As seen on EVliving.com
By: Susan Van Dyke, M.D.
Turkey neck, double chin, just plain saggy jowls are issues that we all will have to deal with eventually—some sooner than others. Traditionally, the solution has been a face and neck lift that requires incisions to be made from above the ear, extending to below and behind the ear, allowing a surgeon to “redrape” the loose skin and snip it off. The results from these lifts for saggy necks can be very good, but surgery is not for everyone. In this world of minimally and non-invasive cosmetic solutions, it is time to address your options for tightening the neck without surgery.
Thermage for Turkey Necks
For over five years cosmetic physicians have used Thermage to obtain collagen tightening. We have achieved lifting of loose skin on the face and neck with absolutely no downtime—and in one in-office treatment. Turkey necks (skin laxity without excess fat) respond very nicely to this simple treatment.
Thermage utilizes radiofrequency energy to heat the deep layer of the skin where the collagen is found. Heating this collagen is the key to trigger immediate tightening. In the months following the procedure, new collagen is produced and the entire quality of the skin improves. That means that tightening is not the only benefit seen from Thermage—smoother skin with smaller pores is also one of its bonuses.
Smartlipo for Double Chins
For a heavier, fuller neck (double chin) Smartlipo can deliver fat reduction and skin tightening. With one treatment, both the neck and jowl area are contoured.
Smartlipo is a minimally invasive procedure. Three, very small incisions are made; one under the chin and one below each ear (after the skin is numbed). These incisions heal very quickly and usually do not leave a mark. A thin, laser-fiber is then used to gently laser underneath the skin, melting fat and tightening collagen. Although there may be some bruising, most everyone can return to regular activities within a few days after the treatment.
Combination Therapy for the Sagging and Fat
Combining Thermage (mainly skin tightening) with Smartlipo (mainly fat melting) may give even better results. When combined, you get tightening of the entire face (and eyes if desired), plus jowl and upper-neck lifting as well as a decrease in neck and jowl fullness.
After skin tightening procedures on the neck and body, I also often recommend a maintenance plan of TriActive treatments. These treatments are comfortable massage and low-level laser treatments that continue to stimulate and firm skin. Generally, monthly treatments can help you keep and even improve upon your results. In fact, TriActive treatments alone can give nice firming results on any area of the body (two to three treatments per week for four to eight weeks is usually recommended).
Post Treatment
After treatments, it is important to maintain your results with an excellent skin care regimen. I recommend potent topical antioxidants that contain coffee berry (found in RevaleSkin) or zeatin (found in Kinerase ProTherapy). Topical collagen stimulants, often in the form of peptides, are also beneficial (found in TNS from SkinMedica or C6 Peptide from Kinerse Protherapy).
Remember, to see which course of treatment is right for you, always seek the expertise of a cosmetic physician.
Learn More about Neck Rejuvenation
Susan Van Dyke, M.D., will be hosting a free educational session on Thermage, Smartlipo and Combination Therapy this Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 2:15pm. The seminar will be held at Van Dyke Laser & Skin’s 24th Annual Open House & Charity Event from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. For event festivity details and directions, visit www.VanDykeLaser.com or call 480.948.5045.
About Dr. Susan Van Dyke
Susan Van Dyke, M.D. is a board certified dermatologist who has performed more than 10,000 non-invasive cosmetic procedures and has received the “Physician’s Recognition Award” from the American Medical Association each practicing year. She is a top consultant and national physician trainer for Medicis, Allergan, Thermage and Lumenis; on the advisory board for Valeant Pharmaceuticals and the speakers’ bureaus for Clinique Medical and Obagi; a “Platinum Plus” BOTOX Cosmetic and Juvéderm Provider; and her practice is designated as a BOTOX Cosmetic National Training Center. Dr. Van Dyke is recognized as an expert in “combination therapy” by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and is typically one of the first to launch the latest proven therapies in cosmetic medicine. For more information on Dr. Van Dyke and her practice, Van Dyke Laser & Skin, visit www.VanDykeLaser.com.
Hours of operation for Van Dyke Laser & Skin are Tues.-Fri. from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sat. from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Consultations and appointments can be booked by calling 480.948.5045.