I got botox in my neck and chin to alleviate 'tech neck' — here's how it went

Did you know you could use Botox to treat a sagging neck or creased chin? Kate Demolder tests it out

For those really looking to alleviate “tech neck,” creases that can form as a result of constantly looking down at a device, you’ve come to the right place.

Post-covid there’s been a pivotal shift in how women look at their necks.

Though important, and regularly the first place to show age, they never really got the treatment they deserved. As a result, we’re all making like Nora Ephron, and feeling bad about our neck.

Mercifully, regimes exist to remedy this. Hydrating products, SPF and regular retinoid use are a great start. But for those really looking to alleviate “tech neck,” creases that can form as a result of constantly looking down at a device, you’ve come to the right place.

At a 31-year-old journalist, I spent all my time looking down at either a phone, laptop, or book. As a result, lines are forming. This is okay, we are meant to move after all, but for the purpose of this column, I decided to see what can be done.

I spoke with Dr George Nema, a renowned aesthetic doctor who regularly tends to former Miss World Rosanna Davidson and former Miss Ireland Holly Carpenter. He suggested botox for sagging neck skin. And in fact, it appears the FDA agrees; it just approved Botox Cosmetic for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe platysma bands (vertical bands connecting the jaw and neck) in adults, marking a significant advancement in aesthetic treatments.

What is it?

Dr George Neema

Botox, a tightly regulated neurotoxin, is the gold standard for wrinkle reduction. Neck botox is, simply put, an injection of botox into the neck to relax the neck muscles, thereby reducing wrinkles and fine lines. “Neck skin tends to age faster than the skin on the face,” Dr Nema says. “The mid-face is stronger because of fat pads in the cheeks, but the neck doesn’t have that, so the skin easily weakens.”

Botox, as such, relaxes the muscles to ensure they’re not overworked. Ever notice those horizontal wrinkles that line your neck when you smile or speak? Those are the targets of neck botox. Because of this, botox injected into the neck can actually aid the jawline too. “The muscles that pull the face down can create a visible sagging around the jowls,” Dr Nema says. “So when they’re relaxed, the skin appears more taut.”

The treatment

The treatment is quick and easy. Dr Nema used sanitising wipes to clean the areas, before asking me to “animate” my muscles — smile widely so he can see these lines — to inject tiny needles into these areas. A tiny scratch is felt, and we’re done.

While we’re there, he also injects my chin — botox can be used here, too, to prevent a crease from forming.

“Botox in the chin can help to stop the chin from going up as we age and creating dimples,” he says.

“Botox can also be used in the masseter muscles to prevent teeth clenching, under the arms to prevent excessive sweating or over a gummy smile to even things out.”

I’m told to avoid touching the areas for two to four hours, but otherwise go on with daily life. I look no different and go about the rest of my day.

The results

Kate Demolder pictured several months ago and, right. Kate's jawline post-botox treatment

As with any botox treatment, things are supposed to kick in from about three to five days. However, I definitely feel a pleasant tightening about two days later. My neck skin feels smooth, and my jawline taut. I also feel slightly lifted around that area, which makes me feel good given that I have mild jawline panic from a particularly double-chinned picture of myself I saw a few years ago.

Next steps? Nothing really. Although some clinics can recommend top-ups every three months, Dr Nema insists that twice yearly is more than enough “particularly if you’re over 50”.

“At that stage, your muscles have already achieved a state of relaxation, meaning that regular botox could put you at risk of atrophy. Which is the opposite effect of what most people are trying to achieve with botox.”

For those in their 30s and 40s, thrice a year is the absolute maximum he suggests. “Anything over that could potentially be harmful — three times a year for that age group is more than enough.”

As most of us gear up for summer — or what my age group has taken to calling “wedding season” — looking our best can come at a cost. However, with a tauter jawline and lifted neck, I feel like myself but better, all without a drop of makeup.

The details

How much does it cost? Prices start at €375 at the Sculpture Clinic.

How frequently would I need to do it? Twice or three times a year, max. 

Where? The Sculpture Clinic has two locations: Dublin and Nenagh.

• Kate received a complimentary treatment in exchange for a fair and honest review