The neck is finally getting its moment. Once overlooked in favor of facial treatments, this delicate area is now at the forefront of noninvasive rejuvenation. Thanks to cutting-edge technologies, targeted skincare, and even artificial intelligence, you can now lift, firm, and contour your neck—no scalpel required.
The forgotten frontier of aging
For years, the face has commanded all the attention in the world of aesthetic treatments. Creams, serums, and in-office procedures have promised youthful skin—but only above the jawline. The neck, despite being one of the first places to show signs of aging, has largely been ignored. “When people come in for a facelift, they always point to the neck and under-chin area first as their biggest issue,” says Dr. Erez Dayan, a plastic surgeon based in Reno, Nevada.
This oversight is nothing new. Nora Ephron famously lamented about her neck in her 2006 bestseller I Feel Bad About My Neck, voicing a sentiment many women (and increasingly men) share. The reason? The skin on the neck is thinner and contains less collagen than the face, making it more susceptible to crepiness, sagging, and wrinkles. “The neck area presents a unique challenge because the collagen there is thinner and deteriorates more quickly,” explains New York-based dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss. And unfortunately, common facial fixes like hyaluronic acid fillers or high-heat lasers either don’t work well—or worse, can do more harm than good.
Welcome to the era of tech neck
In the age of smartphones and remote work, “tech neck” has become a buzzword—and for good reason. The repetitive motion of looking down at screens creates deep horizontal lines in the neck, which are now appearing at younger and younger ages. Add to that years of UV exposure and inconsistent sunscreen application on the décolleté, and you have a recipe for premature aging.
Fortunately, today’s neck treatments are more sophisticated than ever. No longer limited to promises in a jar, modern solutions include radiofrequency, ultrasound, and even AI-guided skincare recommendations. These advances mean the neck can now be treated with the same precision and efficacy as the face—if not more so.
Ultrasound, heat, and high-tech healing
One of the most promising treatments on the market is Ultherapy, a noninvasive procedure that uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production deep beneath the skin. Its next-generation update, Ultherapy Prime, offers more personalized treatment with real-time imaging and faster results. “It’s ideal for people who have some laxity in their neck or jawline but aren’t ready for a surgical lift,” says New York facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Levine. Patients can expect gradual firming over two to three months, with annual touch-ups to maintain results.
For those wanting a slightly more aggressive approach without going under the knife, Dr. Dayan recommends QuantumRF. This treatment uses microsecond bursts of heat—reaching up to 212°F—to trigger collagen regeneration precisely at the superficial fascia layer under the skin. Unlike traditional radiofrequency microneedling, which can cause burns or volume loss, QuantumRF is safer and more controlled. Recovery is minimal, and only one session is typically needed for long-term improvement.
These devices can also be paired with other treatments. For example, Morpheus8, a radiofrequency microneedling tool, can enhance collagen production and improve skin texture when used in tandem with QuantumRF. Together, they offer a potent, layered strategy for neck rejuvenation.
The new role of Botox—and AI
Botox isn’t just for frown lines anymore. The FDA recently approved its use for the lower face and neck, finally validating what many doctors have practiced off-label for years. By targeting the platysma muscle, which causes visible vertical bands in the neck, Botox can smooth and contour the area with minimal downtime. “Now that Botox is officially approved for this area, we can expect safer, more effective techniques and standardized results,” says Dr. Sachin M. Shridharani, a plastic surgeon in New York.
Artificial intelligence is also making its mark. Eve V, a skin-analysis system developed by EveLab Insight, uses AI and 3D imaging to offer hyper-personalized skincare recommendations. Previously used for facial scans by major brands like Shiseido and Dior, it’s now expanding to analyze the neck. For both consumers and professionals, this means smarter, more customized treatment plans.
Support your tech with topicals
While high-tech procedures can work wonders, they’re not a replacement for good skincare. Both Dr. Idriss and Dr. Dayan emphasize the importance of incorporating topical treatments with proven ingredients like retinol, peptides, and growth factors. These help maintain and enhance the results of in-office procedures by supporting collagen production and cellular renewal.
For at-home tools, LED light therapy collars are a popular choice. Devices like the CurrentBody Skin LED Neck and Dec Perfector or the HigherDose Red Light Neck Enhancer use red light wavelengths to reduce inflammation and encourage collagen synthesis. They’re noninvasive, easy to use, and can help prolong the effects of more intensive treatments.
And don’t overlook the value of a good neck-specific serum. Products such as U Beauty’s The Sculpt Neck + Décolleté Concentrate or StriVectin Peptight Tightening Neck Serum Roller are formulated to target this area’s unique needs, improving texture, firmness, and tone over time.
One neck, many solutions
In the past, neck care was limited by lack of options and understanding. Today, it’s a multimodal, customizable field that blends science and self-care. “Neck treatments aren’t single-method solutions,” says Dr. Idriss. “They should be customized to each individual, utilizing a combination of techniques for optimal results.”
The message is clear: You don’t have to settle for an aging neck. Whether you’re just noticing early signs or seeking to reverse years of neglect, there’s now a suite of effective, safe, and personalized solutions available—no surgery necessary.
Product Picks for a Younger-Looking Neck
Neck Masks:
111SKIN Black Diamond Lifting and Firming Neck Mask
Natura Bissé Inhibit Tensolift Neck Mask
Knesko Gold Repair Neck and Décolleté Mask Combo
RéVive Fermitif Chin Contour
Serums & Creams:
U Beauty The Sculpt Neck + Décolleté Concentrate
StriVectin Peptight Tightening Neck Serum Roller
Nécessaire The Neck Serum
LED Devices:
Omnilux Contour Neck & Décolleté
CurrentBody Skin LED Neck and Dec Perfector
HigherDose Red Light Neck Enhancer
The tools are here. The technology is ready. It’s time your neck gets the attention—and care—it deserves.
