Neck Threads: The Saggy Neck Solution?

Neck threads – are they the miracle solution to a saggy neck? At Elite Aesthetics, we’ve often been asked our opinion on what treatments will help resolve loose, sagging neck skin. The rapid innovation within the aesthetic industry has meant that we can now offer some of the most effective non-surgical solutions. 

Neck threads are one of the most popular options, largely due to their longevity and painless application. But what are neck threads, how do they work and what other options are there to reduce ‘turkey neck’?

What Causes A Saggy Neck?

While some people are more prone to loose skin, it is something that eventually affects us all. Loose skin around your neck can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed – you probably have quite a scarf collection! 

You may be wondering what causes your skin to sag so much more on your neck – so here are the main causes of a saggy neck…

Ageing

Youthful skin has an abundance of collagen and elastin, and together they help to make your skin plump and springy. But as you enter your mid to late 20s, you may start to see a change in your skin’s texture and appearance. Your body stops producing as much collagen and elastin and as a result, your skin can become less supple and start to droop.

There are particular areas where this is most apparent, and your neck is one of them. The skin on your neck is more delicate and has less collagen than any other place on your body – so depletion has a greater impact.

Lifestyle

Some factors that contribute to a saggy neck are lifestyle choices that you make. These include; 

• Sun damage. Harmful UV light can further reduce your collagen levels, making your skin look crepey and wrinkled.
• Alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates your skin, which makes the sagging much worse.
• Caffeine. Caffeine has a similar dehydrating effect on your skin as alcohol.
• Sugar. A surprising culprit in the visible ageing of your skin is sugar. When eaten, sugar goes through a process called glycation which produces harmful free radicals (atoms that don’t have a paired electron so they ‘steal’ from other healthy cells, causing damage). Guess which proteins are most affected by this… Collagen and elastin. 
• Stress. Stress causes elevated levels of cortisol, your body’s stress hormone. And excess cortisol accelerates the loss of…you guessed it, collagen and elastin.

Weight Loss

Weight loss can result in excess skin all over your body, including your neck. As skin here is less elastic, it can be more obvious than in places like your hips or arms.

Neck Threads – What Are They?

Neck threads use the same medical-grade absorbable sutures that the thread lift does. These threads are the preferred choice for many surgical procedures like cardiothoracic surgery and wound closure thanks to the low possibility of allergic reaction and their additional healing capabilities. 

The threads, which measure just the width of a hair, are made from either polydioxanone (PDO), polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCA). Each of these has specific properties that make them more suited to certain thread lift uses. 

In the case of neck threads, PDO threads are thought to be the most effective for lifting and holding drooping skin. Threading with PDO threads have a twofold action; in the first instance, the threads help to reposition your saggy neck, providing a structure for the skin to rest on. The second comes later, as the threads dissolve. They provide collagen ‘biostimulation’, which means they encourage your body to naturally produce more collagen in your neck skin. 

Why is this important? Because collagen plays a vital role in keeping your skin plump and smooth. So, even after your neck threads have dissolved, you’ll still benefit from more youthful-looking skin.

How Do Neck Threads Work To Reduce A Saggy Neck?

So, how do neck threads work? The PDO threads are inserted into the mid to deep layers of your skin and gently pulled tight. This repositions your skin, smoothing out any sagging and wrinkles and reducing the appearance of your double chin or wattle (the skin that hangs down under your chin).

Many patients say that they found the procedure fairly painless, as a local anaesthetic is applied beforehand. There is little to no bruising, and any redness subsides within a few hours. The comfort of the treatment depends heavily on the skill of the doctor who inserts the neck threads.

Your neck is highly sensitive, and since the layers of your skin are so thin, you want to choose an experienced and well-practised clinician. The technique of placing your neck threads so that they aren’t visible and aren’t uncomfortable is an important one – that’s why this procedure is best carried out by a reputable CQC regulated clinic, like us.

The threads will provide a substantial lift to your saggy neck skin for up to 18 months, by which time new collagen threads will have formed in their place.

Are There Other Treatments That Can Lift My Saggy Neck?

There are several alternative options to neck threads, each offering different benefits and results. 

Microneedling

Microneedling is an incredible treatment that uses the power of your skin’s healing to smooth and plump your skin. 

The procedure is simple, a Dermapen is used to create ‘micro-channels’ in your skin – these are tiny holes that are so small you don’t feel them. But even though they’re painless, your body responds to the skin trauma by healing it. This healing process involves your body creating new collagen fibres, which help to restore volume to your neck skin. 

Microneedling is quick and pain-free with minimal downtime, and many find it appealing because it harnesses a natural response. 

Exilis

Exilis is a little more next-gen as it uses radiofrequency to tighten your skin. This low-level radiation (it’s not harmful radiation, like X-Ray) heats the deeper layers of your skin, which stimulates the production of collagen. 

Like microneedling, Exilis is a quick treatment and has the benefit of being totally pain-free with zero downtime.

Profhilo 

Profhilo is a type of injectable that helps to hydrate and smooth your sagging neck. It’s made from hyaluronic acid, a powerful substance that significantly hydrates your skin. 

Profhilo is injected into your saggy neck, where it immediately gets to work by replenishing lost moisture. Then, over the course of a couple of weeks, it boosts your production of elastin and collagen – adding firmness to your loose skin.

Fractora 

Fractora is a powerful radiofrequency microneedling treatment with a long history of success and remarkable results. Ideal for many skin complaints, Fractora can help resolve your saggy neck problems and tighten your skin. 

Like traditional microneedling, Fractora is more effective than Morpheus8 and minimally invasive, with most patients feeling little to no discomfort during treatment. But it’s much more powerful. Making it an excellent choice for treating saggy neck skin. 

Are Neck Threads Right For Me?

You might already know if neck threads are the right solution for your sagging neck, but if you’re unsure, the best way to find out is to book a consultation with one of our experts. Here, we can discuss your problem in more detail and make recommendations that suit your lifestyle and preferences. 

You can arrange your appointment at our award-winning clinic in Greenhithe, Kent (we’re easy to access from Dartford and Gravesend train stations, Maidstone and London) or we can offer you an appointment via Zoom, so you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home.