For women, part of looking young requires that we take care of the appearance of our chest area, or décolleté. So many of my female patients complain that they are not comfortable wearing low cut dresses and revealing tops because they have lines, wrinkles, blotches, and redness from cumulative exposure to the sun. Another reason that some women are not comfortable showing their décolleté is that they see a noticeable contrast between the skin of their faces, neck and chest.
Because the décolleté is thinner, with fewer oil glands, it is more susceptible to sun damage, aging and irritation and slower to heal from injury and age-related changes. The skin on the décolleté area is also more sensitive than skin on other parts of our body and has less elasticity as there is no fat tissue to act as a cushion. Consequently, this skin is more likely to have dryness and discoloration or hyperpigmentation.
A comprehensive anti-aging regimen must include the delicate and often overlooked area of the décolleté. As we approach our thirties and forties we may find ourselves wearing clothing, scarves and jewelry to cover up this area. However with the advancement of laser technologies and injectable treatments, we have the ability to remove dark spots and spider veins that cause redness and innovative ways to improve skin texture and fine to deep lines.
The first step in transforming the skin of the décolleté is an aesthetic consult and thorough medical history check. If the lines and wrinkles on your chest are the result of hyperactivity of the lower part of the platysma muscle, which is located under the skin of the neck and upper chest, the off label use of Botox Cosmetic can be used safely in this area to relax these muscles resulting in a more smooth and youthful appearance. Another highly effective treatment for the décolleté is to use hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm or Restylane, which are helpful to further correct any deeper lines and lift and restore the area back to the suppleness of youth.
If the lines of your decollete are static, meaning they are present at all times, steps must be taken to stimulate new collagen and rejuvenate the area. The first line of attack is specific light based treatments with wavelengths which target dark spots and redness due to broken capillaries. We use photo facial treatments to restore elasticity and improve texture and tone of the skin of the chest area. These treatments are fast, effective, and painless with no downtime, and are typically done in a series of four to six for best results.
Once a series of light treatments are completed, an overall laser resurfacing of the upper chest and décolleté can be done to gently smooth the entire chest area. Another option is microdermabrasion, which can be expanded from your face to the chest area to remove surface debris, dead skin and improve impurities. If you have occasional breakouts in this area, we may recommend a combination therapy of microdermabrasion and chemical peels for more effective acne fighting.
The next step is to use a physical or chemical sunblock daily to protect the décolleté from UV rays and environmental damage. A gentle daily exfoliation containing alpha hydroxy acids, followed by a retinol two to three times a week will keep skin firm and smooth. Finally a moisturizer which contains barrier lipids and hyaluronic acid provides moisture and highlights your new healthier skin.
When you are ready to show off your décolleté, try using a cream or powder bronzer between your breasts to highlight the area and attract the light.
DROP DEAD GORGEOUS DÉCOLLETÉ REGIME
- Cleanse your neck and chest area with a gentle cleanser mornings and evenings; avoid harsh detergents that may be too drying for delicate décolleté skin.
- Dry your skin carefully by patting the area with a towel
- Apply a specialty neck and décolleté moisturizer that contains active anti-aging ingredients
- Always use a generous amount of sunscreen – preferably SPF30 – to the décolleté area 20 minutes before you go outside.
- Twice weekly or as your skin tolerates it, use a gentle exfoliating treatment in the shower to remove dead skin.