We’ve all heard warnings about too much cell phone use from the dangerous cancer-causing radiofrequency to anti-social behavior. But have you heard of “Text Neck”?
The term was coined last year after many documented cases of patients who experienced chronic spine pain from looking down at their smart phones so often. A recent study shows that craning the neck over a cell phone to read emails, text, tweet, or check facebook can exert from 10 to 60 pounds of weight on an adult head.
But the damage doesn’t stop there. The other aspect of “Text Neck” is that the neck craning can also result in loose neck skin, otherwise known as ‘turkey neck’. Plastic surgeons around the country feel that the increase in neck lift surgeries is in part due to this high tech age.
“With such thin skin on the neck, looking down at your phone constantly can cause collagen and elastin to break down and lead to deep wrinkles and sagging, ” said the president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stephen S. Park. This results in what is now referred to as “Text Turkey Neck”.
To prevent this problem, try to hold your device at eye level when possible. Topical retinol creams can also help stimulate collagen and keep the neck skin elastic. Antioxidants, such as CE Ferulic by SkinCeuticals, fend off potential damage from pollution and free radicals in the air. The trick is applying these products to the neck skin daily. And of course, use a good sunscreen on your full face and neck to protect your skin from damaging sun rays.
If you are already have concerns with loose neck skin, there are a few options available depending on the extent of neck laxity and your personal goals. For patients with minor jowling and loose neck skin, Ultherapy is a great option. Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to heat tissue under the surface of the skin which triggers the natural production of collagen to lift and tighten the skin. If there is an excess of fat under the chin, submental liposuction can be done or the new ATX-101 is rumored to well with just a simple injection. This product will likely gain FDA approval at the end of this year.
The option that will produce the greatest result, especially for those with needs beyond what non-invasive procedures can offer, is face lift or neck lift surgery. Dr. Thompson performs his in-office MACS facelift and full facelift often as a facelift specialist in Utah.  With many cases, Dr. Thompson combines fat injections to help restore volume when lifting and tightening the face and neck through facelift surgery.
To learn more, read 3 Options for Neck Rejuvenation or call (801)776-2220.