What To Know Before Getting Neck Filler

As you age, the production of collagen in your skin decreases, and your skin becomes thinner and less elastic. As a result, fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots begin to form and become more pronounced over time. Your face is not the only dead giveaway of your age. Your neck, where the skin can be as delicate as that of the eyelid, is among the first areas that show signs of aging. In fact, dermatologist Joshua Zeichner tells InStyle, "Horizontal lines on your neck are caused by the same factors that cause wrinkles on other areas of your face." In addition to the natural aging process, daily activities that cause constriction of muscles also lead to wrinkles. According to dermatologist Dendy Engelman (via Harper's Bazaar), repeatedly exposing your neck to UV rays without sunscreen on can also cause premature aging.

Compared to the face, the area under our chin doesn't get as much care and attention. However, a crepey neck can undermine your appearance and confidence just as much as a wrinkled face. If you want to look your best in a top with a revealing neckline, a firm and smooth neck is the sine qua non. When it comes to tightening your neck skin, there are multiple topical treatments and non-invasive practices that can give your neck a lift. For those expecting instant and lasting results, a neck filler is your best bet. Below, check out the pros and cons of using a neck filler to smooth out necklines.

Neck filler — like the majority of dermal fillers used to improve skin volume, promote collagen production, and smooth facial wrinkles — involves the injection of synthetic hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that stabilizes the moisture content in the skin and joints. A supply of hyaluronic acid, which depletes with age, helps to hydrate your skin and add volume to it. Despite widespread discussions about the effectiveness of neck fillers in treating deep necklines, dermal fillers have yet to be FDA-approved to address neck wrinkles, therefore neck fillers remain an off-label procedure.

A neck filler injection needs to be done by a professional in a clinical setting. According to EA Clinic, a surgeon will identify and mark the areas that need treated and sterilize the skin. A vibrating device or a numbing cream might be administered to minimize discomfort. Then, a surgeon will inject filler into the skin using an ultra-fine needle, though the choice of hyaluronic-based fillers varies between injectors. Dermatologist Timm Golueke, at his appointment with Glamour writer Sarah Y. Wu chose Profhilo, an injectable containing stabilized hyaluronic acid for the neck area. "It's become very popular in the U.K. and Europe over the last few years," he explains. Injectables aside, a neck filler is a "very technique-dependent" process, so who you go to is just as important as the chosen filler.

After a neck filler procedure, which typically lasts for 15 minutes, expect mild redness and swelling, per The Manse Clinic. However, the side effects will resolve within two to four days following the procedure. Complications such as infection and necrosis are rare, but they are not unheard of. To minimize skin irritation, refrain from wearing makeup for four hours after the procedure and engaging in physical activities for the whole day. You should also avoid using products containing harsh ingredients such as retinol, glycolic acid, and exfoliating agents, lest they interfere with your healing process. For about a week after the treatment, you might be advised to wear a scarf and steer clear of saunas, hot baths, or hot yoga to reduce the risk of excess swelling. At the same time, wear sunscreen liberally to protect your neck skin from sun damage and prevent further wrinkles from forming.

Like any other cosmetic procedure, the results of neck fillers are not permanent. Depending on the patient's age, the type and quantity of filler used, and the person's lifestyle, the effects of fillers last anywhere between six months and two years, according to Skin Cancer Specialists. To maintain the results, the patient must continue the neck filler treatment, which can run from $300 to $800 per session.