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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According to plastic surgeon Martin Newman, MD, “what is known as ‘turkey neck’ is a problem with your neck’s skin, fat, or underlying muscle, or a combination of the three.” “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. Turkey neck can be improved or eliminated with a variety of nonsurgical and surgical methods, as explained by Newman.
Ah, the dreaded turkey neck. It’s not a Thanksgiving dish, but rather a common aging concern that affects many people. But what exactly is it, and what can you do about it?
What Does a Turkey Neck Look Like?
A turkey neck is characterized by loose, sagging skin on the neck, often accompanied by wrinkles and vertical bands It can also appear crepey and thin, with a loss of definition in the jawline.
What Causes Turkey Neck?
Several factors contribute to the development of turkey neck, including:
- Aging: As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for its elasticity and firmness. This leads to sagging and wrinkles.
- Sun damage: Excessive sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, accelerating the aging process.
- Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to developing turkey neck due to their genes.
- Weight fluctuations: Rapid weight loss or gain can stretch the skin, making it lose its elasticity.
- Poor posture: Looking down at your phone or computer all day can strain the neck muscles and contribute to sagging.
How to Identify a Turkey Neck:
- Sagging skin: The most obvious sign is loose, sagging skin on the neck.
- Wrinkles: Fine lines and wrinkles are common, especially around the neck and jawline.
- Vertical bands: These are deep creases that run vertically down the neck.
- Loss of jawline definition: The jawline may appear less defined, with a less sharp angle.
- Crepey skin: The skin may appear thin and wrinkled, resembling crepe paper.
Addressing Turkey Neck:
While there’s no magic wand to banish turkey neck, several options can help improve its appearance:
Non-surgical options:
- Skincare: A good skincare routine is essential for all skin types, including the neck. Use a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen daily. Look for products with ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, which can help improve skin elasticity and firmness.
- Facial exercises: While there’s limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness, some facial exercises may help strengthen neck muscles and improve skin tone.
- Cosmetic treatments: Injectables like Botox and fillers can temporarily smooth wrinkles and lift the skin.
Surgical options:
- Neck lift: This surgical procedure removes excess skin and tightens underlying muscles, resulting in a more youthful neck.
- Liposuction: This removes excess fat from the neck, creating a more defined jawline.
- Laser treatments: Non-invasive laser treatments can stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin.
Prevention is Key:
The best way to deal with turkey neck is to prevent it in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Protect your skin from the sun: Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Avoid yo-yo dieting and maintain a stable weight.
- Practice good posture: Keep your head and neck straight, and avoid hunching over.
- Use a moisturizer: Apply a moisturizer to your neck daily to keep the skin hydrated.
- Consider preventative treatments: Talk to your dermatologist about preventative treatments like Botox or fillers.
Remember, everyone’s skin ages differently. What works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to consult with a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional to discuss the best options for you.
Additional Resources:
- Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/turkey-neck
- YouTube video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_Tq7MdOqw1c
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article 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.
How to get rid of turkey neck
Choosing an effective turkey neck treatment depends on what’s causing it and your goals. Fortunately, there’s a smorgasbord of treatment options available. Dr. Newman breaks them down.
Dr. According to Newman, some people—though not always—notice a difference in the way their neck looks when they lose weight. It depends on the character and quality of your skin.
“If you’re young with healthy skin, your skin may retract on its own after weight loss,” he says. But, even after losing weight, you might not notice much of an improvement if you smoke, are older, or have wrinkled, dehydrated skin. ”.
What’s a turkey neck?
“Turkey neck” may not be an official medical term, but people know it when they see it.
“Due to extra skin, soft tissue, and relaxed neck muscles, patients are not happy with how their faces appear in profile or from the front,” says Dr. Newman. The cervicomental angle, or the angle formed where your lower jaw meets your neck, may be impacted by these neck problems. As a result, your neck looks like it’s drooping and less defined. ”.
Tips for Preventing Signs of Aging Like ‘Turkey Neck’
FAQ
Will turkey neck go away with weight loss?
What age does turkey neck start?
What is the best treatment for sagging neck?
What does a turkey neck look like?
Let’s talk turkey — not the bird, but rather the loose skin on your neck that resembles a turkey’s wattle, those wrinkled folds of skin that hang under its beak. “Turkey neck” comes with aging, weight fluctuations and sun exposure, three things that are hard to avoid.
What is a wry neck?
The term “wry neck” is a non-medical description of a condition called torticollis. Torticollis is a twisting of the neck that leaves the head turned or tilted to one side, often with an inability to move the head. The cause is unknown and can be present at birth, presumably related to the position of the fetus in the womb that affects the neck muscles. Other potential causes include sleeping in an unusual position, viral infection, or injury. Neck spasm or scarring of the skin or muscles around the neck (as may occur with burn injuries) may lead to torticollis.
How do you know if a turkey neck is cooked?
A: The best way to determine if turkey necks are fully cooked is by checking their internal temperature using a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Learn how to cook turkey neck with our easy and delicious recipe. Impress your guests with this classic dish that is sure to satisfy.
Does aging skin look like turkey neck?
Developing fine lines and wrinkles around the face and neck is a natural part of the aging process that can’t be avoided entirely. However, the appearance of aging skin—like turkey neck—can be treated with a number of aesthetic procedures. This is a noninvasive procedure that involves injecting neurotoxins into sagging neck skin.