Neck Lines and Tech Neck
Smooth horizontal neck lines and tighten neck laxity with HiFu, RF microneedling, and targeted Botox. The neck is treatable, it just needs the right combination.
Causes and Treatment
The neck shows aging through three patterns:
- Horizontal neck lines: the rings around the neck, accelerated by phone use ("tech neck") and sleep position.
- Platysmal banding: vertical bands that appear when the neck muscle (platysma) tightens. Treated with Botox.
- Skin laxity and crepiness: overall loss of firmness. Treated with HiFu, RF microneedling, and SkinTyte.
Better's approach treats all three together. The single biggest mistake we see is treating only one pattern when the others are also contributing.
Better Med Spa's Recommended Treatments
Better treats neck aging with four primary tools, often combined.
HiFu Facial
Ultrasound at the SMAS level lifts and tightens the neck and jawline. Non-invasive with zero downtime. Often the most-effective single treatment for neck laxity.
RF Microneedling on the Neck
RF energy at depth stimulates neck skin tightening and collagen rebuilding. Effective for crepiness, fine lines, and texture issues.
SkinTyte for the Neck
Non-invasive infrared treatment for early neck laxity and prevention. Lower-intensity option for patients not yet ready for HiFu or RF.
Botox for Platysmal Bands
Targeted Botox in the platysma muscle relaxes vertical neck bands and softens the appearance of neck cords. Often combined with HiFu or RF for comprehensive results.
Worried about "tech neck"? The horizontal lines from looking down at your phone respond well to combined RF Microneedling and Moxi treatment. Treatment plus posture change keeps results.
How to Choose Between Them
Match treatment to your dominant pattern.
| If you want | Choose |
|---|---|
| Neck laxity, jowls, lift | HiFu Facial series |
| Crepiness and horizontal lines | RF Microneedling series |
| Vertical neck bands | Botox in platysma |
| Early prevention | SkinTyte annually |
| Tech neck (horizontal lines) | RF Microneedling + Moxi |
| Comprehensive plan | HiFu + RF + Botox combo |
The neck is one of the trickiest areas to treat because it has three different aging patterns and the skin is thinner than the face. The best results come from layered treatment over 6 to 12 months rather than a single visit.
Don't neglect SPF on the neck going forward. The neck gets significant cumulative sun damage that's usually unprotected.
What to Expect at Better Med Spa
Neck consultations at Better start with a structural assessment of laxity, banding, line depth, and overall skin quality. We grade severity by zone and recommend a phased plan.
HiFu: 30 to 60 minutes with no numbing, zero downtime. RF Microneedling on the neck: 60 minutes with numbing, 24 to 48 hours redness, 5 to 7 days of mild flaking. Botox in platysma: 10 to 15 minutes total, no downtime.
Dr. Brechner supervises all neck protocols.
Ready to talk to one of our providers?
A 30-minute consultation grades your neck aging and recommends a phased plan.
Before and After
See real Better Med Spa patient results in our gallery. Individual results vary based on starting point, dosage, and skin quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the neck really be tightened without surgery?
Yes, for mild to moderate laxity. The realistic improvement is 30% to 60% of what a surgical neck lift would achieve. For severe laxity (significant banding, hanging skin), surgery may still be needed for full correction.
How many sessions will I need?
HiFu: 1 to 2 sessions per year. RF Microneedling: 3 to 4 sessions in a series. Botox in platysma: every 3 to 4 months for ongoing band control. Most patients combine modalities over 6 to 12 months.
Is RF Microneedling safe on the neck?
Yes, with modified protocol. Neck skin is thinner than face skin, so we use lower intensities and shorter needle depths. The treatment is safe and effective for neck-specific concerns.
Most patients describe the injections as a series of small pinches. We use the smallest needles available and can apply topical numbing cream on request. The whole appointment is typically under 30 minutes including the consultation.
Does Botox in the neck affect swallowing?
No, when dosed correctly. We treat the platysma muscle with very small doses placed precisely along the visible bands. The deeper neck muscles that control swallowing are not affected.
How much does neck treatment cost in Chicago?
HiFu Facial starts at approximately $321 per session. RF Microneedling starts at approximately $556 per session. Botox in platysma is priced per units used. See our Specials.
Related Reading
Where We Serve
Better Med Spa is located in Lincoln Park and serves patients across Chicago, including Old Town, Lakeview, Bucktown, Gold Coast, DePaul, West Loop, and River North.
Ready to address neck aging without surgery?
Schedule a consultation and we will build a plan that fits you, your timeline, and your budget.