Neck Wrinkle Treatment in Korea: Your Complete Guide to Necklace Lines Removal
The neck is often called the "second face" in Korean beauty culture, and for good reason. While many focus on facial skincare, the neck reveals age just as readily, if not more so. Korean dermatology clinics have developed sophisticated approaches to treating neck wrinkles, offering international visitors some of the most advanced and affordable options in the world.
Whether you are dealing with horizontal necklace lines or vertical creases from constant phone use, Korea's aesthetic medicine industry has solutions ranging from quick lunchtime procedures to comprehensive rejuvenation programs.
Understanding Neck Wrinkle Types
Before choosing a treatment, it is essential to understand what type of neck wrinkles you have, as different wrinkles respond to different approaches.
Horizontal Neck Wrinkles (Necklace Lines)
These are the rings that circle the neck horizontally, resembling a necklace. They form due to repeated folding of the skin and are often genetic or develop from sleeping positions and daily movements. Because they result from constant creasing, simple skin-tightening treatments alone may not be enough.
Korean dermatologists typically recommend fillers to directly fill the creases, Botox to reduce the folding action, or lifting procedures to address sagging skin and fat in the chin and neck area.
Vertical Neck Wrinkles (Tech Neck)
The neck has thinner skin than the face, making it more susceptible to collagen loss and elasticity decline. Vertical wrinkles often appear earlier due to aging and are accelerated by our modern habit of looking down at phones. These respond well to collagen-stimulating treatments like Sculptra, Rejuran, and skin boosters that increase skin thickness and elasticity.
Treatment Options and Prices
Korean clinics offer numerous approaches to neck wrinkle treatment. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of your options, with prices converted at the rate of 1,300 won to 1 USD.
Botox and Skin Botox
Price Range: 100,000-400,000 won ($77-$308) per session
Neck Botox relaxes the platysma muscle, which contributes to both horizontal lines and vertical bands. Skin Botox, also called MesoTox or Dermotoxin, involves micro-injections across the neck area to smooth fine lines and improve skin texture. Starting prices can be as low as 25,000 won ($19) for basic skin botox treatments at some clinics.
Results appear within 1-2 weeks and typically last 3-6 months. This is an excellent maintenance treatment when combined with other procedures.
Neck Fillers
Price Range: 99,000-500,000 won ($76-$385) per session
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be injected directly into deep necklace lines to smooth them from within. Korean clinics often use softer, more spreadable fillers specifically designed for the delicate neck area. This provides immediate improvement, though multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results.
Ultherapy (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
Price Range: 1,000,000-2,000,000 won ($769-$1,538) depending on shots
Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin. For neck treatment, clinics typically recommend 300-600 shots. At 300 shots, expect to pay around 1,000,000 won ($769), while 600 shots range from 1,500,000-2,000,000 won ($1,154-$1,538).
The equipment itself costs hundreds of millions of won, and each treatment tip costs over 1,000,000 won, which explains the higher price point. Always verify that your clinic uses genuine tips, as counterfeit tips can cause burns, uneven results, or facial hollowing.
Rejuran Healer
Price Range: From 120,000 won ($92) per session
Rejuran contains polynucleotides (PN) derived from salmon DNA that promote cellular regeneration and improve skin hydration. It is particularly effective for fine vertical wrinkles and overall skin quality improvement on the neck. Three or more sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart are typically recommended for best results.
Juvelook and Skin Boosters
Price Range: 250,000-700,000 won ($192-$538) per session
Juvelook combines PDLLA (poly-D,L-lactic acid) with hyaluronic acid to stimulate collagen while providing immediate hydration. For neck rejuvenation, clinics often combine Juvelook with other treatments. One reviewer reported paying around 500,000 won ($385) for a comprehensive package including Juvelook for face and neck, pigment treatment, and Shurink, achieving 90% satisfaction.
Sessions are typically performed 3-4 weeks apart, with three or more treatments recommended. Results can last 1-1.5 years after completing the full course.
Thread Lift
Price Range: 500,000-1,500,000 won ($385-$1,154)
PDO or PCL threads can be inserted into the neck to provide lifting and collagen stimulation. This is particularly useful for sagging neck skin combined with wrinkles. While more invasive than injections, threads offer longer-lasting results of 12-18 months.
Neck Lift Surgery
Price Range: 3,000,000-8,000,000 won ($2,308-$6,154)
For severe neck wrinkles or significant sagging, surgical neck lift may be the most effective option. This procedure addresses the underlying platysma muscle that other treatments cannot correct. Korean surgeons note that fillers and thread lifts have limited effectiveness because they do not address this muscle directly.
What to Expect: Procedure and Recovery
Most non-surgical neck treatments in Korea are performed as outpatient procedures taking 30-60 minutes. Here is what you can expect:
Before Treatment: A consultation determines your wrinkle type and recommends appropriate treatments. Many clinics offer combination packages for comprehensive results.
During Treatment: Topical numbing cream is applied 20-30 minutes before injection-based treatments. Ultherapy may require additional comfort measures due to the heat sensation.
After Treatment: Mild swelling, redness, or bruising may occur but typically resolves within a few days. Most patients return to normal activities immediately, earning these procedures the "lunchtime treatment" nickname.
Results Timeline: Initial effects may appear within 1-3 weeks, with collagen-stimulating treatments continuing to improve over 2-3 months. Single treatments show improvement, but three or more sessions typically deliver optimal results for most procedures. Maintenance sessions every 3-6 months help sustain results.
Recommended Clinics in Seoul
Korean platforms like Gangnam Unni list over 800 clinics offering neck wrinkle treatments with over 6,000 verified reviews. Popular areas for aesthetic clinics include:
- Gangnam Station Area: High concentration of dermatology and plastic surgery clinics with competitive pricing
- Apgujeong Rodeo: Premium clinics with English-speaking staff and advanced equipment
- Myeongdong: Tourist-friendly clinics with multilingual services
When selecting a clinic, verify they use genuine products (especially important for Ultherapy tips), check recent reviews, and confirm English consultation availability. Many clinics offer returning patient discounts of up to 40% off repeat treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do results last? Botox lasts 3-6 months, fillers 6-12 months, and collagen-stimulating treatments like Juvelook or Sculptra can last 1-2 years with proper maintenance. Ultherapy results typically last 12-18 months.
Is neck treatment painful? Most patients report minimal discomfort with topical anesthesia. Ultherapy can cause temporary heat sensation, while injection treatments feel like small pinches.
How many sessions do I need? Single sessions show improvement, but 3+ treatments typically deliver optimal results for most procedures. Your dermatologist will create a customized treatment plan based on your specific concerns.
Can I combine treatments? Yes, Korean clinics often recommend combination approaches. For example, Botox plus fillers plus skin boosters address different aspects of neck aging simultaneously.
What is the best treatment for deep necklace lines? Deep horizontal lines respond best to fillers or surgical intervention. Botox helps prevent further deepening but may not fully correct existing deep creases.
Is there downtime? Non-surgical treatments have minimal downtime. You may have temporary redness or small bruises but can typically apply makeup the next day. Thread lifts may require 3-5 days of limited activity.
Do I need to speak Korean? Many clinics in Gangnam and Apgujeong have English-speaking staff. Apps like Gangnam Unni help international patients compare prices and book appointments with translation services.
Final Thoughts
Korea offers some of the most advanced and affordable neck wrinkle treatments available anywhere. With prices significantly lower than Western countries and expertise honed by high patient volume, Seoul clinics provide excellent value for international visitors seeking neck rejuvenation.
The key is matching the right treatment to your specific wrinkle type. Horizontal necklace lines need volume replacement and muscle relaxation, while vertical creases benefit from collagen stimulation and skin thickening treatments.
Consider scheduling a consultation at multiple clinics to compare recommendations and pricing. Many offer free consultations, and the competitive market means you can often negotiate package deals combining multiple treatments.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Results vary by individual. Always consult with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. Verify clinic credentials and discuss potential risks during your consultation.