Are you experiencing horizontal lines or bands across the front of the neck? Commonly known as “tech neck”, these lines can appear as fine creases or deeper folds.
They’re becoming increasingly common in our screen-focused world.
With most adults spending more than five hours a day looking down at phones, laptops, and tablets, our necks are under constant postural strain. Over time, this repetitive movement and positioning can contribute to visible lines, loss of firmness, and premature ageing in the neck area. Despite the name, tech use isn’t the only culprit behind tech neck.
At our Southwell and Marylebone clinics, fine lines and creases are one of the most common concerns we see. The good news? There are a range of effective treatment options available to help soften lines, improve skin quality, and restore a smoother, more youthful-looking neck.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- What tech neck actually is
- What causes those stubborn neck lines and bands
- The treatments and skincare options that can help; from medical-led injectables and targeted skin treatments to skincare recommendations tailored to your skin concerns.
Tech Neck Explained
While the term “tech neck” is closely linked to modern screen habits, neck lines are rarely caused by screen time alone. These visible lines are often the result of a combination of factors, including posture, natural collagen loss, skin laxity, and everyday lifestyle habits.
The neck is also one of the most delicate areas of skin and is frequently overlooked when it comes to skincare, making it especially prone to showing early signs of ageing. It has fewer oil glands and less natural moisture. This makes it more vulnerable to environmental damage and more susceptible to visible ageing.
Despite this, many people stop their skincare routine at the jawline. The result is a visible mismatch between a well-cared-for face and a neglected neck.
At STORY Clinics, our team takes a comprehensive approach to cosmetic care. We believe that a truly refreshed appearance requires attention to the neck and décolletage as well as the face.
What Causes Horizontal Neck Lines?
The causes of tech neck are multifactorial. Several factors work together to create and deepen these lines over time.
Repetitive movement and posture
Looking down at a screen dozens of times a day causes the skin to fold along the same lines repeatedly. Over years, these folds become ingrained.
The natural ageing process
As we age, the skin produces less collagen and elastin. The neck skin becomes thinner, drier, and less resilient. The platysma (the thin muscle running across the front of the neck) also weakens, which can contribute to skin laxity.
Sun exposure
The neck receives significant UV exposure, particularly in summer. Chronic sun damage accelerates collagen breakdown and reduces skin elasticity.
Genetics and lifestyle
Some people are more predisposed to neck lines than others. Smoking, poor hydration, and a lack of neck-focused skincare can all accelerate visible changes.
Treatments for Tech Neck at STORY Clinics
There is no single treatment that addresses all aspects of tech neck. The most effective approach combines several treatments, also known as ‘treatment stacking’ tailored to your individual skin and concerns. Below, we outline the key options available at our Southwell and Marylebone clinics.
Profhilo® and Bio-Remodelling Treatments
Injectable treatments such as Profhilo® and biostimulators such as Radiesse and polynucleotides, are among the most popular options for the neck. While all three treatments work to rejuvenate the skin, they do so in different ways.
Profhilo® is a hyaluronic acid-based injectable treatment designed to deeply hydrate the skin while supporting collagen and elastin production. Rather than adding volume, it works by improving overall skin quality, helping the neck appear smoother, firmer, and more radiant over time. A course of two treatments, spaced four weeks apart, is usually recommended. Maintenance sessions help prolong results.
Radiesse is a biostimulatory injectable. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, Radiesse works by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. Results gradually strengthen and rejuvenate the skin from within. This treatment is particularly effective for concerns such as crepey skin, loss of firmness, and skin thinning affecting the neck area.
Polynucleotides are derived from salmon DNA. Rather than hydrating the skin like Profhilo® or providing structural collagen stimulation like Radiesse, polynucleotides work by stimulating fibroblasts. This treatment improves skin texture, elasticity, and resilience. A course of three treatments spaced 2–4 weeks apart is recommended.
At STORY Clinics, we believe great skin goes beyond the face. Profhilo®, Radiesse and polynucleotides are popular options for long term skin health, with little downtime needed. Our aesthetic doctors can advise on the right treatment for your specific skin concerns.
Skinboosters
Skin Boosters are injectable hyaluronic acid treatments designed primarily to improve hydration, skin texture, and radiance. Unlike Profhilo®, which focuses on overall skin remodelling, or Radiesse which stimulates deeper collagen production, skin boosters work more superficially within the skin to deliver intense hydration and improve fine lines and crepey texture.
They are particularly effective for dull, dehydrated, or finely lined skin and can help the neck appear smoother, fresher, and more hydrated. Treatment plans vary depending on the specific skin booster selected and your individual skin concerns. A course of two treatments spaced approximately four weeks apart is recommended.
Dermal Fillers for Deeper Neck Lines
For more pronounced horizontal lines, carefully placed dermal fillers can help to soften the appearance of deeper bands.
Hyaluronic acid fillers used in the neck are specifically chosen for their soft, fluid consistency. This allows natural movement and avoids any stiffness or unnatural look.
This is considered an advanced treatment area, and it is important that it is carried out only by experienced aesthetic practitioners. At STORY Clinics, our aesthetic doctors are level 7 qualified, the “Gold standard” in the UK, and experienced in treating the neck with precision and care.
Microneedling and NeoGen Treatments
Microneedling and advanced energy-based treatments, including NeoGen can be incredibly effective when it comes to improving the appearance and overall quality of the neck area. They work by stimulating the skin’s natural collagen and elastin production to help restore firmness, smoothness, and elasticity.
NeoGen is one of our most sought-after non-invasive treatments available at our Southwell clinic, particularly for patients concerned with skin laxity and visible neck lines. Offered as a course of three treatments, NeoGen uses advanced radiofrequency technology to deliver controlled energy deep into the skin, encouraging tightening and rejuvenation from within. Results continue to improve over time and can typically last between 12–18 months.
Microneedling is another popular option for treating tech neck and improving skin texture. Using ultra-fine needles, the treatment creates tiny controlled micro-channels within the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response and boosting collagen production. Over time, this can help soften lines, improve creasing, and enhance overall skin quality.
Both treatments are suitable for a wide range of skin types and concerns, and they can also be combined with injectable treatments as part of a personalised, long-term treatment plan for the neck and lower face. Simply book a consultation with our expert practitioners to discover the right solution for you.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Skincare Routine
Professional treatments work best when supported by a consistent, targeted skincare routine at home. The neck should always be included.
There are three key areas to focus on:
Hydration is essential.
Hyaluronic acid serums, glycerin-based moisturisers, and ceramide-rich formulas all help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
Age-supporting formulas are highly beneficial.
Retinoids encourage cell turnover and support collagen production over time. They should be introduced gradually and used as directed by your skin practitioner. Our skin practitioners Lucy, at our Southwell clinic, and Vrisha at our Marylebone clinic can support your long-term skin health.
Sun protection is non-negotiable.
Daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is one of the most important steps you can take. UV exposure is a leading cause of collagen breakdown and premature skin ageing on the neck. We recommend products like the Mesoprotech Hydra Cream SPF 50+ which provides high-level defence while keeping the skin hydrated and comfortable.
Our skin practitioners Lucy, at our Southwell clinic, and Vrisha at our Marylebone clinic can recommend products tailored to your skin type and concerns.
Is Tech Neck Treatment Suitable for Everyone?
Treatment is not suitable in all circumstances. Our practitioners will always take a medical-led approach from consultations through to treatment.
At STORY Clinics, your safety and wellbeing always come first. We will never recommend a treatment that is not right for you.
Book Your Consultation at STORY Clinics
If you are concerned about tech neck (horizontal neck lines), or the overall appearance of your neck and décolletage, we warmly invite you to book a consultation at STORY Clinics.
Our Southwell and Marylebone clinics offer a calm and welcoming environment to explore your options at your own pace. Our experienced aesthetic practitioners and skin specialists work together to create personalised, long-term treatment plans tailored to your individual goals.
We highly recommend our Dual Consultation, which gives you the opportunity to see both an aesthetic practitioner and a skin specialist in a single appointment. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of your skin health are considered. From targeted injectable treatments to a bespoke skincare routine.
Simply book your consultation online today, or contact our friendly team.
This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing aesthetic treatment.