Don ’ t Forget the Neck | by Dr . Tahl N . Humes
Sun damage comes not only in the form of unsightly brown spots , but it also manifests in redness and accelerated collagen loss .
Intense Pulsed Light ( IPL ) uses a range of wavelengths to target melanin and hemoglobin . This treatment can be used to treat sunspots , redness , and Poikiloderma . With IPL , you can expect to see results after a serious of three to six treatments . Lasers , such as the pulsed dye lasers and 532nm lasers , also target melanin and hemoglobin . These lasers each have a single wavelength , making them more focused . Consequently , it ’ s common that fewer treatments are needed to improve browns and reds than when using an IPL .
Laser Genesis is a micro-pulsed 1064nm laser that targets hemoglobin and bulk heats water . This laser is efficient in treating redness and the texture of the neck . A series of five treatments is recommended as a starting point , with maintenance treatments to follow .
Muscles of the Neck
The neck is comprised of superficial and deep muscles . The superficial muscles ( platysma , sternocleidomastoid , and trapezius ) play a role in the appearance of the neck . The platysma muscle runs along the front of the neck . It is a broad sheath of muscle that extends along the collar bone and spans to the lower jaw , where it attaches to the skin and connective tissue of the lower face . As we age , the platysma can shorten , thin , and may separate . The neck begins to sag and platysmal banding occurs . These bands are not only bothersome , but they also exacerbate the appearance of lax skin .
The trapezius muscle extends from the back of the neck across the upper back and to the shoulders . While this is not often thought of as a muscle associated with neck aging , this muscle can hypertrophy ( enlarge ) and alter the appearance of the neck .
Neurotoxins , such as Botox and Dysport , are used to relax the muscles in the neck . They can be injected into the submental area and jawline to give a lifted appearance of the neck , and into the platysmal bands to reduce the downward pull on the tissues of the lower face , including the jowls . This combination of injections is often referred to as the Nefertiti Lift .
Neurotoxins are also used to treat the trapezius muscle between the base of the neck and the shoulders as a way to relax this area of the trapezius , giving it a slimmer appearance and elongating the look of the neck .
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