Dr Florian Nadon
The arsenal of surgical and medical solutions currently available to rejuvenate the neck and décolleté is still fairly limited. This thin, fragile skin is often dehydrated and exposed to temperature changes and UV rays, just like the face. These areas can be regenerated with the “liquid lift” technique.
Areas that give away your age
The skin on the neck and décolleté is subjected to bending and folding day and night, even when we are asleep. Over the years, this incessant movement affects the skin’s elasticity and collagen density, especially after the menopause. The skin becomes thinner and loses its tonicity. I constantly receive requests to rejuvenate the neck – a symbol of elegance and grace – and décolleté – a symbol of femininity and sex appeal – often along with a request for facial treatments. If this is the case, I first treat the oval. For moderate skin sagging, and so as not to weigh down the lower face while still achieving a lift, I inject Radiesse in vectors as per the “Happy face” technique. This technique works very well on men, who appreciate its firming and vitalising results without any extra weight in the jawline.
A Liquid Lift followed by tissue induction
To smooth and lift the neck and décolleté, I use standard 3ml Radiesse which I dilute with 3ml of saline solution and 3ml of xylocaine, a local anaesthetic that makes the procedure more comfortable and causes less bruising thanks to its adrenaline. The procedure is carried out using a 25G cannula measuring 50mm for the neck, and a 22G 70mm one for the décolleté. The first entry point is made at the mandibular angle, the second at the base of the neck and, for the décolleté, it is in the suprasternal notch, i.e. the dip between the two collarbones.
I inject in a retrotracing fan pattern, making “liquid trails” diagonally upwards and towards the back of the neck. The aim is to achieve a lifting and smoothing effect. For the décolleté, I perform “nappage”, paying particular attention to any deep dermal fissures, which are often found in women who have been overexposed to the sun.
The décolleté is plumped, wrinkles are smoothed and, over the next couple of months, the skin quality significantly improves, as it has a tendency to look dry and rough as we age. The effects of the Liquid Lift last eighteen months and require between three and five syringes of Radiesse. I have worked with this filler product for two years now, as it gives great results and really induces the tissues. Patients are extremely satisfied because the neck and décolleté are visibly smoother. I adapt to the skin type by alte-ring the dilutions, because I have noticed that the thicker and darker the skin – meaning it is rich in fibres – the better the tissue induction and the less product is required. Conversely, pale skin, which is thinner and less firm, requires more product.
The procedure takes time and precision, lasting around forty-five minutes. I carry it out in my operating theatre to ensure the area is as sterile as possible. I finish it off by put-ting my patients under an LED panel for an anti-inflammatory and relaxing effect. I also ask my patients to apply Auriderm cream (ISDIN laboratories), which contains vitamin K oxide, to reduce any redness and bruising. Regarding the neck, this technique can also be used on men, providing the sagging is moderate. It is a nice complement to the Happy Face protocol.
Dr Florian Nadon: Maxillofacial surgeon. Specialises in aesthetic, reparative and anti-aging surgery for the face. Former hospital consultant. DESC diploma in maxillofacial surgery, degree in microsurgery and orthognathic surgery. Practice on the Basque coast.
