The “Zoom boom” is real: nonstop video calls have led to an increased demand for all kinds of aesthetic treatments, from fillers and Botox to skin tightening and blepharoplasty to an array of neck-focused tweaks.
“The neck is an increased area of interest for many people because of the angles on Zoom,” explains Dr. Jennifer Levine, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. “The position of the camera, especially if it is not at eye level, makes the neck look worse.” Also to blame, she says, is “tech neck,” which has become increasingly prevalent as the pandemic has increased our collective screen time.
“Working 24/7 at home and using the camera to communicate and socialize with others is making us acutely aware of the appearance of our necks—and as we continue to suffer through the pandemic, we continue to rely on these approaches,” says Dr. Yael Halaas, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. “We’re still not spending money on travel or social gathering, so we are instead spending the money on improving our appearance.” And for those seeking an in-office fix that’s short of the classic facelift or neck lift, there are plenty of new, noninvasive treatments that will ensure this year is your neck’s best yet.
Patients come to plastic surgeons and dermatologists with complaints of sagging skin and jowls, fullness under the neck, fat under the chin (submental fat), skin laxity, lines and wrinkles along the neck, and loss of definition along the jawline. The treatment they may require will, of course, depend on their particular issues—but the most popular options include both surgical and noninvasive procedures. We’ve broken down some of the most common concerns when it comes to the neck and which treatments are best for each.
For mild lower-face laxity: Evoke
This past year has seen a number of new technologies come into the space. One is Evoke, a noninvasive, headset-like device that uses bipolar radiofrequency energy to reshape the lower face. “It’s the newest treatment for contouring the neck and jawline,” Dr. Levine explains. “It uses sustained radiofrequency energy in a treatment that is pain-free, with no downtime, and it has some immediate effects, so patients love it.” The device can also be tuned to destroy fat along with tightening the skin, adds Dr. Levine, who recommends three to six treatments, spaced one to two weeks apart.
Posted on : April 28, 2021