Tech neck refers to premature neck aging — including horizontal creases, vertical bands, skin laxity, and textural changes — accelerated by the downward head position of prolonged device use, causing mechanical skin stress beyond normal aging.
The average American looks down at their phone more than 1,400 times per day. That repeated mechanical stress — skin being folded and compressed in the same position hundreds of times daily — accelerates neck aging in a way that previous generations didn't experience. The result: horizontal neck lines appearing in people's 30s, neck banding becoming pronounced earlier, and overall neck skin laxity that looks inconsistent with the face above it.
Neck aging is one of the most underaddressed concerns in aesthetic medicine, partly because it can feel less "fixable" than facial concerns. It is fixable — non-surgically. At Summer House Medspa, we treat tech neck and neck aging with a combination of approaches that address skin quality, underlying muscle activity, and structural laxity.
Botox injected into the platysmal bands relaxes the downward-pulling neck muscles, reducing the appearance of vertical bands and creating an upward lift effect on the jawline. Called the "Nefertiti lift" — one of the most effective non-surgical neck treatments available.
Radiofrequency microneedling applied to the neck stimulates deep collagen production, tightening loose or crepey neck skin over 3–6 months. Produces significant improvement in skin quality and firmness without surgery or extended downtime.
Fractional laser addresses the horizontal creases and surface texture of tech neck by resurfacing the outer skin layer and triggering deep collagen remodeling in the dermis.
When submental (under-chin) fullness is part of the neck aging picture, Kybella or body contouring treatments address the fat component — improving the definition between chin and neck.
Neck treatment typically requires layering approaches. For the horizontal lines of tech neck, laser resurfacing or microneedling addresses the skin quality component. For vertical bands and the downward pull of platysmal muscles, Botox (the Nefertiti lift technique) provides the most immediate visible improvement. For overall laxity, Morpheus8 delivers the most significant structural tightening available without surgery.
We're honest about what non-surgical treatment can and can't achieve for the neck. Mild to moderate tech neck and neck laxity responds very well to the treatments above — most clients see significant improvement with a combination protocol. Severe neck laxity with extensive skin excess may ultimately benefit from surgical intervention, and we'll give you that honest assessment during consultation.
The Nefertiti lift is a legitimate technique that produces measurable improvement in neck definition and jaw clarity — but it works best as part of a combination approach. Botox relaxes the muscles pulling the lower face and neck downward, allowing the upward-pulling muscles of the face to create a lifting effect. Results typically last 3–4 months and can be combined with skin-tightening treatments for more comprehensive improvement.
Horizontal neck lines respond to a combination of resurfacing (laser or chemical peel) and hydration-building treatments like Profhilo or skin boosters that plump the skin from within. Completely eliminating deep mechanical creases is difficult without surgery, but significant improvement in depth, texture, and appearance is achievable with a consistent treatment plan.
Book a neck assessment to discuss your tech neck concerns and find out which combination of treatments will work best for you.
Tell us what you’re curious about. We’ll take it from there.
