When you think of skincare, you may immediately think of skincare for your face. However, there are also other areas including our neck and chest, which should be taken care of as well to maintain a youthful appearance. There are numerous effective treatment options available to help treat signs of aging in the décolletage area to help achieve beautiful, natural-looking results. Understanding the main causes of aging in the décolletage is the first step toward successful treatment.
What Causes Aging Décolletage?
The décolletage refers to the neck and upper chest area. This area is often overlooked when it comes to anti-aging treatments. As we age, our skin begins to lose its structure as breakdown of collagen and elastin, proteins that give the skin its firmness, continues during aging and exposure to environmental stimuli together with the decreased production of these proteins. This can result in unwanted wrinkles and skin laxity in the décolletage area.
The most common causes of an aging neck and chest area include:
Sun Damage: Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays produces free radicals, which break down the elastin and collagen fibres in your skin. UV rays speed up the formation of wrinkles on your skin. The sun can also leave behind unwanted hyperpigmentation, sun spots, broken blood vessels and telangiectasia on the chest.
Genetics: Some individuals are more prone to developing wrinkles on their chest than others due to genetics. Genetics play a vital role in determining the skin’s structure and texture, which is why wrinkling at a certain age may run in families.
Weight Fluctuations: Gaining weight can stretch the elasticity in the skin. If you lose fat underneath the skin, the skin may not always recoil back, resulting in wrinkles and laxity in the chest area.
Smoking: Smoking tobacco triggers free radical production on your skin, especially exposed areas such as the face, neck, chest, and fingers. This can increase your risk of developing wrinkles earlier in life.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to swelling in the breasts for a period of time. Once breastfeeding is finished, one may notice that the breasts have taken on a new shape and wrinkles may have formed between the breasts.
Beautification Considerations for the Décolletage
When aiming for beautification of the décolletage, the goal is to restore youthfulness by addressing volume deficits, lines and wrinkles, skin laxity and uneven skin tone due to environmental and sun damage. Aesthetic medicine specialists at Cerulean Medical Institute focus on restoring youthful tone and texture to the area for a rejuvenated appearance.
Treatment Options for the Décolletage
There is a wide selection of non-surgical treatment options available to improve signs of aging in the neck and chest. The option that is rightly suitable for each patient will vary depending on the stage of aging, the severity of their concerns, their skin type, and their overall health. For best tailored results, it is important to see our cosmetic specialists at Cerulean Medical Institute who will create a customized plan of treatment options for the décolletage to match your unique needs.
Anti-aging Peels
Medical-grade anti-aging chemical peels are a great option to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and skin discoloration in the décolletage area. Skin peels remove dead skin cells and reduce pigment imperfections for a smoother, more even and homogenous décolletage. They also stimulate the body’s collagen production to help boost results.
Skin Tightening Treatments
At our Kelowna skin care clinic, we use state of the art skin tightening technology that combines radiofrequency and ultrasound energy. This is a great alternative to more invasive, surgical procedures, and is effective for reducing lax skin and addressing wrinkles on the chest. There is also no downtime needed, so patients can return to their daily routines right away.
IPL Photorejuvenation
Intense Pulse Light photorejuvenation, or IPL, is a non-surgical treatment to restore the skin to a more youthful appearance. It is very similar to a laser treatment, but instead of using laser light, it uses intense pulsed light. It is a great option for eliminating brown spots, sun spots, telangiectasia, redness or pigment changes on the neck or chest for a more even skin tone. IPL also stimulates natural collagen production within the skin, which leads to longer-lasting results over time with improved texture and elasticity.
Botox and Dermal Fillers
Botox and dermal fillers can be used to temporarily smooth wrinkles above the breasts. Botox and filler can be injected into the skin to combat crepey and wrinkly skin in the cleavage area. This can help to restore a more youthful appearance to the chest area. Treatment is quick and there is no downtime required following injection.
Microneedling
Microneedling MD uses many medical microneedles to signal skin rejuvenation. This process stimulates collagen production to minimize signs of aging such as lax skin, lines and wrinkles, and photoaging. Microneedling can be performed on the chest to help combat signs of aging for a more youthful appearance.
Lasers
Laser treatments are an effective, non-surgical solution to improve the look and feel of the skin on the décolletage. Our Kelowna, BC laser experts can effectively eliminate signs of aging, lines and wrinkles, sun damage, and pigment changes that develop over time. Laser patients will be able to notice a healthy glow and improved complexion following treatment.
Skin Care
Incorporating professional-grade medical skincare products into your daily routine can help to smooth lines and wrinkles in the chest area, as well as prevent further aging. Antioxidant ingredients and retinol can encourage cell turnover while protecting your skin. Products with hyaluronic acid also have a hydrating and “plumping” effect on the skin. Sun protection and physical sunscreen with high SPF is a must. We carry evidenced based ZO® skincare products for optimal results.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in rejuvenating décolletage treatments, schedule a consultation at Cerulean Medical Institute. Dr. Chetty and our anti-aging skincare experts are available to answer any questions you might have and develop a treatment plan unique to your needs, goals, and preferences. To schedule your appointment, call or Kelowna office on (778) 760-5050 or contact us online today.