Neck Lines & Wrinkles: Possible Causes & How to Get Rid of Them

Neck wrinkles manifest as fine lines or deep creases on the neck area, ranging from horizontal lines known as necklace lines to vertical wrinkles often referred to as tech neck or turkey neck.

These wrinkles can develop due to a variety of factors including natural ageing and loss of skin elasticity, repeated muscle contractions over time, as well as genetics and lifestyle habits such as smoking, sun exposure, and poor skincare. 

The skin on the neck is thinner and more delicate compared to other areas of the body, making it particularly susceptible to wrinkles and sagging.  

As we age, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, leading to a loss of skin elasticity and firmness which is the main cause of neck wrinkles and part of the way our face naturally ages.  

Additionally, repeated movements such as looking down at screens or phones can contribute to the formation of neck wrinkles over time as the skin is repeatedly folded, causing the wrinkles to deepen. 

Preventing neck lines involves adopting a comprehensive skincare routine and making lifestyle changes to protect the skin from damage.  

This includes wearing sunscreen daily to shield the skin from harmful UV rays, staying hydrated to maintain skin moisture and elasticity, and avoiding smoking and excessive sun exposure. Some neck exercises can have a limited impact and reduce neck wrinkles although none of these or the above methods will eliminate neck wrinkles entirely. 

While lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, staying hydrated, and protecting the skin from sun damage can help prevent further neck wrinkles, they may not be sufficient to eliminate existing lines entirely.

Regardless of having neck creases or not, making these lifestyle changes can improve your general health, and if you choose to have non-invasive treatments or surgery, can help maintain the end results. Also, consider regular exercise, trying to maintain a healthy diet, controlling your weight, and using moisturisers to further improve the condition of your neck skin.

Non-invasive treatments offer effective solutions for reducing neck lines without the need for surgery. These include anti-ageing injectables, chemical peels, dermal fillers, microneedling, Morpheus 8, and radiofrequency.

Non-invasive neck wrinkle treatment is much quicker than surgery with virtually no downtime in most instances. This means that you can maintain your work commitments and can enjoy a shorter recovery period.

However, the results of non-invasive treatments for neck creases are varying with some lasting for up to 3 years, and others lasting just 3 months. This means that repeat treatments are often needed as they are not permanent solutions. 

Surgery offers a more long lasting alternative to non-invasive treatments for neck lines. The procedures are more complex, usually have a longer downtime, and a lengthier recovery period which are drawbacks. However, if you want the best results, or an immediate solution where you don’t have to return for repeat treatments, surgery is the way forward.

Aside from the procedures listed below, liposuction is often used as complementary treatment to get rid of neck wrinkles, but rarely on its own. Additionally, full facelifts, mini facelifts, and micro facelifts can be used to target neck lines but the result is typically indirect and their primary purpose is to rejuvenate the lower face.