I Tried Neck Filler to Diminish My Neck Wrinkles—Here Are My Unfiltered Thoughts

“Are those wrinkles on your neck?” Ever since my friend posed the question years ago, I began inspecting every square inch of my neck, slowly starting to hate it. You see, despite growing up with a rare genetic skin condition comparable to eczema and psoriasis, I’d always considered myself a pretty confident person. I had my insecurities just like anyone, but believe it or not, my necklines had never been one of them.

When I couldn’t hide the band-like lines behind turtlenecks, I began to feel like a shell of my former self. I became overly self-conscious in public and slathered on all the anti-aging serums in my arsenal, praying to the skin gods that they’d go away if I moisturized hard enough. Spoiler alert: It didn't work. When I started working at a beauty magazine, I met my fair share of skin experts and that's when I discovered a potential solution: filler. I conducted my own research and reached out to the experts to learn more on this answer to my neck wrinkles woes.

What Is Neck Filler?

"Neck filler is typically an injectable substance that is used to volumize areas of the neck, primarily areas that have deeper folds," says dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian. "It plumps these fine wrinkles to give a smoother appearance, and can stimulate production of collagen."

In short, neck filler is used to plump thin lips and fade everything from fine lines and wrinkles to acne scars, (dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restalyne just about do it all).

I decided to visit aging expert Lisa Goodman at GoodSkin Clinics, who told me over email that “GoodSkin blanching works by smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles by both lifting the skin and creating tension using a specific hyaluronic acid filler that’s suitable for this technique,” She adds that "the technique requires both the correct type of filler as well as the correct depth, otherwise the result will not look like smooth skin.”

Benefits of Neck Filler

• Plumps fine lines and wrinkles with hyaluronic acid gel
• Results are immediate and long-lasting
• The overall procedure is very quick

Filler vs. Botox vs. Laser

I couldn’t help but wonder: Why not use Botox or lasers, both of which are also famed for their line-ironing abilities? Goodman’s response was matter-of-fact, “This was the correct technique to use on you, versus Botox, because your lines did not originate due to ‘tech neck’ or overactive platysma muscles, and lasers would not have been suitable for your skin condition,” she explains. Unlike many others, the wrinkles on my neck were because my skin was so strapped for moisture and had experienced trauma from the perennial flare-ups I battled as a teen.

According to dermatologist Dr. Stacey Tull, the technique has to do with whatever the patient's primary concern is.

Filler

If the issue is horizontal neck lines, now often referred to as “tech neck," Tull says that "a thin, flexible filler will do a good job at smoothing them out." With filler, a topical numbing cream may be applied prior to your procedure. "The pain is usually minimal and there may be mild bruising, which is why it is best to ice the area and avoid exercise for 24 hours," says Tull. "Most fillers will typically last about a year."

Botox

"If the issue is pronounced vertical bands because of having a thin and/or muscular neck, then Botox is the best treatment because it will relax the plates, which is a muscle that drapes the neck and leaves it softer looking," says Tull, who adds that the treatment is a few painless injections in the top of the skin. Results will be noticeable within a week and will last for three to four months.

Laser

For those concerned with discolored and/or thin skin, then lasers or energy-based treatments such as micro-needling/radiofrequency will work the best.

"You’ll receive topical numbing ahead of the procedure, and there may be some redness and/or swelling of the treated area afterwards, which is improved with application of cold packs and emollient creams," says Tull. "Results are permanent in the sense that the signs of aging are reversed, but the 'clock keeps ticking' albeit slower with new and improved skin quality. Protection from the sun and diligent moisturization are essential to maintaining results."

Who Should Get Neck Filler

According to Nazarian, neck filler is very safe for all age groups, however, it is "typically not needed until the late 20s and older, or for those who are noticing deep creases starting to develop."

"Neck lines usually present with an etched-in appearance or furrow, and can start earlier in life due to the amount of folding movement our necks experience (especially bringing the chin down to the chest, such as when looking at our phones," says Nazarian. "Fillers don't help 'neck banding,' the vertical lines that worsen with clenching of our jaw; these are from muscle contractions and are not improved by fillers."

How to Prepare for Neck Filler

Two weeks prior to the appointment, you should avoid taking blood-thinning agents like aspirin, ibuprofen, and all other NSAIDS.

As far as skincare is concerned, wean off prescription retinoid and retinol products two days before treatment and stay out of the sun as much as possible.

What to Expect During a Neck Filler Appointment

Goodman began by taking a few requisite “before” photos of my neck, and then we sat down for my consultation. She patiently listened to me tell her about my skin history and spent a few minutes inspecting my neck. Her recommended solution? A filler treatment known as “blanching,” which is the name of an anti-aging technique specific to their practice.

The whole treatment, which involved injecting different points on my neck with hyaluronic acid filler, took less than 20 minutes, and on the pain scale, I’d say it was about a solid three—not too painful as far as skin treatments go. (The aforementioned lasers are supposed to be far more painful).

After carefully injecting the hyaluronic acid solution into my necklines, Goodman gave the area a good massage to help the filler settle, et voilà—we were done. As I peered into the mirror post-procedure, I realized I looked like I’d just been choked; she had warned me earlier that this was the only side effect and would likely heal within the week.

Potential Side Effects

Our experts agree that the most important thing to remember is that the procedure needs to be done by someone who is qualified and trained, such as your board-certified dermatologist. "Incorrect placement, or using the wrong filler, can lead to a lumpy, bumpy, beaded look and bumps after injection," says Nazarian.

Redness to the area, slight soreness, and bruising are some of the side effects that can occur with neck filler treatments, depending on which technique you choose (injection, Botox, laser, etc.).

The Cost

Depending on where you go and what filler you choose, treatment can cost anywhere from $500 to $1200. However, given it's long-lasting results, many patients (including myself) would say it's money well spent.

Aftercare

There are a few precautions you should take immediately post-treatment to ensure the best results and prevent further bruising and swelling. First, you should avoid blood-thinning agents like aspirin and ibuprofen (just like before treatment) as well alcohol, as it acts as a blood thinner by preventing blood cells from sticking together and forming clots, and it generally increases bleeding risk.5

You should also avoid activity like exercising, as well as massage, as the pressure on the table can affect your results and increase bruising.

Extreme heat like saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and direct sun exposure should also be avoided.

To ease pain and swelling, apply ice and Arnica gel (meant to alleviate bruising and pain), and, if necessary, take acetaminophen for pain relief.

Before and After Results

As you can see, neck filler made a very noticeable difference in the horizontal "necklace lines" around my neck. Immediately after my treatment, the lines were significantly less noticeable, especially at the center of my neck where the lines were deepest from natural movement (like looking down at my pone).

The Final Takeaway

Four months post-op since I visited the GoodSkin Clinic my neck was better than ever. Results, while varying, are generally supposed to last anywhere from seven months to a year or more. I finally felt free from the worry these necklines brought to my everyday life, and while an injectable treatment isn't what's best for everyone, addressing the issue with filler did bring me peace in the end.

Disclaimer: Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse have been approved by the FDA to smooth moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds. Check with your dermatologist or practitioner to discuss off-label uses.