the development of dynamic fine lines and deep creases before they become etched into the skin. Preventive Botox is usually performed in areas of the face such as the forehead, glabella, and crow’s feet (around the eyes), though it can also be performed in the neck to reduce neck wrinkles. Dr. Green embraces a less-is-more philosophy regarding preventive Botox injections, providing a natural-looking, more youthful appearance that lasts. To determine whether you are a good candidate for preventive neck Botox, Dr. Green will physically assess the neck area during your consultation at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood.
Do Botox neck injections hurt?
No! Botox is a quick, painless cosmetic procedure that takes just a few minutes, making it easy to schedule a treatment session. Patients treated with Botox injections for vertical bands or fine lines on the neck do not require numbing cream or other preparation, as the treatment is fast and comfortable. However, if a patient is susceptible, a topical numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area 1 hour before their Botox treatment. Once you arrive at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, the numbing cream will be removed and the skin sterilized for Botox injections.
How long does neck pain last after Botox?
Botox injections are beneficial for a range of medical conditions, in addition to their cosmetic use. If you are receiving Botox treatment to mitigate neck pain from cervical dystonia, pain relief is often noticeable within two weeks of your treatment session. In a clinical trial, researchers found that most patients treated for neck pain experienced the greatest pain relief 6 weeks after receiving Botox. Botox injection sessions can be repeated every four to six months to manage pain associated with muscle spasms and involuntary contractions caused by cervical dystonia and to maintain an improved overall quality of life. It is always recommended to consult a board-certified medical professional for your Botox injections, regardless of whether your goals are medical or cosmetic.
How many units of Botox for neck bands?
Every patient has unique skin needs and goals. The number of Botox units needed to treat neck bands varies by neck size and the severity of dynamic wrinkles. When you arrive at Dr. Green’s office for your initial consultation, she will examine the treatment area and determine the number of Botox units needed for effective treatment.
How much does neck Botox cost?
The total cost of Botox injections in the neck area depends on several factors, including the size and scope of the treatment area, the geographic location of the office where you are treated, and the type of institution at which you receive treatment. When determining how many units are necessary to treat an individual patient, Dr. Green considers the surface area to be treated, the muscles to be addressed, whether there is pain, and the severity of that pain. Furthermore, the type of institution where you receive your treatment plays a part in determining the price. A medical spa, for example, may offer less expensive Botox injections than treatment from a board-certified dermatologist. However, the risk of developing more severe side effects can increase if you receive Botox treatment from someone other than a board-certified, expert dermatologist. When you arrive at Dr. Green’s office for your initial consultation, the office can estimate the cost of treatment based on your specific needs and goals.
Is Botox in the neck safe?
Absolutely! Botox is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure FDA-approved for treating platysma bands and cervical dystonia. FDA approval means it has undergone rigorous clinical trials assessing its safety and efficacy. Side effects from Botox injections are rare and typically resolve on their own shortly after treatment. However, the risk of more severe side effects increases if you seek treatment from an inexperienced practitioner or 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 her treatment approach for each patient based on their individual needs and goals, ensuring they achieve their ideal results safely and effectively.
How do I get started with Botox for neck wrinkles today?
If you’re considering a non-surgical cosmetic treatment to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on your neck, Botox might be right for you. Botox is a neuromodulator that ‘freezes’ targeted facial muscles by blocking nerve signals that control expression. The “Nefertiti Lift” is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves injecting Botox into the platysma bands to reduce vertical fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a lifted, more youthful appearance in the neck. Botox injections are associated with no downtime, minimal side effects, and consistently stunning results. Botox is an incredibly safe treatment option for neck rejuvenation, especially in the hands of an experienced board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. When you get Botox injections from expert injector Dr. Green in NYC, you can expect a smooth, youthful, and beautiful complexion that lasts.
As a leader in cosmetic dermatology for over 25 years, Dr. Michele Green has helped countless patients from around the globe achieve their ideal aesthetic goals through the best non-invasive cosmetic treatments, including Botox, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, microneedling, and more. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, she will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that combines the most effective 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 regarding rejuvenation treatments, Dr. Green is consistently voted one of New York’s best physicians by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors. To learn more about non-invasive cosmetic treatments, including neck rejuvenation with Botox injections, and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Green in NYC, please contact us online or call 212-535-3088.