“Turkey neck. ” It happens to us all. No matter how fresh looking you’re able to keep your face, the neck will divulge your age. In her hilarious book I Feel Bad about My Neck, author Nora Ephron stated, “Our faces are lies and our necks are the truth.” To determine the age of a redwood tree, you must cut it open, but if the tree had a neck, you wouldn’t have to. ”.
Perhaps you’ve tried neck-tightening exercises, the best neck-firming creams, neck-lift tape, or something else entirely, and you know the results are negligible to nonexistent. It’s time to think about turkey-neck treatments, which only a professional can provide, if you’re serious about getting rid of the loose, wrinkled, or ropey neck skin. For the most dramatic results, surgical procedures are usually the best choice. Not ready for surgery? You also have a growing number of exciting non-invasive options for improving turkey neck.
Hey there, beauty enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of “turkey neck,” a common aging concern that affects many people. We’ll explore what it looks like what causes it and most importantly, how to get rid of it.
What is a Turkey Neck?
A turkey neck, also known as “loose neck skin,” “sagging neck,” or “platysmal bands,” is a condition characterized by loose, wrinkled skin on the neck It often appears as vertical bands or cords running down the front of the neck, resembling the neck of a turkey.
What Causes a Turkey Neck?
Several factors contribute to the development of a turkey neck, including:
- Aging: As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity and collagen, leading to sagging and wrinkles.
- Sun exposure: UV rays from the sun damage collagen and elastin, accelerating the aging process.
- Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to developing a turkey neck.
- Weight fluctuations: Significant weight loss can cause the skin to lose its elasticity and sag.
- Smoking: Smoking damages collagen and elastin, contributing to wrinkles and sagging skin.
How to Get Rid of a Turkey Neck
The good news is that there are several ways to treat a turkey neck, depending on its severity and your personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Botox injections: Botox can temporarily relax the muscles that contribute to the appearance of vertical bands on the neck.
- Laser skin tightening: Various lasers can heat and tighten the skin without surgery, offering mild to moderate improvement.
- Ultherapy: This non-invasive treatment uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer and tighter skin.
- Thermage: Similar to Ultherapy, Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin.
- Topical creams: Retinoids and other topical creams can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Surgical Treatments:
- Neck lift: This surgical procedure removes excess skin and tightens the underlying muscles, resulting in a smoother and more youthful neck.
- Platysmaplasty: This surgery focuses on tightening the platysmal muscles, the vertical bands that contribute to the turkey neck appearance.
- Liposuction: This procedure removes excess fat from the neck, which can contribute to a sagging appearance.
- Facial fat transfer: This procedure involves transferring fat from another part of the body to the face and neck, adding volume and reducing wrinkles.
Choosing the Right Treatment:
The best treatment for you depends on the severity of your turkey neck, your budget, and your desired outcome. It’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and determine the best course of action.
Additional Tips:
- Protect your skin from the sun: Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.
- Quit smoking: Smoking accelerates skin aging and worsens the appearance of a turkey neck.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Avoid significant weight fluctuations, which can contribute to sagging skin.
- Use skincare products: Use topical creams containing retinol or other ingredients that can improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
Remember, a turkey neck is a common aging concern that can be effectively treated. By exploring your options and choosing the right treatment, you can achieve a smoother, more youthful neck and boost your confidence.
P.S. If you’re looking for more information on turkey neck treatments, check out the resources below:
- California Skin Institute: https://www.californiaskininstitute.com/a-reason-to-be-thankful-turkey-neck-treatments-that-work/
- Scripps Health: https://www.scripps.org/news_items/7103-how-to-fix-turkey-neck-with-plastic-surgery
Disclaimer: I am an AI chatbot and cannot provide medical advice. The information provided above is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Whittle down the wattle
Actual CSI patient. Courtesy of Greg S. Morganroth, MD.
Many non-invasive technologies that work well for shaving off a double chin will also help with this kind of turkey neck if you have excess fat hammocking under your chin. Your doctor may recommend a highly targeted procedure to reduce neck fat, such as:
- Kybella: This injectable is designed to reduce fat, particularly beneath the chin. It breaks down fat cells with deoxycholic acid so your body can eliminate them for a long-lasting, naturally occurring improvement.
- CoolSculpting: Using an exclusive neck applicator, this machine penetrates adipose tissue without damaging skin, destroying fat cells with extreme cold.
Why does the neck look older?
Like all skin, your neck can age due to a variety of factors, including genetics, severe weight loss, the breakdown of collagen and elastin, and sun exposure. Yet, there are other elements that can work particularly on the neck to make it appear older than the rest of your body.
Thin, weak and delicate skin and muscle cover the neck. Twisting, stretching, gravity’s pull, and any pockets of subcutaneous fat add up to aging year after year. Most people notice neck skin beginning to significantly sag and wrinkle around the age of 40. Additionally, at that point, the underlying platysmal muscles begin to loosen and detach, revealing their edges as vertical bands that run from the collarbone to the chin through thinning skin.
What you see is turkey neck. You can choose to accept it. You can try to hide it with scarves and turtlenecks. Or you can visit a medical professional for effective treatment, whether surgery or a more conservative approach.