What is a turkey neck?
Turkey necks develop as part of the ageing process. The skin and muscles on our necks lose their natural support and flexibility as we age. Collagen and elastin storage, as well as lipid deposits that give our skin structure and rigidity, diminish. We eventually develop a wrinkled and sagging neck.
Turkey necks often occur in your 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Excess neck skin or a turkey neck can be successfully treated.
What are the causes of turkey neck?
- Less elastic skin: As we grow older, we start to lose collagen, a protein found in the middle layer of our skin. Collagen gives the tissue on top of it support and structure. The existing collagen in your body dissolves when collagen production slows and, over time, your skin loses its elasticity. As a result, the neck ages and you may develop a turkey neck, which is characterised by droopy and loose neck skin.
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Weak muscles: The state of your muscles may also play a role in developing a turkey neck. To begin with, weak neck muscles deteriorate over time. These muscles lose their ability to support the skin. As a result, your skin lacks the support it requires to return to its normal position. Your muscles may not feel any different, but as your muscles lose their rigidity, your skin sags.
- UV Exposure: UV (ultraviolet) exposure is the next cause of a turkey neck. Your neck has some of the thinnest skin on your entire body. It is extremely prone to UV radiation damage. Even though the neck is vulnerable to UV damage, many people do not look after it. Many people apply sunscreen to their faces but not to their necks. This can further add to the creation of a turkey neck.
- Fat distribution: Fat distribution is the last cause of a turkey neck. Some people are born with more fat under their chins and around their necks than others. Turkey necks are more common among people who have excess fat under their chins and around their necks because extra fat can cause the skin to stretch and fold. Gaining weight can also result in a turkey neck. The appearance of the turkey neck may be aggravated due to this.
- Weight loss: Losing weight can make the turkey skin more prominant. Often people ask will losing weight help a turkey neck. There is no straight answer. If the skin is lax then in many instacnes the turkey neck will not improve. And in some instances the loss of fat can make it look worse.
Can exercises help neck muscles for a turkey neck?
Exercise of the facial neck muscles on a regular basis might help the appearance of a turkey neck and improve the look of loose and wrinkled skin. It can also improve blood circulation in the neck, making it appear tighter and trimmer.
There are, however, no credible studies to determine whether these workouts are effective. Although exercise benefits your health and can tone your muscles, it does not remove excess skin. As a result, while exercises may help tighten your neck muscles, the skin on top of them may not.
The following are some of the most widely recommended facial exercises:
Forehead push:
- Lay one hand on your forehead.
- Push your head against your hand and keep it from moving forward.
- Hold this position for a total of ten seconds.
- Then, with both hands behind your head and your neck pushed backwards, hold for 10 seconds.
Kiss:
- Sit up straight in your seat.
- Close your lips and lift your head so your chin points to the ceiling.
- As if you're giving a kiss, pout your lips.
- Try to repeat 20 times.
Chew:
- Sit up straight in your seat.
- Raise your chin to the ceiling by lifting your head back.
- Make a chewing motion with your mouth while keeping your lips closed.
- Repeat 20 times more.
Neck lift:
- Lie down with your head hanging over the side of your bed.
- Lift your head as high as you can with your neck muscles, gently and carefully.
- Rep five times more.
- If you suffer neck pain, stop doing this exercise.
What non-surgical treatments can help a turkey neck? What are the best treatments for turkey neck?
Wrinkle relaxing injections and other injectables can help minimise the appearance of wrinkles and are popular turkey neck treatments. It involves little to no downtime and is quick to administer. However, you will need to come in for a treatment every 3 to 4 months to keep your results.
Laser skin tightening such as the Endolift, Thermage and Morpeus8 can help tighten sagging neck skin without surgery. They work by heating and tightening the skin of the neck. The results vary depending on the type of laser used; typically, a number of sessions are required to attain a result. The time off work is usually low, and the results can last for a year to 18 months. If you want a more permanent solution, with a better outcome then turkey neck surgery might be the best option.
Ultherapy is a turkey neck treatment that can help. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ultherapy, a non-surgical ultrasound device, for non-invasive neck and chin lifts. Ultherapy works by stimulating collagen production to develop younger-looking skin on the neck and chin. Ultherapy does this by using ultrasonic energy combined with targeted imaging to bypass the skin’s surface. Which allows the radio frequency to lift and support the skin’s deeper layers. Treatment lasts 12 to 18 months. If the turkey neck is very loose then surgery for turkey neck might be a better option.
What surgical procedures can get rid of a a turkey neck?
When it comes to effectively addressing a turkey neck, surgical procedures can offer significant and lasting results. One of the most common surgical options is a neck lift, also known as platysmaplasty. This procedure involves a board-certified plastic surgeon removing excess skin, tightening the underlying neck muscles, and repositioning the neck bands to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. A neck lift can provide permanent and long-lasting results, making it a popular choice for those looking to get rid of turkey necks.
In addition to neck lifts, facelifts (rhytidectomy) can also be performed to treat turkey necks. Facelifts involve tightening and lifting weak facial and neck muscles, which can help improve the overall contour of the neck and jawline. Both procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia and require a recovery period, but the results can be transformative.
At Kensington Medical our expert plastic surgeon can discuss the options with you in consultation. Turkey neck removal is a highly successful procedure.
Book a turkey neck removal consultation today. Or contact us to find out more information about turkey neck removal.
Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is crucial when considering a surgical procedure to get rid of a turkey neck. It’s essential to find a GMC specialist registered plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing neck lift and facelift procedures. A qualified plastic surgeon can help you achieve the desired results while minimising the risks and complications associated with surgery.
During your consultation, take the time to ask about the surgeon’s credentials, experience, and approach to the procedure. Request to see before-and-after photos of previous patients. Discuss the various procedure options available and ask for a detailed explanation of the recovery process. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you feel confident in your choice of surgeon.
Prevention and Maintenance
Preventing and maintaining healthy neck skin involves a combination of good skincare practices, a healthy diet, and lifestyle habits. Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial, as UV damage can lead to sagging skin and wrinkles. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen with a 50 SPF to your neck daily, even on cloudy days.
A consistent skincare routine can also help maintain skin elasticity and firmness. Look for products containing retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, which are known to support skin health. Plus incorporating facial exercises, such as neck stretches, chin tucks, and head lifts, can help strengthen the neck muscles and may improve the appearance of loose skin.
Maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can also support skin health. Staying hydrated and avoiding smoking can further help keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant.
What surgical procedures can a GMC specialist registered plastic surgeon use to get rid of a turkey neck?
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Fat transfer: Fat transfer can be performed to treat loose skin or excess skin caused by the natural loss of face fat. This procedure includes carefully extracting fat from one portion of the body and treating it to purify the fat's inherent cells. These cells are then injected into locations that need "plumping" or augmentation. Swelling may occur for two weeks after the fat transfer operation.
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Neck lift or turkey neck surgery: A neck lift surgical technique or turkey neck lift may be able to help you get rid of your turkey neck or turkey chin. Kensington Medical facial surgeons perform the procedure to tighten loose neck muscles and remove excess, sagging skin, giving the neck a smoother, firmer, and better-defined appearance. Typically, a neck lift is performed as a day case under general anaesthetic. Your cosmetic surgeon will make a small incision behind each ear, as well as a possible third small incision under the chin, which is not noticeable. The neck muscles will be tightened along with the underlying tissues and the surgoen will remove extra, sagging skin. This will result in a smoother, firmer and more youthful-looking neck. It is a popular procedure for people in their 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's.
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Lower face lift: a lolwer face lift or jowl lift can help to remove a turkey neck. It can also help to remove any jowls long the jawline area.
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Micro liposuction or chin liposuction can target a turkey neck. It can also be part of a combined neck lift with fat removal around the neck,chin area. Micro liposuction to the neck will remove any excess fat.
At Kensington Medical our expert plastic surgeon can discuss the options with you in consultation. Turkey neck removal is a highly successful procedure.
Book a turkey neck removal consultation today. Or contact us to find out more information about turkey neck removal.
What is the best turkey neck option for me?
To find out which turkey neck procedure is best for me call 0204 551 4892 to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist registered plastics surgeons or fill in the contact form.
Kensington Medical expert facial surgeons:
Mr David Gateley Consultant Plastic Surgeon GMC 2939470, MA FRCS, FRCS (Plast)
Mr Amir Sadri Consultant Plastic Surgeon GMC 6163656, FRCS (Plast)
Mr Paul Tulley Consultant Plastic Surgeon GMC 4035952, Bsc MB BS MD FRCS(Plas)
In the consultation, your surgeon will show you before and after photos, discuss the type of turkey neck procedure options that will work for your neck and explain the recovery process. Our facial plastic surgeons have carried out thousands of turkey neck lift procedures and will explain in detail what is best for you, along with the estimated recovery time.
For more information on neck lifts click here.
Conclusion
A turkey neck can be a source of insecurity for many people, but there are various treatment options available to address this concern. From non-surgical treatments like Botox, laser skin tightening, and facial enhancement procedures to surgical procedures suxh as liposuction, neck lifts and facelifts, there’s a solution for everyone. By understanding the causes of turkey neck and taking proactive steps to prevent and maintain healthy neck skin, you can achieve a more youthful and vibrant appearance.
To find out more or to book a consultation with one of our qualified plastic surgeon to find out what is best for you fill in thecontact us form below.