Have you heard the saying that you can tell someone’s age by looking at their neck? Well, this statement does have some truth to it. As we age, our necks tend to droop, leaving us with unwanted lines, wrinkles and creases. This refers to turkey neck and while harmless, is often undesirable. Sagging neck skin and excess fat pockets are telltale signs of ageing. They occur when our muscles weaken and our skin loses elasticity. If you’re concerned about your neck wrinkle or lines in neck, there are treatments.
The most popular neck tightening treatment for a turkey neck is neck lift surgery. And while there are other remedies available, none are quite as reliable. To learn more about the causes, prevention and treatment, read on.
What Is a Turkey Neck?
A turkey neck is a common condition that refers to neck sagging and wrinkle on neck.
It may present as:
- Loose or excess skin that hangs from under the chin
- Shallow or deep lines on neck
- Fatty pockets along the neck
- Deep horizontal folds across the neck
- Loose, verticle bands that hang down the centre of the neck. This is usually a result of loose platysma muscles.
Unfortunately, a saggy neck can make us appear older than we feel. It may impact how we feel about our appearance. Excess neck fat can also lead to the formation of a double chin.
If you have any of the above symptoms and are unhappy with the appearance of your neck, neck line treatment can help.
What Causes Turkey Neck?
There are several reasons why loose skin forms. Yet, the primary cause is the natural ageing process. Causes of turkey neck skin include:
Ageing
As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin. These two proteins keep our skin plump, hydrated and youthful-looking. With less of these proteins, our skin cannot ‘bounce back’ like it used to, causing neck aging and sagging.
Genetics
Genetics can play a role too as some people are more prone to developing neck laxity compared to others. If your parents or grandparents had loose and saggy neck skin, it’s likely that you’ll develop it too.
Weight Fluctuations
Sudden weight loss or gain can cause turkey neck. When we lose weight, our skin may become loose and saggy. When we gain weight, fat cells can accumulate in the neck area, causing a double chin.
Sun Damage
Over time, exposure to UV rays can damage our skin and lead to saggy neck skin. Excessive sun exposure can not only make our skin weak, but it can also damage the texture of our skin. This can lead to a wrinkly neck and fine lines.
Smoking
Smokers are more likely to develop a lax neck than non-smokers. This is because smoking breaks down collagen and elastin, causing the skin to sag.
Poor Posture
Bad posture can contribute to a wrinkly neck. When we slouch or look down at our phones for long periods of time, it can lead to wrinkles and lines on the neck.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
An unhealthy lifestyle that includes a poor diet, lack of exercise, lack of sleep and dehydration can also cause an aged neck. This is because these habits can cause our skin to become dull, dry and saggy.
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Facial Rejuvenation
How to Prevent Turkey Neck?
There are several things you can do to prevent turkey neck, including:
- Protect your skin from the sun: Be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. Apply it to your face and neck every few hours, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
- Stop smoking: If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your skin – and your overall health. Talk to your GP about ways to quit smoking.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, exercising and getting enough sleep can help keep your skin looking its best.
- Practice good posture: Be mindful of your posture throughout the day. Sit up straight and avoid looking down at your phone or computer for long periods of time.
How to Get Rid of Turkey Neck? At-Home Remedies
There are many treatments available for turkey neck. They range from temporary, at-home remedies to long-lasting surgical procedures. Treatments vary in invasiveness and effectiveness, so it’s important to do your research on which treatment may be best for you.
The following at-home remedies may help improve the appearance of neck lines or a saggy neck. Ways to fix turkey neck naturally include:
Apply Retinoid and/or Firming Creams
Retinoids are a type of Vitamin A that can help improve the appearance of the neck by increasing collagen production. Apply a retinoid cream to your neck every night before bed. Also, firming creams can help tighten and tone saggy skin. Look for a firming cream that contains ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid or glycolic acid.
Neck Exercises
Exercising the muscles in your neck can help strengthen them and improve loose neck muscles. Try doing some neck tightening exercises a few times a week.
Neck Tightening Devices
Using at-home devices that use electrical stimulation or radio frequency may tighten and tone the skin. Try these anti-aging devices for 10-15 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week.
Please note that the above procedures do not guarantee results and are best suited for those with mild neck sagging. It’s not possible to get neck lift results from a jar, so beware when purchasing products and get as informed as possible.
Getting Rid of Turkey Neck – Medical Procedures
If the above at-home remedies don’t improve the appearance of turkey neck, there are some medical procedures that can help. Other wrinkled neck treatment includes:
Cosmetic Injectables
Anti-wrinkle injectables can reduce the appearance of platysmal bands (the vertical lines at the front of the neck). And, dermal filler can fill in creases along the neck. Both of these treatments are temporary fixes and cannot address saggy skin. Rather they are better suited to mild cases of neck laxity, lines and wrinkles.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) is a type of treatment that uses the patient’s own blood for an anti-aging effect. This treatment can help your body produce more collagen and elastin proteins in the area where you inject it.
Radiofrequency Treatment
Radiofrequency treatment is a type of procedure that uses heat to tighten and smooth the skin. It can be done alone or in combination with other treatments, like PRP.
Turkey Neck Surgery
Surgery for turkey neck refers to surgical procedures that address neck sag. Neck lift is a surgery that can tighten neck skin. As well as neck skin tightening, it can also involve tightening neck muscles or sucking out fat from under the chin.
Best Treatment for Turkey Neck – Dr Doyle’s Recommendation
Dr Doyle believes that plastic surgery is the most effective turkey neck treatment. Surgery is the best way to remove turkey neck and create a more youthful appearance.
Neck Lift
Neck lift surgery is the most common treatment for turkey neck. During this procedure, excess skin and fat is removed and the underlying muscles are tightened. The result is a less saggy neck and an overall more youthful appearance.
Chin and Neck Liposuction
Chin and neck liposuction are procedures that can help to improve the appearance of the neck by removing excess fat from the area. This can create a more defined jawline and reduce a double chin.
Often – when a patient presents with older age and excess chin fat, the recommended treatment is a combination of these two procedures. This is because liposucking the fat from the neck can cause leftover loose skin. So then Dr Doyle will need to stretch the skin, remove excess and redrape it. This leaves a smooth and contoured appearance that appears more youthful.
Getting rid of turkey neck starts with a consultation. If you’re considering plastic surgery, it’s important to consult with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, like Dr Doyle, to learn what treatment might be best for you.
Turkey Neck Treatment Before After
The following images are Dr Doyle’s real patient’s turkey neck surgery before and after photos. *Remember each patient is different and will have unique and varying results.
Neck Rejuvenation: How to Take Care of Your Neck Skin
Here are some tips to take care of your neck skin and prevent lines, wrinkles and sagging from worsening with time:
- Apply sunscreen daily with an SPF 30 or higher.
- Exfoliate your neck once a week with a physical or chemical exfoliator.
- Apply a retinol cream to your neck every night.
- Use a hyaluronic acid serum on your neck every day.
- Apply a vitamin C serum to your neck every day.
No matter how well you take care of your skin or how healthy you live, you will eventually see lines and wrinkles on your neck. However, there are solutions to tighten saggy neck skin if needed.
When it comes to getting plastic surgery, it is important to choose the right doctor. Make sure to consult with a specialist surgeon so you can be sure that the operation is done correctly. Do not trust your appearance to an unqualified doctor.
FAQ
How to Reduce Turkey Neck?
The best way to remove sagging neck skin is with plastic surgery. Neck lift and neck liposuction surgery are the most reliable and effective treatments for turkey neck.
How to Avoid Turkey Neck?
While turkey neck is primarily caused by ageing, there are things we can do to prevent it. These include wearing sunscreen, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
How to Get Rid of Wrinkles on Neck?
For mild wrinkling, anti-wrinkle injections can be used to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles and lines in your neck. Dermal filler and/or PRP therapy may also help you achieve a smoother neck appearance.
How to Get Rid of Lines on Neck?
Hydration, quality skin care, exfoliation, wearing sunscreen and not smoking are all ways to reduce lines on the neck. As well as this, try to set up an ergonomic workspace and avoid looking down at your phone or computer for too long.
Next Steps – Book a Consultation with Dr Doyle
If you’re interested in cosmetic surgery to get rid of turkey neck, contact Dr Doyle’s office for a consultation. He will assess your individual case and recommend the best treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results. To book an appointment, call 5598 0988 or submit a confidential enquiry form.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plast) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience. He specialises in face lift surgery in Gold Coast and Brisbane, and also offers a range of body and breast procedures.
Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Doctor and surgeon. He has completed all required training to be a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and is driven by an committed to providing excellent standards of care.
NEXT STEPS
Do Your Research
- Read the Website and Blogs relevant to your procedure
- Read our Frequently Asked Questions
- Learn about the Risks and Complications of Surgery
- Download our Plastic Surgery Guides
- Browse Dr Doyle’s YouTube Channel
What to Bring to Your Plastic Surgeon Consultation
- Bring a friend or relative for support and discussion regarding your choices
- Take notes and read all provided information thoroughly
- Read about what to expect in your Initial Surgery Consultation
Book Your Plastic Surgery Consultation
- Get a Referral from your GP or specialist – this is required to book a consultation with Dr. Doyle.
- Email us or call on 07 5598 0988 to arrange your consultation appointment.
- Pay your $285 Consultation Fee in advance to secure your consultation.
Please contact us to arrange to book a consultation with our Specialist Plastic Surgeon or to speak with our Patient Care Advisor.
Send an enquiry form today or phone 07 5598 0988 during Clinic Hours.
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*DISCLAIMER: All information on Dr Mark Doyle website is general and is not intended to be medical advice nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Results can vary significantly and depend on individual patient circumstances. All images on this website, unless specified as real patient images, are stock images used for illustrative purposes only. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your surgeon. Book a consult for details regarding your cosmetic surgery procedure.
Dr. Mark Doyle AHPRA Registration: Dr Mark Doyle MED0001375519 Specialist Plastic Surgery – MBBS FRACS FRCS
