Keep Your Neck Area Young with Mesotherapy

Neck aging is often noticed earlier than facial aging and can be aesthetically disturbing. The main causes and signs of this process can be summarized as follows:

Neck Aging Process

1. Skin Structure and Signs of Aging:

• Thin skin: The skin of the neck is thinner and has a lower fat layer than facial skin, making it more prone to wrinkles and sagging.
• Loss of elastin and collagen: With age, the production of these proteins decreases, leading to reduced skin elasticity and firmness.
• Sun damage: The neck is often left unprotected from the sun, making it more susceptible to photoaging. This results in pigmentation, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
• Sleeping position and repetitive movements: Sleeping with the neck bent or prolonged screen time (commonly known as “tech neck”) can lead to horizontal lines and skin laxity.

2. Fat Distribution and Muscle Structure:

• Fat accumulation: Fat collection under the chin and around the neck may cause the appearance of a "double chin."
• Platysma muscle: This superficial neck muscle can loosen with age, forming vertical bands.

3. Hormonal and Metabolic Influences:

• Estrogen decline: In women, the skin becomes drier and thinner with menopause, and the neck is quickly affected by these changes.
• Thyroid and lymphatic region sensitivity: Since the neck houses these structures, swelling, edema, or shape changes may also indicate hormonal/metabolic issues.

Preventive Approaches

• Sun protection: Like the face, the neck should be protected daily with SPF-containing products.
• Moisturizers and retinoid-containing products: Support skin regeneration.
• Collagen boosters and antioxidants: Can be used both topically and orally (e.g., Vitamin C, resveratrol, hyaluronic acid).
• Lymphatic drainage massages and face yoga: Promote circulation and help maintain skin quality.
• Nutrition: Sulfur-rich vegetables (onion, garlic, cabbage), omega-3 fatty acids, and adequate protein intake support skin structure.

Supportive Approaches

1. Nutritional Support

Since neck skin is thin and sensitive, nutrition that supports collagen synthesis is crucial.

a) Foods that boost collagen production:

• Vitamin C sources: Parsley, red pepper, rosehip, lemon
• Sulfur-rich vegetables: Cabbage, broccoli, garlic (boost glutathione production)
• Zinc and copper sources: Pumpkin seeds, buckwheat, cocoa
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Walnuts, purslane, chia seeds

b) Foods to avoid:

• Refined sugars (increase collagen breakdown through glycation)
• Excess caffeine and alcohol
• Excess animal protein (especially processed meats)

2. Supplements

Natural supplements recommended to support skin health and slow aging:

• Hyaluronic acid (boosts tissue hydration)
• Glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, carnosine, vitamin C, proline, lysine, arginine amino acids (intravenous) (for antioxidant protection)
• Astaxanthin / Resveratrol / Coenzyme Q10 (reduce free radical damage)
• Zinc + Vitamin C combination

Lifestyle and Skincare

• Sunscreen: SPF 30+ should be applied daily to the neck and décolletage.
• Special neck massages: Lymphatic drainage and platysma-focused face yoga
• Posture correction exercises: To prevent forward head tilt
• Sleeping position: High pillows and side-sleeping can increase wrinkling.

Natural Topical Support

• Serum application: Retinol/retinal night serums 2-3 times per week. In the morning, apply vitamin C serum before moisturizing.
• Peptide-containing neck creams: Support collagen production
• Cold application (gua sha/roller): Stimulates lymphatic flow when used in the mornings.

Mesotherapy (Medical Support Option)

Mesotherapy is particularly effective for fine wrinkles, moisture loss, and sagging in the neck area. Ingredients used in neck mesotherapy include:

• Hyaluronic acid: Provides hydration and plumping
• Vitamin and antioxidant cocktails: C, E, DMAE, coenzyme Q10
• Peptides: Stimulate collagen and elastin production
• Organic silica: Enhances tissue firmness

Frequency of Mesotherapy Application:
Start with one session per week; 4–6 sessions are recommended. Maintenance therapy can be done once a month. After the procedure, mild redness and swelling may occur, but the recovery time is short.

Holistic Combination Approach

When oral and intravenous supplements are added during the same period as mesotherapy, the overall effect becomes significantly more powerful.

Dr. Nalan Deniz BAŞTUĞ