The extra tissue that develops beneath the jawline and gives the appearance of the area of flesh hanging beneath a turkey’s neck is referred to as a “turkey wattle.” The affected person appears years older than they actually are when they have such a look. A lower rhytidectomy, or a neck lift, is the perfect surgical procedure to get rid of this problem.
Although having a turkey wattle makes one feel self-conscious, not everyone decides to seek treatment. In addition to fixing the problem, the neck lift reshapes the neck and gives the face a more youthful appearance.
Over time, muscles begin to sag. This includes the platysma muscles, which stretch from the collarbone to the jawline. When these muscles hang down, it creates the look of a turkey wattle. Sagging fatty tissue and hanging skin in the area add to this problem.
Skin, fat, and muscle tissue are all addressed during a neck lift. With this procedure, patients will have a beautifully contoured neck after the excess tissues are removed and the remaining tissues are tightened.
The vibrant red appendage dangling from a turkey’s neck has a name: the wattle This fleshy, bumpy skin plays a crucial role in the life of a turkey, serving multiple functions that contribute to its survival and reproduction
Beyond the Name: A Tale of Two Appendages
While the wattle is the most prominent feature on a turkey’s neck, it’s not the only one. The long, fleshy piece extending from the bird’s forehead is called a “snood.” Both wattles and snoods are present in both male and female turkeys, but they are significantly more pronounced in males, also known as toms.
The Alluring Appeal: Attracting a Mate
During mating season, the wattle plays a crucial role in attracting a mate. As the tom attempts to woo a hen, extra blood rushes to the wattle, causing it to swell and turn a vibrant scarlet color. This visual display serves as a signal of the tom’s health and vigor, making him more appealing to potential mates
Beyond Beauty: A Multifunctional Marvel
The wattle’s functions extend beyond mere aesthetics. It also serves as a crucial thermoregulatory mechanism, helping the turkey regulate its body temperature. When the weather is hot, the wattle releases excess heat, preventing the bird from overheating. This is particularly important for turkeys, as their dark feathers absorb a significant amount of heat.
A Mood Ring for Turkeys: Reflecting Internal States
The wattle’s color can also provide insights into the turkey’s emotional state. When a turkey is scared or threatened, the blood retracts from the wattle, causing it to appear blue. Conversely, if a turkey is ill, the wattle and snood will become very pale or almost white in color.
A Widespread Feature: Beyond the Turkey’s Domain
Wattles are not exclusive to turkeys. These fleshy appendages can be found in various bird species, including roosters, plovers, pheasants, storks, bellbirds, and cassowaries. Each species utilizes wattles in unique ways, reflecting the diverse adaptations found in the avian world.
The wattle, with its vibrant color and multifaceted functions, serves as a testament to the remarkable adaptations found in the natural world. It highlights the intricate interplay between form and function, showcasing how even seemingly insignificant features can play a vital role in an animal’s survival and reproductive success. So, the next time you encounter a turkey, take a moment to appreciate the wattle, a symbol of adaptation and diversity in the avian kingdom.
Recovering After a Neck Lift
Drainage tubes may be inserted in the surgical area after neck-lift surgery. This is done to remove any excess fluid so that complications like hematomas and seromas can be avoided. These tubes are taken out during a follow-up appointment, as are external stitches.
Once your neck lift is finished and you have returned home, you will need to rest and recover. It is vital that you follow Dr. Patel’s post-surgical care directions closely. This will help avoid complications and can shorten the overall time the healing process takes.
While you are healing, you will be dealing with a degree of bruising and swelling in the neck. This may be accompanied by tenderness and pain. These issues will be temporary and in many cases can be treated using cold compresses and other methods.
As soon as the swelling is gone, the new contours of the patient’s neck will be apparent. The patient will no longer have their turkey wattle and will look more youthful.
How Is the Neck-Lift Procedure Carried Out?
Depending on how much tissue needs to be removed, the simple neck lift procedure can take two to three hours to finish. General anesthesia is administered to the patient at the beginning of the procedure to help them remain pain-free and comfortable.
Incisions are then made behind the ears or beneath the chin (sometimes in both locations). Excess sagging skin is trimmed with the help of a scalpel. Drooping platysmal muscle tissues are rejoined and tightened using internal sutures. Excess fat in the area is removed using precise liposuction.
Once this process is complete, the remaining skin is redraped tightly. The incisions are closed with the help of surgical stitches.
Tips for Preventing Signs of Aging Like ‘Turkey Neck’
FAQ
What is the flap on a turkey’s throat?
What is the thing on the turkey neck?
What’s that weird wobbly thing on a turkey’s neck?
What are the parts of a turkey neck?
What’s that thing that hangs off a turkey’s face?
What’s That Thing That Hangs Off a Turkey’s Face? That thing is called a snood. And it’s there to let the other turkeys know that its owner is kind of a big deal. When a male turkey—known as a tom —wants to mate, he faces two hurdles. One is his potential mates, the female turkeys (a.k.a. hens ).
Why do turkeys have a wattle?
When it is hot, the wattle can release excess heat. Turkeys don’t sweat, and because their feathers are dark colored, they absorb a lot of heat on hot, sunny days. The skin on their wattle and their bare neck helps them release some of this excess heat, according to the Audubon Society. The wattle can be a little like a mood ring, too.
What does a Turkey snood look like?
This fleshy, bumpy skin has a name: the wattle. It’s different from the long piece of flesh that grows down from the bird’s forehead, which is called a “snood,” according to PBS. Snoods can be short, sticking up like a horn, or long, extending past the nose. The fleshy bumps on the turkey’s head and neck are called caruncles.
Why do turkeys have wattles and snoods?
The fleshy bumps on the turkey’s head and neck are called caruncles. Both male and female wild turkeys have both wattles and snoods, but they are much more prominent and noticeable in males, called toms. This is helpful during mating season, when extra blood rushes to the wattle, giving it a bright scarlet color.