Neck Wrinkle Treatment in Korea: Complete Anti-Aging Guide (2025)
The neck is often called the "second face" in Korean beauty culture—and for good reason. While we diligently care for our facial skin, the neck often reveals our true age. Korea offers advanced treatments to address neck wrinkles (목주름) and restore a youthful neckline.
Understanding Neck Wrinkles
Types of Neck Wrinkles
| Type | Cause | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal lines | Repeated folding, aging | Ring-like bands across neck |
| Vertical bands | Platysma muscle aging | Rope-like cords |
| Crepey texture | Collagen loss, sun damage | Thin, papery skin |
| Tech neck | Looking down at devices | Premature horizontal lines |
| Turkey neck | Skin laxity, fat accumulation | Sagging under chin/jaw |
Why the Neck Ages Faster
- Thinner skin than face (fewer oil glands)
- Less attention in skincare routines
- Constant movement and folding
- Sun exposure often neglected
- Limited fat cushion
Neck Treatments Available in Korea
1. Nefertiti Lift (Botox)
Named after the Egyptian queen known for her elegant neck, this treatment uses Botox to relax the platysma muscle.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What it treats | Vertical bands, jawline definition |
| How it works | Relaxes platysma muscle pulling down on jaw |
| Duration | 3-6 months |
| Price | ₩100,000 - ₩400,000 |
| Downtime | None |
2. Skin Botox (Mesobotox)
Diluted Botox injected superficially across the neck skin.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What it treats | Fine lines, pore size, texture |
| How it works | Relaxes superficial muscles, tightens skin |
| Duration | 3-4 months |
| Price | ₩100,000 - ₩300,000 |
| Downtime | None |
3. HIFU (Ulthera/Shrink) for Neck
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for deeper lifting.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What it treats | Sagging, turkey neck, deep wrinkles |
| How it works | Heats SMAS layer, triggers collagen |
| Duration | 12-18 months |
| Price | ₩300,000 - ₩800,000 |
| Downtime | Mild swelling 1-3 days |
4. Thread Lift for Neck
PDO or PCL threads inserted to lift and stimulate collagen.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What it treats | Sagging, vertical bands, texture |
| How it works | Physical lift + collagen stimulation |
| Duration | 12-24 months |
| Price | ₩300,000 - ₩1,500,000 |
| Downtime | 3-7 days |
5. Skin Boosters
Injectable hydration treatments for neck rejuvenation.
| Product | Effect | Price per session |
|---|---|---|
| Rejuran | Healing, texture | ₩150,000 - ₩300,000 |
| Juvelook | Collagen, volume | ₩200,000 - ₩400,000 |
| Sculptra | Collagen building | ₩300,000 - ₩500,000 |
| Profhilo | Deep hydration | ₩200,000 - ₩400,000 |
6. Laser Treatments
| Laser Type | Purpose | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fractional CO2 | Resurfacing | ₩200,000 - ₩500,000 |
| Pico Laser | Texture, pigment | ₩50,000 - ₩150,000 |
| RF (Thermage) | Tightening | ₩500,000 - ₩1,500,000 |
Price Comparison
| Treatment | Price (KRW) | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neck Skin Booster (1cc) | ₩99,000+ | $76+ | 3-6 months |
| Nefertiti Lift | ₩100,000 - ₩400,000 | $77 - $308 | 3-6 months |
| Neck HIFU | ₩300,000 - ₩800,000 | $231 - $615 | 12-18 months |
| Neck Thread Lift | ₩300,000 - ₩1,500,000 | $231 - $1,154 | 12-24 months |
| Neck Thermage | ₩500,000 - ₩1,500,000 | $385 - $1,154 | 12-24 months |
Treatment Selection by Concern
Horizontal Lines (Tech Neck/Necklace Lines)
Best options:
- Filler injection (direct filling) - ₩100,000-300,000
- Skin boosters (Rejuran, Juvelook) - Multiple sessions
- HIFU + Skin booster combination
Why these work: Horizontal lines are creases that need filling or skin thickening.
Vertical Bands (Platysma Bands)
Best options:
- Nefertiti Lift (Botox) - Primary treatment
- Thread lift - For significant bands
- HIFU - For accompanying laxity
Why these work: Botox relaxes the muscle causing the bands.
Turkey Neck / Sagging
Best options:
- Thread lift - Immediate lift
- HIFU/Ulthera - Deep tightening
- InMode - Fat reduction + tightening
Why these work: Address both skin laxity and underlying tissue.
Crepey Texture
Best options:
- Sculptra/Juvelook - Collagen building
- Fractional laser - Resurfacing
- RF microneedling (Potenza)
Why these work: Increase skin thickness and collagen density.
Combination Treatment Plans
Comprehensive Neck Rejuvenation
| Session | Treatments | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | HIFU + Skin Booster | ₩500,000 |
| Week 4 | Nefertiti Lift | ₩200,000 |
| Week 8 | Skin Booster | ₩200,000 |
| Total | ₩900,000 ($692) |
Budget-Friendly Approach
| Session | Treatments | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Skin Botox | ₩150,000 |
| Week 4 | Rejuran | ₩200,000 |
| Week 8 | Maintenance Botox | ₩150,000 |
| Total | ₩500,000 ($385) |
Premium Package
| Session | Treatments | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Ulthera Neck + Sculpt | ₩800,000 |
| Week 2 | Thread Lift | ₩800,000 |
| Week 6 | Profhilo | ₩300,000 |
| Total | ₩1,900,000 ($1,462) |
Results Timeline
| Treatment | First Results | Peak Results | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botox/Nefertiti | 3-5 days | 2 weeks | 3-6 months |
| HIFU | 2-4 weeks | 3-6 months | 12-18 months |
| Thread Lift | Immediate | 1-2 months | 12-24 months |
| Skin Boosters | 1-2 weeks | 1-3 months | 6-12 months |
| Lasers | 2-4 weeks | 2-3 months | 6-12 months |
Side Effects and Downtime
| Treatment | Common Side Effects | Downtime |
|---|---|---|
| Botox | Mild bruising, swelling | None |
| HIFU | Redness, swelling, tenderness | 1-3 days |
| Threads | Swelling, bruising, tightness | 3-7 days |
| Skin Boosters | Bumps, bruising | 1-3 days |
| Lasers | Redness, peeling | 3-7 days |
Prevention Tips
Daily Habits
- Extend skincare to neck: Every product you use on face
- SPF on neck daily: Often-neglected area
- Posture awareness: Reduce "tech neck"
- Sleep position: Avoid chin-to-chest positions
Product Recommendations
| Product Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Retinol | Collagen stimulation |
| Vitamin C | Antioxidant, brightening |
| Peptides | Firming |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Hydration |
| SPF 50+ | Protection |
Tips for International Visitors
Before Treatment
- Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, fish oil) for 1 week
- Come with clean skin
- Prepare photos of your concerns
- Research treatment options in advance
Questions to Ask
- Which treatment is best for my type of wrinkles?
- How many sessions will I need?
- Can treatments be combined in one visit?
- What's the expected downtime?
- When will I see results?
Timing Your Trip
- Quick treatments: Botox, boosters (minimal downtime)
- Plan recovery: Threads, HIFU (allow 3-5 days)
- Avoid before events: Any treatment should be 2+ weeks before important occasions
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Neck treatments carry specific risks depending on the procedure. Results vary by individual. Consult with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for personalized recommendations.
Conclusion
Korea offers comprehensive solutions for neck rejuvenation, from quick lunchtime procedures like Botox to intensive treatments like thread lifts. With prices significantly lower than Western countries and highly experienced practitioners, it's an ideal destination for addressing this often-neglected area.
The key is matching the right treatment to your specific concerns—horizontal lines, vertical bands, and sagging each require different approaches.
Want more anti-aging options? Check out our Ulthera HIFU guide or Thread Lift guide.