Yes, your phone really is aging your neck. Hours of looking down at screens create repetitive folds in the skin, accelerating horizontal lines, sagging, and crepe-like texture.
Board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Omotara Sulyman-Scott helps patients in Chicago address these concerns with surgical and non-surgical solutions tailored to each individual.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what tech neck is, why the neck is especially vulnerable to premature aging, and how to prevent and treat it.
What Is Tech Neck?
“Tech neck” describes the premature wrinkles and skin laxity caused by repeatedly looking down at phones, tablets, and laptops. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the skin on the neck is thinner and more sensitive than facial skin, making it one of the first areas to show visible signs of aging.
Common signs of tech neck include:
- Horizontal lines: Deep creases across the front of the neck.
- Crepey texture: Thin, papery skin from collagen and elastin loss.
- Skin laxity: Sagging or looseness along the jawline and neck.
- Premature aging: Wrinkles appearing as early as your 20s and 30s.
Why Is the Neck So Vulnerable to Premature Aging?
Your neck endures constant motion and environmental exposure, yet it rarely receives the same skincare attention as your face. The Cleveland Clinic notes that collagen, responsible for skin firmness and elasticity, naturally declines with age, and repetitive movement accelerates the process.
Factors that make the neck prone to early aging include:
- Thinner skin: Fewer oil glands and a thinner dermis than the face.
- Reduced collagen: Less structural support makes the skin more susceptible to creasing.
- Sun exposure: Sunscreen is often neglected below the chin, leaving the neck vulnerable to UV damage.
- Repetitive motion: Hours of looking down at devices create persistent folds in the skin.
*Real Patient: Before & After Radiofrequency Skin Tightening
How Can You Prevent and Treat Tech Neck?
Prevention starts with daily habits, but professional treatments can help reverse damage that’s already occurred. Dr. Sulyman-Scott offers both non-surgical and surgical neck rejuvenation options in Chicago, including microneedling, radiofrequency skin tightening, laser treatments, and neck lift surgery for more advanced skin laxity and sagging.
Helpful strategies include:
- Posture correction: Hold your phone at eye level to reduce repetitive neck folding.
- Daily sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to your neck every morning.
- Targeted skincare: Extend your face routine to your neck with retinol and hyaluronic acid.
- Non-surgical treatments: Microneedling, RF skin tightening, and laser treatments stimulate collagen production.
- Surgical options: For advanced sagging, a neck lift with Dr. Sulyman-Scott can restore a more defined profile.
Concerned About Tech Neck? Dr. Sulyman-Scott Is Here to Help
Your phone may be contributing to premature neck aging, but the right care can make a meaningful difference.
Book your consultation with That Face Chicago today and take the first step toward a smoother, more youthful neck.
