The truth about neck ageing and why it needs a different treatment strategy – by Dr Anjali Mahto, Dermatologist in London
Most people notice ageing in the face before anywhere else. The mirror becomes less forgiving. Skin can feel less supple, the jawline softens, and deeper folds begin to appear. But what often goes overlooked, until it becomes glaringly obvious, is the neck.
At Self London, we treat the neck not as an afterthought, but as a distinct anatomical and aesthetic challenge. And it requires a different clinical approach. This is not about marketing cleverness or buzzwords. It is about understanding structural ageing and why the neck demands intelligent, protocol-led care.
Why the neck ages differently
There is a reason why the neck betrays our age even when the face is well cared for. The skin on the neck is thinner, with fewer sebaceous glands and less natural protection. The dermal collagen framework is looser, and constant movement from posture, phones, and daily flexion, leads to the formation of “tech lines” and horizontal creases. These become more prominent over time as collagen breaks down.
Unlike the face, where the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) provides structure, the neck has a more vulnerable architecture. It is more prone to early laxity, particularly under the chin and along the jawline. Volume loss and fat redistribution further compound the issue.
And yet, most skincare and aesthetic treatments simply do not address the neck at all. When they do, the solutions are often either too aggressive, too superficial, or poorly adapted to the unique demands of this area.
The problem with conventional solutions
Toxin can help vertical platysmal bands but does nothing for crepiness, skin thinning, or necklace lines. Filler is rarely the answer, it can look lumpy or create heaviness in already delicate tissue. Threads may temporarily reposition tissue but do not improve skin quality.
Surgery, of course, remains an option. A neck lift can tighten loose skin and musculature, but it cannot improve fine lines, pigmentation, or skin texture. And most patients do not want to pursue a surgical route in their 30s, 40s, or even 50s, particularly when downtime, cost, and visible scarring are considerations.
The real answer lies in non-surgical interventions that treat both the structure and surface of the neck. This is where Self London’s Sofwave + UltraClear Laser-Coring™ protocol offers a different path.
Our Clinical Approach: Lift First, Then Refine
At Self London, we use Sofwave and UltraClear Laser-Coring™ in tandem during the same session, to optimise results for neck rejuvenation. This dual-modality approach is rooted in anatomical understanding, clinical experience, and patient demand for visible change without surgery.
Step One: Sofwave for Structural Lift
Sofwave is a non-invasive ultrasound device that delivers energy precisely to the mid-dermis at a depth of 1.5mm — the zone responsible for collagen production. It stimulates neocollagenesis and initiates lifting of the lower face, submental region, and neck.
Unlike HIFU, which has a risk of penetrating too deeply in the neck, Sofwave is both safe and effective across all skin types. It improves skin laxity, reduces fine creping, and creates visible contouring without downtime. Most patients experience a lifting effect that continues to improve for 3–6 months.
For the neck, we use a tailored protocol targeting the submental area (under the chin), jawline definition, and anterior neck. This sets the foundation for dermal tightening.
Step Two: UltraClear Laser-Coring™ for Neck Lines and Crepiness
Immediately following Sofwave, we perform UltraClear Laser-Coring™ to address superficial and mid-dermal skin quality. This treatment uses a 2910 nm mid-infrared (Erbium Fiber) laser to create precise micro-columns (or “cores”) of controlled injury. The surrounding tissue remains intact, which speeds recovery.
Laser-Coring™ is especially effective for:
- Horizontal necklace lines
- Crepey skin texture or loss of neck elasticity
- Fine rhytides (wrinkles)
- General loss of dermal density
By stimulating both epidermal renewal and dermal collagen remodelling, laser coring restores smoothness and firmness to the neck with minimal risks. Because Sofwave has already triggered collagen and elastin synthesis and created foundational lift, Laser-Coring™ enhances and completes the result.
Both treatments can be performed in the same sitting for convenience. Patients typically experience mild redness or swelling for 48–72 hours, with pinpoint exfoliation for 3–5 days post-laser. No dressings are required.
Who is a suitable candidate?
This treatment combination is suitable for:
- Patients in their late 30s to 60s noticing early-to-moderate neck ageing
- Individuals with visible “tech neck” lines or crepey texture
- Those on GLP-1 medications (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy) experiencing neck laxity due to rapid fat loss
- Women going through menopause noticing a sudden decline in collagen and skin resilience
- Patients who have lifted the face (with filler, toxin, or Sofwave) but feel the neck remains untreated
The majority of our patients have previously tried neck creams, skincare devices, or singular treatments only to find the results unsatisfactory or underwhelming.
Why Self London is different
Many clinics offer Sofwave or laser treatments but few offer protocol-based combinations tailored to anatomy, clinical endpoints, and patient priorities.
At Self London:
- All protocols are consultant-led and devised based on outcome, not pre-set factory settings
- UltraClear Laser-Coring™ is performed only where needed, often focusing on areas of maximal concern (e.g., deep lines or crepiness at the base of the neck).
- Results are tracked objectively using VISIA imaging and long-term follow-up, not just subjective impressions.
We do not treat the face and neck as interchangeable. Each has distinct ageing patterns and biological behaviours. Our treatment plans reflect this, delivering visible results with minimal risk or downtime.
The New Era of Neck Rejuvenation
The future of aesthetics is not filler-driven. It is intelligent, structural, and device-led. The face and neck need to be treated with nuance, not simply injected, frozen, or pulled. If you are lifting your face and ignoring your neck, you are leaving results on the table.
At Self London, we believe in restoring structure, resilience, and integrity to the entire lower face and neck, using protocols rooted in science.
No gimmicks. Just carefully delivered, evidence-based care.
