Insights from Dr. Julius Few
Inspired by a recent goop feature highlighting Dr. Julius Few’s perspective on neck aging.
If your face still reflects how you feel—but your neck tells a different story—you’re not alone.
The neck is often the first area to show visible signs of aging, from loss of definition along the jawline to skin laxity and textural changes. While many people invest heavily in facial treatments, the neck is frequently overlooked—until changes become difficult to ignore.
So what’s really happening—and more importantly, what can be done?
Why the Neck Ages Differently
According to Dr. Julius Few, the neck presents a unique anatomical challenge.
The skin in this area is thinner, with fewer oil glands and less collagen than the face. That means it starts with less structural support—and declines faster over time.
But it’s not just about skin.
The neck is in constant motion. While facial muscles move intermittently (smiling, speaking), the neck is always working—supporting the head, adjusting posture, and responding to gravity and daily habits like looking down at phones.
Over time, this constant activity contributes to:
- Loosening of the platysma muscle (the structural “sling” of the neck)
- Descent of submandibular glands, which softens jawline definition
- Reduced skin thickness and elasticity
- Earlier visible laxity compared to the face
The result? A mismatch—where the face appears youthful, but the neck tells a different story.
When Does Neck Aging Begin?
For many patients, changes begin earlier than expected.
- Late 30s: Early signs of laxity and jawline softening
- Perimenopause: Hormonal shifts accelerate loss of skin quality
- GLP-1 weight loss: Rapid fat loss can lead to visible laxity and thinning
As Dr. Few notes, genetics also play a major role. Some individuals are predisposed to earlier changes due to bone structure, gland position, or tissue support.
The Most Common Mistake
One of the biggest issues Dr. Few sees in practice:
An overtreated face and an undertreated neck.
Many patients apply sunscreen, retinol, and targeted treatments to their face—but stop at the jawline. Over time, this creates a visible disconnect.
Prevention: What Actually Works
The most effective strategy is simple—and often overlooked:
Start earlier than you think
Dr. Few recommends incorporating neck care as early as your 20s.
Focus on skin quality
Key essentials include:
- Retinol to maintain collagen and skin thickness
- Daily sunscreen (extended from face to neck)
- Consistent hydration and moisturization
A formula like Clean Retinol is particularly well-suited for the neck—supporting collagen while remaining gentle enough for thinner, more delicate skin. Paired with a daily mineral SPF, like our Tinted Mineral Sunscreen, this becomes one of the most effective long-term strategies for preserving skin quality.
At-Home Devices: Do They Work?
At-home technologies—like red light therapy and laser devices—can be helpful, but only in specific cases.
They are most effective for:
- Mild, early laxity
- Preventative maintenance
However, once visible sagging or structural changes occur, these tools alone are unlikely to deliver meaningful results.
As Dr. Few explains:
“When you barely need it, everything works. Once you need it, fewer things do.”
Non-Surgical Treatments: What to Know
There are several non-surgical options—but they must be used strategically.
Botox
Can soften vertical platysmal bands that pull the neck downward and blur the jawline.
Biostimulatory fillers
Products like Sculptra or hyperdilute Radiesse work by improving skin quality, not adding volume.
Fat reduction (select cases)
Treatments like Kybella may help small, localized fat deposits—but are not comprehensive solutions.
Important distinction
Fat vs. laxity matters.
Energy-based treatments tighten skin—but they do not reduce fat. Treating the wrong issue leads to disappointing results.
What to Avoid
Dr. Few cautions against several trending approaches:
- Overuse of filler in loose neck skin
- Muscle-stimulating devices that worsen banding
- “Quick-fix” contouring trends without structural understanding
- Gland removal procedures in inappropriate patients
These approaches may create short-term improvement—but often compromise long-term outcomes.
When Surgery Becomes the Right Option
There is a point where non-surgical treatments are no longer effective.
This typically includes:
- Significant skin laxity
- Visible platysmal banding
- Structural jowling
At this stage, a neck lift can be the most effective and natural-looking solution—often with relatively short recovery and long-lasting results.
The Takeaway
The neck is one of the most complex—and unforgiving—areas to treat.
But with the right approach, aging can be significantly delayed and managed:
- Start early
- Treat the neck as an extension of the face
- Focus on skin quality first
- Avoid shortcuts that compromise structure
Because as Dr. Few emphasizes:
The neck doesn’t forgive—but with the right strategy, it can absolutely be preserved.
Originally adapted from “How Can I Keep My Neck Looking As Young As My Face?” published on goop.com.
