Neck wrinkles: The latest thing your smartphone does!

Yes, unfortunately, it may be true. The term “tech neck” is evolving: No longer does it just mean having the danger of hunched-over shoulders and a sore back — now it has a cosmetic meaning, too.

Numerous beauty articles are citing early-onset neck wrinkles as an unsightly effect of our technology dependence. It is hard to argue against the fact that we look down a LOT more than we used to, and it is a medical fact that excessive bending/flexing of the thin neck muscles does contribute to wrinkling. Combine the two and, well, it might be time to start looking up rather than down!

However, a wrinkly neck cannot only be blamed on smartphones; the loss of collagen and elasticity as we age is normal, and it can snowball with outside factors (sun exposure, dry atmosphere, etc) to make necks look “looser” than they are. Making sure to wear adequate sunscreen on both the face AND neck will help, and, of course, try holding your phone at eye level. It just might make all the difference.

If you already have “tech neck,” don’t worry: Dr. Yagoda is a neck expert who will have you looking good as new in no time.

The new reason to travel to Turkey…. for Hair!

Traveling to Turkey for…. Hair?

Yes! Medical tourism, long associated with surgical procedures such as facelifts, injections, etc, is now expanding to the hairline. The newest trend experts are seeing is travel for hair: Tourists are visiting Turkey for not only hair transplants, but facial hair transplants, too!

Recent numbers show over 15,000 people went to Turkey for the sole purpose of hair. Interestingly enough, very few of these patients are from Western countries: Most were, by far, from the Middle East. Early traction was gained by referrals: People reported back from Turkey that they received not just low-cost procedures, but they said the medical care was superior than in their home countries.

The trend can be associated with the change in male model aesthetics; now less feminine, most models strive for lush facial hair and chiseled jawlines. Although you might think Turkey is an odd choice, it is akin to Canadians traveling to the US — proximity to Arab countries is the main factor.

Unfortunately, you still have the same risks as with other medical tourism: less-educated “professional” doctors, iffy surgical centers, and the chance of complications. Although hair transplants are relatively safe and simple, it is up to the consumer to do the proper research – and not just book a trip based on price. We highly recommend staying close to home when doing any surgery or medical procedure, unless you are very familiar with the doctor you are traveling to.