The expert guide to non-surgical treatments for the lower face and neck laxity

MEET THE EXPERT

Aesthetic doctor and Consultant Surgeon, Dr Deirdre Fitzgerald, Dublin’s Fitzgerald Private Clinic

First things first: skincare should extend beyond the face to include the neck and hands, as these areas are often overlooked but are just as prone to ageing. Why should great skin stop at the jawline? Antioxidants and SPF in the morning should be applied down to the neck, and retinoids at night should follow the same routine. The backs of the hands are particularly vulnerable, so ensure any excess product, especially sunscreen, is applied there as well. If the skin on your face and neck improves in texture and tone but you neglect your hands, the contrast will be obvious, revealing signs of ageing like wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity. To achieve truly youthful skin, the neck and hands must be treated with the same care and attention as the face.

Treatments to try

When looking to improve the quality of the skin on the neck, the choice of treatment will always be tailored to the individual’s concerns. For some, it may be clear from the outset that a surgical approach will be more appropriate but for most people, there are certainly non-surgical treatments that will be suitable.

At Fitzgerald Private Clinic Dublin & Donegal, our cornerstone non-surgical treatments focus on enhancing skin quality, firming, tightening, and lifting. To achieve the most comprehensive results, we combine a range of treatments that work synergistically.

Profhilo
This injectable treatment is designed to hydrate and stimulate collagen production, making it ideal for the neck area, where skin can be thinner and more prone to laxity. Profhilo’s unique composition, with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid available on the market, allows for deep hydration, improving skin texture and elasticity while promoting a more youthful appearance without the need for extensive downtime. Profhilo works by stimulating the skin’s natural regenerative processes, making it particularly effective for the neck.

Polynucleotide injections
These are highly effective for promoting skin regeneration and repairing damaged tissue. Polynucleotides work by stimulating the skin’s natural healing process and enhancing cell turnover, improving both the texture and firmness of the skin on the neck. This treatment is ideal for improving skin quality and reducing visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines and crepiness.

HiFu (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
HiFu technology is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate deep layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and tightening the skin. It’s particularly effective for subtly lifting and tightening the neck and jawline, offering a non-surgical solution to sagging skin and a more defined jawline.

Radiofrequency microneedling
This treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to target the deeper layers of the skin. The combination stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture and firmness. Radiofrequency Microneedling is particularly beneficial for the neck, where skin can be more delicate and prone to wrinkles, as it enhances skin tightening and reduces the appearance of fine lines. With polynucleotide injections, HiFu and radiofrequency microneedling, we can achieve a well-rounded and truly transformative result for the neck and jawline. Together, they provide comprehensive rejuvenation that targets both surface-level concerns and deeper structural issues, offering a natural-looking, youthful neck and jawline.

Anti-Wrinkle Injections / Neuromodulators
While Anti-wrinkle Injections are typically used in the upper face, they have a role in improving the lower face and jowling for some people. Injections to the muscle that cause a downturn to the angle of the mouth, can help with the area central to the “jowl”. Indeed, injections to the Platysma, the thin outer muscle of the neck, that inserts into the mandible or jaw bone can also prove helpful for those who are suitable. As with all treatments, consultation is key, before booking.

Dermal Filler
While many of the treatments above are treating the skin itself, it is important to understand that some of the lower face “laxity” and ageing are secondary to deeper volume loss. As we age, the bony structure of our faces changes. This is often noticed more quickly in the lower face, where in combination with the descent of our natural fat pads, it can lead to a “saggy” look and contribute to jowling. The judicious placement of filler can help restore volume loss and replenish favourable contour to the upper and lower face. This, in certain circumstances, can also help with the overall appearance of the neck.

In summary, when trying to decide what non-surgical treatment, or treatments, may be most helpful to your lower face and neck, it is good to keep in mind that sometimes multiple tissue depths need a little help, whereas, for other clients, a single modality (like Profhilo) will prove adequate. A consultation will often ultimately save time and money, such that you can be guided to the most effective and expedient individual treatment pathway for your unique face and neck.

A consultation with Dr.Deirdre Fitzgerald costs €150, which includes a complimentary skincare consultation with our Advanced Skin Therapist. fitzgeraldprivateclinic.com