It’s finally happened. Your nana’s sagging jawline has made an unwelcome appearance on your face. What’s started as a little softness under your chin has become a full-fledged gobbler.
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“What is known as ‘turkey neck’ is a problem with your neck’s skin, fat, or underlying muscle, or a combination of the three,” says plastic surgeon Martin Newman, MD. ” “It’s often a sign of aging, but younger people can experience it, too. There are many ways to address it, depending on the cause and what kind of results you want. ”.
Dr. As Newman explains, there are numerous nonsurgical and surgical techniques that can be used to treat or completely eradicate turkey neck.
The dreaded “turkey neck,” that loose, sagging skin beneath the chin, can be a source of frustration for men of all ages. While it’s often associated with aging, weight fluctuations, and genetics, the good news is that there are effective ways to combat this aesthetic concern and restore a more youthful, defined jawline.
Understanding the Causes of Turkey Neck
Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand the factors contributing to turkey neck. These include:
- Aging: As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity and collagen, leading to sagging and wrinkles.
- Weight fluctuations: Significant weight loss can leave excess skin in the neck area.
- Genetics: Some people are simply predisposed to developing turkey neck due to their family history.
- Sun exposure: Damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays can accelerate skin aging and contribute to sagging.
- Poor posture: Hunching forward can worsen the appearance of turkey neck.
Non-Surgical Options for Tackling Turkey Neck
There are various viable options available for men who want to treat turkey neck without resorting to surgery:
- Botox (botulinum toxin type A): Botox injections relax the muscles in the neck, reducing the appearance of bands and wrinkles. This minimally invasive treatment requires multiple injections and typically lasts 3-4 months.
- Hyo neck lift: This non-surgical procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid fillers into the neck area to add volume and lift the skin. The results can last up to 18 months.
- MST operation: This minimally invasive procedure uses radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production. It requires minimal downtime and can provide long-lasting results.
- Skin tightening laser: Laser treatments can stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin, leading to a smoother, more youthful appearance. Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results.
- Z-plasty: This surgical procedure involves rearranging the skin in the neck area to remove excess skin and tighten the remaining tissue. It is a more invasive option but can provide significant improvement.
Lifestyle Changes for a More Defined Jawline
In addition to these treatments, incorporating lifestyle changes can further enhance your results and prevent future sagging:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Avoiding significant weight fluctuations can help prevent excess skin in the neck area.
- Protect your skin from the sun: Wear sunscreen daily and avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Practice good posture: Stand and sit with your back straight and your head held high.
- Facial exercises: Certain facial exercises can help strengthen the muscles in the neck and jawline.
Choosing the Right Treatment for You
The best approach for addressing turkey neck depends on the severity of the condition, your individual preferences and your budget. Consulting with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help you determine the most suitable treatment option for your specific needs.
Embracing a More Defined You
By addressing turkey neck men can regain a more youthful defined jawline, boosting their confidence and self-esteem. Whether you opt for non-surgical treatments or surgical intervention, remember that taking action to improve your appearance can have a significant positive impact on your overall well-being.
What’s a turkey neck?
“Turkey neck” may not be an official medical term, but people know it when they see it.
“Patients are not happy with how their faces appear from the front or in profile due to extra skin, soft tissue, and relaxed neck muscles,” says Dr. Newman. These neck issues may have an effect on the cervicomental angle, which is the angle created where your lower jaw meets your neck. As a result, your neck looks like it’s drooping and less defined. ”.
What causes a turkey neck?
Dr. Newman says these six factors can cause turkey neck:
- Aging: Your skin naturally loses elasticity as you get older. “The skin on your cheeks starts to descend as gravity takes over,” says Dr. Newman. The skin on your cheeks then collects in the area beneath your jaw and in your neck. ”.
- Weight: Putting on weight can cause extra fat to build up around your neck.
- Genetics: “People talk about having their mother’s neck or their father’s jaw all the time,” Dr. Newman says. Whether you are inclined to carry extra neck tissue or accumulate excess fat around your neck depends on your inherited anatomy or bone structure. ”.
- Lifestyle factors: An unhealthy diet, smoking, sun damage, and pollution from the environment can all affect how supple your skin is.
- Medication: Certain drugs may cause you to gain weight generally or to concentrate fat in specific body parts, like your neck. According to Dr., HIV lipodystrophy is a condition in which some anti-HIV medications cause fat to build up in the neck and other areas of the body. Newman says. Steroid use can also round out your face and increase neck fat.
- Your neck’s weak muscles are indicated by the presence of two platysma muscles on the front of the neck. “These muscles may weaken or separate with time, which can change how your neck looks,” Dr. Newman explains.
Tone A Turkey Neck With This 1 Minute Daily Facial Exercise
How do I get rid of Turkey Neck?
Here’s a list of common surgeries and medical procedures that can help get rid of turkey neck: Botox isn’t surgery by definition, but it is a time-consuming treatment done by specialists. It’s noninvasive and requires no recovery time. Results last about 3 to 4 months, and repeated injections are necessary to maintain firm skin.
How can I fix my neck pain?
Gentle streching, alternating ice pack with heat several times and massage can help in relieving neck pain. Mild analgesic spray, liniment or cream can also be used to relieve pain.
How long does it take to get rid of a turkey neck?
How long it takes to get rid of a turkey neck will depend on age, skin elasticity, and body composition. Younger people will have stronger skin elasticity and are less likely to have UV damage making it easier to tighten loose neck skin. And it’ll depend on if you’ve had a lot of weight loss and not enough muscle in your body.
Can Turkey Neck be cured naturally?
The best part is this can all be done naturally and at home. What Causes Turkey Neck? Turkey neck (also called neck wattle) is caused by the weakened skin under the neck and excess fat in the area making it sag.