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Neck & Chest

Conveniently located on Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

THE VISIBLE IMPACT OF AGING ON THE NECK AND CHEST

Aging affects the neck and chest in several noticeable ways due to both intrinsic factors, like genetics, and extrinsic factors, such as sun exposure and lifestyle choices. Over time, the skin in these areas becomes thinner and loses elasticity because of the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and the appearance of fine lines. The neck may develop horizontal creases and vertical banding as the platysma muscle weakens, a condition often referred to as “turkey neck.” Similarly, the décolletage (chest area) is prone to sun damage more than other parts of the body, resulting in sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and increased wrinkling due to its frequent exposure. These changes are compounded by gravity’s persistent pull, leading to further sagging of the skin and deeper wrinkles. Additionally, fat distribution changes with age, which can alter the contour of the neck and chest, making these signs of aging more pronounced.

 

FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT NECK AND CHEST AGING

Aging of the neck and chest is influenced by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to the visible signs of aging in these areas:

 

  • Genetics: Genetic predisposition plays a crucial role in how skin ages. The quality of an individual’s skin and the rate at which it loses elasticity and firmness can be inherited.
  • Hormonal changes: As individuals age, hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels, can lead to drier, thinner, and less elastic skin.
  • Decrease in collagen and elastin production: Collagen and elastin are the building blocks of skin structure. Their production decreases with age, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles.
  • Fat redistribution: Changes in fat distribution with age can affect the contour of the neck and chest, often exacerbating the appearance of sagging skin.
  • Sun exposure: UV radiation accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, leading to premature skin aging, including sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and increased wrinkling.
  • Lifestyle choices: Smoking, poor diet, and inadequate hydration can contribute to the deterioration of skin quality over time.
  • Sleeping positions: Sleeping on your side or stomach can lead to the development of wrinkles in the chest area due to prolonged pressure and creasing of the skin.
  • Environmental pollutants: Exposure to pollution and other environmental toxins can accelerate skin aging by generating free radicals that damage skin cells.
  • Gravity: The constant pull of gravity affects the skin’s elasticity and can lead to sagging, especially in the neck and chest areas.
  • Repeated movements: Repetitive motions and expressions can contribute to the formation of creases and lines on the neck.

 

Understanding these factors can help Nurse Kelly in adopting preventive measures and treatments to mitigate the signs of aging in the neck and chest areas.

 

Women laying down with a towel wrapped around her head in a spa like environment Doctors office with a mid 20 years old with the doctor in the background

TREATMENT OPTIONS

In conjunction with lifestyle modifications, Nurse Kelly may suggest skincare treatments that promote collagen production and skin rejuvenation to help restore youthfulness and vitality to the neck and chest area. These include the following:

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels, such as the ZO Peel work by exfoliating the outermost layers of the skin on the neck and chest, promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. This helps improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and fade hyperpigmentation and sun damage. The chemical solution used in the peel penetrates the skin to target specific concerns and encourage skin renewal, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Genesis Skin Treatment

Genesis skin treatment utilizes non-invasive laser technology to heat the deeper layers of the skin on the neck and chest, stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin. This helps improve skin laxity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and enhance overall skin tone and texture. The gentle heating action of the laser also promotes circulation and oxygenation, leading to improved skin health and radiance.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy with Pluryal involves the injection of a customized blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid directly into the skin on the neck and chest. This nourishing cocktail of ingredients helps hydrate the skin, boost collagen production, and improve elasticity and firmness. Mesotherapy also promotes lymphatic drainage and detoxification, reducing puffiness and rejuvenating the skin from within.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion with Dermasweep is a mechanical exfoliation technique that uses a handheld device to gently remove dead skin cells and debris from the surface of the skin on the neck and chest. This process stimulates cell turnover and collagen synthesis, resulting in smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin. Microdermabrasion also enhances the penetration of skincare products, allowing for better absorption of active ingredients and improved treatment outcomes.

Microneedling

Microneedling with Dermapen involves the use of a specialized device with fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin on the neck and chest. This stimulates the body’s natural healing response, triggering collagen and elastin production, and promoting tissue remodeling. Microneedling improves skin texture, tightens sagging skin, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Morpheus8

Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy to deliver fractional skin resurfacing and deep tissue remodeling on the neck and chest. The microneedles penetrate the skin to deliver RF energy deep into the dermis, stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin. Morpheus8 improves skin laxity, reduces wrinkles and creases, and enhances overall skin quality, providing long-lasting rejuvenation and tightening effects.

Profhilo

Profhilo is a unique injectable treatment that utilizes stabilized hyaluronic acid to hydrate and remodel the skin on the neck and chest. The high concentration of hyaluronic acid stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving skin elasticity, firmness, and hydration. Profhilo also acts as a bio-rejuvenating agent, restoring volume and improving skin texture, resulting in smoother, tighter skin with a natural glow.

Sculptra

Sculptra is an injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) filler that stimulates collagen production and restores volume to the skin on the neck and chest. The PLLA microparticles trigger the body’s natural collagen synthesis process, gradually replenishing lost volume and improving skin texture and firmness over time. Sculptra provides long-lasting results and is particularly effective for addressing crepey skin and hollowing in the neck and chest area.

Skin Boosters

Skin boosters are injectable treatments containing hyaluronic acid and other nutrients that deeply hydrate and rejuvenate the skin on the neck and chest. The hyaluronic acid molecules attract and retain moisture, plumping up the skin and improving its elasticity and firmness. Skin boosters also stimulate collagen production, resulting in smoother, more radiant skin with enhanced texture and tone.

Ultherapy

Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin on the neck and chest. The ultrasound waves penetrate deep into the skin’s layers, targeting the foundational tissue and stimulating the body’s natural healing response. Ultherapy improves skin laxity, lifts sagging skin, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, providing non-invasive skin tightening and lifting effects.

ZO Facial Treatments

ZO Facial Treatments incorporate advanced skincare formulations developed by Dr. Zein Obagi to target specific skin concerns on the neck and chest. These treatments may include exfoliating cleansers, antioxidant serums, retinol creams, and hydrating moisturizers tailored to the individual’s skin type and needs. ZO Facial Treatments help improve skin texture, tone, and clarity, promoting overall skin health and vitality.

PERSONALIZED MEDICAL ASSESSMENTS AND TREATMENT PLANS

Nurse Kelly employs a comprehensive approach to create personalized medical assessments and treatment plans for skin concerns related to neck and chest aging. During the initial consultation, Nurse Kelly conducts a thorough assessment of the patient’s skin condition, taking into account factors such as skin type, texture, tone, and specific concerns related to neck and chest aging. She carefully evaluates the extent of skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation irregularities, and volume loss in these areas to determine the most appropriate course of action.

 

Based on these assessments, Nurse Kelly develops individualized treatment plans tailored to address each patient’s unique needs and goals. These plans may incorporate a combination of non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments, such as chemical peels, laser therapy, injectable fillers, and skincare products. Nurse Kelly takes into consideration factors such as the patient’s skin sensitivity, lifestyle preferences, and treatment budget when recommending specific interventions. By customizing treatment plans based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s skin concerns and goals, Nurse Kelly ensures that each patient receives personalized care and achieves optimal results in rejuvenating the neck and chest area.

 

MICRONEEDLING

MICRONEEDLING

Microneedling stimulates growth of collagen, leaving you with youthful-looking skin!

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MORPHEUS8

MORPHEUS8

Morpheus8 is a microneedling and radiofrequency treatment for skin rejuvenation and collagen stimulation.

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PROFHILO

PROFHILO

Profhilo is a skin rejuvenation treatment that involves injecting hyaluronic acid to hydrate, firm and plump the skin.

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SCULPTRA

SCULPTRA

Sculptra is used to restore facial volume lost due to aging or illness.

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SKIN BOOSTERS

SKIN BOOSTERS

Skin boosters are advanced cosmetic treatments that involve the injection of hydrating substances.

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ULTHERAPY

ULTHERAPY

Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin on the face and neck.

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ZO FACIAL TREATMENTS

ZO FACIAL TREATMENTS

ZO facial treatments are a range of professional skincare treatments designed to improve skin health and address various skin concerns.

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TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ACNE & BLEMISHES

CHEMICAL PEELS

They are a chemical solution applied to the skin which causes controlled damage to the top skin layers. Chemical peels, such as ZO Peel, stimulate the body’s natural healing process – new skin cells form in the treated area and the old and dead skin cells slough off. This prompts the skin to exfoliate and peel off. Depending on the skin condition, the chemical solution to be used can vary –  alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). These acids can help address acne as well as blemishes by stimulating collagen production, unclogging skin pores, reducing inflammation, and dissolving dead skin cells in the treated area.

GENESIS SKIN TREATMENT

Genesis skin,  treatment utilizes non-invasive laser technology, specifically the Nd:YAG laser. With this state-of-the-art treatment, it can target the deeper skin layers without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. The laser energy heats different skin layers in a controlled manner, which in turn stimulates collagen production. With increased collagen, enlarged pores shrink and skin inflammation is reduced. Moreover, the laser energy may also target blood vessels to reduce redness associated with acne.

MESOTHERAPY

Mesotherapy treatment with Pluryal,  involves the injection of a customized cocktail of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other therapeutic ingredients directly into the middle layer of the skin known as the mesoderm. These ingredients stimulate collagen production and promote skin healing. Over time, the appearance and health of the skin is improved.

MICRODERMABRASION

Microdermabrasion with Dermasweep,  makes use of a handheld device with a diamond-tipped or crystal-tipped abrasive surface to gently exfoliate the skin. During the treatment, the device is moved across the target area. This process helps to unclog pores and promote cell turnover (formation of new skin cells). As a result, the appearance of visible skin concerns are reduced. In addition, the treatment can also enhance the penetration of skincare products – this means better absorption of substances or ingredients which leads to increased efficacy.

MICRONEEDLING

Microneedling treatment uses Dermapen, a device with fine needles, to create controlled micro-injuries (very tiny wounds) on the skin’s surface. As a result, the body responds by activating the natural wound healing process (skin regeneration and remodeling). In addition, collagen production is increased and new, healthy skin cells form in the treated area. This process significantly reduces acne and blemishes and improves overall skin health.

ZO FACIAL TREATMENTS

ZO facial treatments,  utilize a combination of advanced skincare techniques and medical-grade products. These treatments typically involve a series of steps, including cleansing, exfoliation, extraction (if necessary), and application of targeted serums or masks. This combination unclogs skin pores, reduces inflammation, and promotes skin renewal (new, healthy skin cells form in the treated area).

Question & Answer

Are there discomforts associated with Coolsculpting?

During the procedure, you may feel sensations of deep pulling, tugging, and pinching as the applicator passes over the treated area. You may also experience cramping, stinging, or tingling sensations. As the freezing applicator delivers controlled cooling, the treated area will temporarily become numb, thus reducing any discomfort.

Will the fat come back after Coolsculpting?

The treatment permanently eliminates the fat cells in the treated area. However, you will still need to maintain a healthy weight after the treatment because significant weight gain can compromise your results.

How long does it take to see Coolsculpting results?

You may begin to notice the results 1 to 3 months after the treatment. However, you will need to wait 4 months to see the final results.

How many Coolsculpting treatments will I need?

The treatment permanently destroys approximately 25% of the exposed fat cells in the treated area but this is enough to produce significant body contouring improvement. While you may benefit from one treatment, you may need two treatment sessions to achieve the best results. The number of treatments you will need will depend on the amount of fat in the target area.

Are there any side effects associated with Coolsculpting?

After the treatment, you may experience mild discomforts such as redness, bruising, numbness, or swelling. You may apply ice packs to the treated area to minimize any discomfort. After 1 to 2 weeks, these discomforts should resolve completely.

Will I lose weight with Coolsculpting?

It is important to keep in mind that the treatment is not a weight loss solution. While Coolsculpting contours the treated area by delivering controlled and precise cooling to the fat cells, you will still need to commit to a healthy lifestyle after the treatment because significant weight gain can compromise your results.

Who are the ideal candidates for Coolsculpting?

The treatment is compatible with all skin types and tones. As long as you are in good overall physical and mental health, the treatment is right for you. However, you are not an ideal candidate for the treatment if you have the following:

  • A significant amount of fat in a body area
  • Cold agglutinin disease (a red blood cell disorder)
  • Cryoglobulinemia (the presence of abnormal proteins in the blood)
  • Paroxysmal cold hemoglobulinuria (a rare blood disorder that attacks red blood cells)
  • Unrealistic expectations
How much does Coolsculpting cost?

The total cost will depend on the following factors:

  • The practitioner’s fee
  • The fee of the clinic or medical facility
  • The number of treatment sessions required
  • The body area needing treatment

The treatment is cosmetic in nature. This means that the cost of the treatment may not be covered by your insurance. Before the procedure, it is best to consult with your health insurance provider for more information.

References

  1. Oh, C. H., Shim, J. S., Bae, K. I., & Chang, J. H. (2020). Clinical application of cryolipolysis in Asian patients for subcutaneous fat reduction and body contouring. Archives of plastic surgery, 47(1), 62–69. https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2019.01305. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6976754/.
  2. McKeown, D. J., & Payne, J. (2021). Significant improvement in body contour with multiple cycles of CoolSculpting: Results of a prospective study. Dermatologic therapy, 34(2), e14850. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.14850. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8047906/.
  3. Lim, T., Ding, S. W., Chua, C. H., & Moey, H. X. (2021). Enhancing the Appearance of the “Six-Pack” Muscles Using Cryolipolysis: A Safe and Effective Method. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 148(4), 775–779. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000008320. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34550933/.
  4. Putra, I. B., Jusuf, N. K., & Dewi, N. K. (2019). Utilisation of Cryolipolysis among Asians: A Review on Efficacy and Safety. Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciences, 7(9), 1548–1554. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6542401/.
  5. Few, J., Saltz, R., Beaty, M., Kelly, M., Movassaghi, K., Marcus, K. A., Sieber, D., Burns, A. J., & Sangha, S. (2020). Cryolipolysis: Clinical Best Practices and Other Nonclinical Considerations. Aesthetic surgery journal. Open forum, 2(2), ojaa010. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojaa010. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7671251/.
  6. Naeimi, M. et al. (2019) Treatment by cryolipolysis with radio-frequency and ultrasound cavitation combination is no more effective in improving indices of adiposity than radio-frequency and ultrasound cavitation alone, Translational Metabolic Syndrome Research. Elsevier. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588930318300136.
  7. Suh, D. H., Park, J. H., Jung, H. K., Lee, S. J., Kim, H. J., & Ryu, H. J. (2018). Cryolipolysis for submental fat reduction in Asians. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology, 20(1), 24–27. https://doi.org/10.1080/14764172.2017.1368564. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28850270/.
  8. Rodopoulou, S., Gavala, M. I., & Keramidas, E. (2020). Three-dimensional Cryolipolysis for Submental and Lateral Neck Fat Reduction. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 8(4), e2789. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002789. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32440449/.
  9. de Gusmão, P. R., Canella, C., de Gusmão, B. R., Filippo, A. A., & Filippo, G. R. (2020). Cryolipolysis for local fat reduction in adults from Brazil: A single-arm intervention study. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 19(11), 2898–2905. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13389. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32281283/.