How to tighten sagging neck skin

What can you do at home?

Moisturizer can soften the look of fine lines, which is a smaller job than the word "lifting" would like you to imagine. Moisturizer traps water in the skin and can plump fine lines immediately. Most other skincare products need at least six weeks to work, sometimes three months; that is a general skincare timeline, not a deadline for tightening loose neck skin.4

1. 1Test a new product on your inner forearm twice daily for four to five days before using it more widely.
2. 2Use moisturizer and any other skincare products as directed. Applying extra active ingredients can cause unwanted effects.
3. 3Apply broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day to exposed skin, including your neck. Use shade and clothing too, and avoid tanning.

Stop products that sting or burn unless your dermatologist has prescribed them and advised you about these effects. Using several antiaging products together can irritate skin and make signs of aging more noticeable.4

Coffee or caffeine products offer temporary cosmetic benefits that fade when you stop applying them. For temporary tightening, morning use makes the most sense because the effects wear off. Sensitive or compromised skin can find these products irritating. Vitamin C, retinoids and niacinamide have better evidence for lasting skin benefits than caffeine, but that does not make them substitutes for removing excess skin.6

Ultrasound suits mild to moderate looseness

Focused ultrasound delivers energy into deeper tissue to stimulate collagen, a protein that helps skin stay firm. It can treat the neck and the area under the chin. Ultrasound uses no incisions or stitches, so a treatment called a lift does not automatically come with a surgical itinerary. It is an option for mild to moderate loose skin when you want to avoid or postpone surgery.12

Full results usually appear after three to six months. One treatment is often sufficient, although some people need three or more sessions. Normal activities can resume immediately. Temporary redness, bruising and tenderness can occur, and tenderness sometimes lasts a month. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have an autoimmune disease, discuss suitability with your healthcare provider before booking. Choose a practitioner certified and experienced in the treatment.1

Thread lifts give a subtle, temporary change

A neck thread lift places medical threads under the skin to pull loose skin into position and stimulate collagen production. A thread lift creates subtle changes, even if the nickname "lunchtime facelift" is doing some ambitious marketing. It generally suits early signs of aging and people who do not want dramatic results. Results last one to three years as the threads gradually dissolve.2

The procedure takes about an hour under local anesthesia. Most people can return to work immediately, but the surgeon can advise waiting two weeks before vigorous exercise. Follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions. Complications include infection, bleeding, allergic reactions and pulling or lumpiness. Call your healthcare provider immediately for fever, a headache that will not go away or swelling lasting longer than 48 hours.2

Surgery can address excess skin, fat and muscle

For more extensive loose skin, discuss neck lift or lower facelift options with an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Neck only procedures can address excess skin, fat and muscle. Modern facelift techniques can remove extra skin and tighten underlying tissue. If your concern is confined to your neck, you do not necessarily need treatment of your whole face.3

Ask the surgeon about their training, experience and photos of previous patients. Discuss the expected change, risks, medical conditions, prescriptions and supplements. Surgical candidates should be in good health, and active smoking increases the risk of healing problems. The consultation should establish whether your concern involves skin, fat, muscle or a combination before you choose a procedure.3