We know that the appearance of wrinkles and creases has a certain relationship with genetics and age, but the new phenomena of tech neck or text neck do more harm to our neck, which causes the neck to remain in a bending position over time and cause skin laxity.
The function of the neck’s cream and exercise is only to improve fine lines but not to cure deep wrinkles and creases. Many people find themselves at a loss on how to treat this delicate area. Fortunately, with the development of scientific technology and innovative skincare approach, we can now seek help from a surgical treatment like those below:
(1) Botox Injection
Botox injection is a quick way to improve wrinkles. The principle is that it can act on the peripheral motor nerve endings and muscle joints, inhibit the release of acetylcholine presynaptic membrane, thereby paralyzing the platysma and achieving the purpose of tightening the skin. However, the disadvantage is that the effect can only last for 3 to 6 months.
(2) HA Injection
When the fine lines develop into wrinkles, hyaluronic acid is the ideal treatment for the saggy skin. After injecting small molecular hyaluronic acid into the skin, collagen fibers, elastic fibers, and cells will form a structural matrix. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid can absorb the moisture 1000 times of its volume, thus making the skin plump and elastic. However, because hyaluronic acid can be absorbed by the body, the effect can only last for 6 to 12 months, which needs to be re-injected regularly, demanding a high treatment fee and may also cause discomfort.
(3) Fat transplantation
The fat transplant works the same way as hyaluronic acid, and the transplanted fat can survive permanently. In addition to this, the fat filling can play a certain role in improving complexion. However, there would be slight redness and swelling after surgery, which would subside after about 1 week. Fat transplantation combined with botox injection can promote the survival rate of fat and improve dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive movement or contraction of underlying muscles.
(4) Ultherapy Treatment
Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses time-tested ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin naturally without downtime. It relies on precisely targeted sonic waves to deliver its collagen-boosting treatment – stimulate the deep structural support layers of the skin and startle the slacking collagen into rebuilding it. The cutting-edge technology might be a giant leap for you to embrace a younger you.
Although it is billed as a lunchtime procedure, there are some complaints about this treatment procedure. One of the most common complaints from patients who undergo the procedure is discomfort. Some of them say even think the result is quite satisfying, but the pain of overheating at about 65 ℃ to 70 ℃ would make them think twice before accepting the treatment once again.
Swelling and inflammation usually happen as well, and the treatment usually requires several appointments with about three or four weeks’ interval, while the price averages around $175-$200 a session. Moreover, It is recommended to repeat the treatment every one-and-half years or when your skin visibly starts to pull down again.
Besides these treatments on wrinkles and creases, laser, micro-needle therapy system, fractional RF and thermage, etc can all improve the skin condition as well. However, do remember to visit a certificated physician and pay close attention to the after-care.
Q&A
1 – How to identify the severity of a neck problem?
Asides the eyes and the lips that help in predicting people’s age, the neck is the first object of attraction in people and it is one of the main sources of worry for women.
According to Dr. Rod J. Rohrich, who holds two distinguished chairs of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, the key to neck restoration is to find out the underlying problems. Based on his neck treatment techniques that have spanned over past 15 years, as well as his long-term experience with his patients, the doctor and his colleagues have developed many methods of categorization to identify the severity of neck problems.
Type I: no deep lines and lax fat in the neck while the skin tone is excellent
Type II: skin is mildly loose only, without other aesthetic neck problems (usually narrow medial platysmal bands<2 cm)
Type III: prominent banding (wide platysmal bands>2 cm) in the neck with moderate skin laxity
Type IV: moderate/severe loose skin, lax muscle and significant neck fat
2 – How to assume an ideal sitting posture while using a computer?
In today’s era, most of us spend an average of 8 to 9 hours daily sitting in front of the computer. Tech neck literally indicates that we are glued to the digital device at the desk even while on the bed. The ignorance of a proper sitting posture often distances us from maintaining good health and has a long-standing negative impact on our general well-being as well.
According to a study, poor sitting posture at your desk may cause you:
- Forward neck syndrome
- Rounded shoulders
- Back pains
- Indigestion and Potbelly
- Headaches
- Poor circulation and dull skin
What we can learn from the above is that poor sitting posture does not only cause a temporary strain or discomfort, but it also has a long-lasting negative effect on the individuals. This alone should call the individual to pay good attention to maintaining a good sitting posture.
Here is a consensus on the best sitting posture for your consideration in front of the computer:
(1) The right distance between you and your monitor. Position your monitor about 20 to 30 inches away from you and make the first line of the text on the screen at the same level as your eye level.
(2) Pay attention to the sitting posture. Sit straight up with your neck and head in an upright angle while you relax your shoulders.
(3) Well-placed your keyboard. Place the keyboard slightly bending downward and keep your hands slightly lower than your elbows, with your fingers pointing at the floor when typing. Use keyboard shortcuts as much as possible and minimize the use of the mouse.
(4) Avoid sitting with your legs crossed. Keep both feet flat on the floor and use a footrest if you cannot reach it.
(5) Avoid holding the phone between your ears and shoulders. Use an earphone or loudspeaker when talking on the phone.
(6) Avoid sitting for a period longer than 30 minutes at a time. Incorporate periodical standing and eye breaks into your workflow. It is recommended to look away 20 feet for about 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
If you want to live better and longer, follow the above guidelines and observe proper sitting posture to save yourself from the negative impact of the tech neck.
