TL;DR
The neck is one of the most visible yet frequently neglected areas when it comes to skincare and aesthetic treatment. Often referred to as "tech neck" in the age of...
Last updated: 5 March 2026
The neck is one of the most visible yet frequently neglected areas when it comes to skincare and aesthetic treatment. Often referred to as “tech neck” in the age of smartphones and laptops, the combination of repetitive downward posture, UV exposure, and natural ageing creates horizontal creases, vertical banding, skin laxity, and textural changes that can age your appearance significantly.
At Axiom Aesthetics, we see increasing numbers of patients seeking neck rejuvenation — a trend driven by video calling and our increasing awareness of the neck’s role in overall facial harmony. This guide covers all the options available for neck rejuvenation.
Understanding Neck Ageing
Anatomy of the Neck
The neck contains unique anatomical features that make it particularly susceptible to visible ageing:
- Platysma muscle: A thin, sheet-like muscle that extends from the collarbone to the jawline. With age, the medial edges separate and become visible as vertical bands
- Thin skin: Neck skin is thinner than facial skin with fewer sebaceous glands and less subcutaneous fat
- Fewer melanocytes: Less natural protection against UV damage
- Constant movement: The neck moves with every head turn, swallow, and expression — accelerating collagen breakdown
Types of Neck Concerns
| Concern | Cause | Best Treatment Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal lines (“necklace lines”) | Skin folding, collagen loss, repetitive movement | Skin boosters, Profhilo, microneedling, filler |
| Vertical platysmal bands | Platysma muscle edge separation | Botulinum toxin (“Nefertiti lift”), surgery |
| Skin laxity (“turkey neck”) | Collagen/elastin loss, gravity | RF, HIFU, threads, surgical neck lift |
| Tech neck lines | Repetitive downward posture + compression | Skin boosters, polynucleotides, Profhilo |
| Crepey texture | UV damage, dehydration, thinning dermis | Microneedling, peels, retinoids, skin boosters |
| Submental fat (double chin) | Genetic fat distribution, weight gain | Fat dissolving injections, CoolSculpting, liposuction |
Non-Surgical Neck Treatments
1. Profhilo Neck
Profhilo is particularly effective for the neck, where its bio-remodelling properties address the thinning, dehydrated skin that characterises neck ageing. The treatment uses specific injection points across the neck to deliver 64mg of high-concentration hyaluronic acid.
Results: Improved hydration, reduced crepiness, and better skin quality. 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart. Cost: £300–£450 per session.
2. Polynucleotide Neck Treatments
PN injections stimulate fibroblast activity and improve skin thickness — especially valuable for the thin neck skin. Products like Nucleofill Strong can be used across the neck for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Results: Improved elasticity, reduced fine lines. 3 sessions, 3–4 weeks apart. Cost: £250–£400 per session.
3. Botulinum Toxin (Nefertiti Lift)
Small doses of botulinum toxin injected along the platysma muscle relaxes the downward-pulling action, creating a subtle lifting effect on the jawline and smoothing vertical neck bands.
Dose: 20–40 units across the platysma. Duration: 3–4 months. Cost: £250–£400.
4. RF Microneedling (Morpheus8 Neck)
Morpheus8 on the neck delivers radiofrequency energy into the dermis, stimulating collagen and tightening skin. Typically performed at shallower depths (1–2mm) on the neck due to thinner skin.
Sessions: 2–3, 4–6 weeks apart. Cost: £350–£600 per session.
5. HIFU Neck Tightening
High-intensity focused ultrasound targets the platysma and superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) at depths of 1.5–4.5mm, producing deep tissue tightening without surface disruption.
Sessions: 1–2 per year. Cost: £400–£800.
6. Thread Lift for Neck
PDO or PLLA smooth threads placed in a mesh pattern across the neck provide structural support and stimulate collagen. Cog threads can provide mild lifting along the jawline-neck junction.
Cost: £1,000–£2,500. Duration: 12–18 months.
Expert Insight
“The neck requires a different approach from the face. The skin is thinner, has less underlying support, and is more prone to complications from aggressive treatments. We always use lower energy settings, shallower depths, and more conservative product volumes when treating the neck. The good news is that neck skin often responds beautifully to bio-remodelling treatments like Profhilo and polynucleotides — sometimes more visibly than the face.”
— Clinical Team, Axiom Aesthetics
Prevention: Managing Tech Neck
Prevention is the most effective strategy for tech neck. Practical steps include:
- Screen position: Hold phones at eye level; use laptop stands to raise screen height
- Posture exercises: Regular chin tucks, neck stretches, and postural awareness
- Extend skincare to the neck: Apply SPF 30–50, vitamin C, retinoid, and moisturiser to the neck daily — not just the face
- Sleep position: Sleeping on your back with a supportive pillow reduces overnight creasing
- Hydration: Keep neck skin well-moisturised with ceramide-rich products
Treatment Combination Protocols
- Mild concerns: Profhilo neck + daily retinoid and SPF = significant improvement in skin quality
- Moderate concerns: Polynucleotides + RF microneedling + Nefertiti lift = comprehensive non-surgical rejuvenation
- Significant concerns: HIFU/threads for structure + Profhilo for skin quality + botulinum toxin for bands
- Severe laxity: Surgical neck lift may be the most appropriate option for significant excess skin
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I start neck treatments?
Prevention starts in your twenties with daily SPF application and inclusion of the neck in your skincare routine. Professional treatments can be considered from the early thirties for tech neck lines, or whenever concerns become bothersome. Skin-quality treatments (Profhilo, microneedling) are appropriate from the early thirties. Tightening treatments (RF, HIFU) are more appropriate from the late thirties to forties when laxity becomes apparent. Book a consultation for personalised advice.
Can Botox remove horizontal neck lines?
Botulinum toxin addresses vertical platysmal bands effectively but has limited effect on horizontal necklace lines. Horizontal lines are caused by skin folding and collagen loss rather than muscle activity, so they respond better to skin-quality treatments (Profhilo, polynucleotides, microneedling) or small amounts of very soft filler placed superficially along the crease. Deep horizontal lines may also benefit from RF microneedling to stimulate collagen remodelling in the line itself.
Is neck skin tightening painful?
The neck is generally more sensitive than the face due to thinner skin and more superficial nerve endings. HIFU on the neck can be moderately uncomfortable (4–6/10). RF microneedling is well-tolerated with topical numbing cream (3–4/10). Profhilo and polynucleotide injections cause brief stinging at injection points. Botulinum toxin injections are very well-tolerated (2/10). We use topical anaesthesia, ice, and gentle technique to minimise discomfort for all neck procedures.
How does a non-surgical neck treatment compare to a neck lift?
Non-surgical treatments improve skin quality, mild laxity, and necklace lines effectively but cannot remove significant excess skin or tighten the platysma muscle as dramatically as surgery. A surgical neck lift (platysmaplasty) repositions and tightens the platysma, removes excess fat, and excises redundant skin — producing more dramatic and longer-lasting results. Non-surgical treatments are ideal for patients with mild to moderate concerns; surgery is more appropriate for significant laxity. We provide honest guidance during consultation.
Should I treat my neck and face at the same time?
Yes, we strongly recommend addressing both areas together for harmonious results. A youthful face paired with a neglected neck creates an obvious mismatch. Most of our treatment plans include the neck alongside facial treatments. Profhilo, for example, can be applied to face and neck in the same session. RF microneedling is commonly performed on both areas sequentially. Treating face and neck together also tends to be more cost-effective than separate sessions. Contact Axiom Aesthetics to discuss a comprehensive face and neck plan.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Neck rejuvenation treatments carry potential risks that vary by procedure and individual anatomy. A thorough consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential. Contact Axiom Aesthetics to book your neck rejuvenation consultation.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any treatment. All treatments carry potential risks and side effects which will be fully discussed during your consultation.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any treatment. All treatments carry potential risks and side effects which will be fully discussed during your consultation.