Turkey Neck Treatment: How to Firm and Tighten Neck Skin
As we age, our necks can start to show signs of ageing, including weakened neck muscles and loss of skin elasticity. This can result in the appearance of a turkey neck, a term used to describe wrinkled and sagging skin on the neck. While this is a natural process, many individuals find it unsatisfactory from an aesthetic standpoint. Fortunately, there are both surgical and non-surgical options available to address turkey neck and other signs of neck ageing.
At Centre for Surgery, we offer a range of cosmetic procedures that can help reduce the appearance of turkey neck, including:
- Facelift: A facelift can help lift and tighten the skin on the lower face and neck, providing a more youthful appearance.
- Neck Lift: A neck lift is a surgical procedure that can tighten the skin and muscles in the neck area, reducing the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles.
- Thread Lift: A non-surgical alternative to traditional facelift and neck lift procedures, a thread lift uses sutures to lift and tighten the skin.
- Injectables: Injectables such as wrinkle injections and dermal fillers can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in the neck area.
- Facial Tightening Devices: Non-invasive devices such as Morpheus8 use fractional radiofrequency microneedling technology to tighten and lift the skin on the face and neck.
It’s important to note that turkey neck surgery requires a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon with extensive training in aesthetic surgery. At Centre for Surgery, our team of highly-trained surgeons is dedicated to helping our patients achieve their aesthetic goals with the utmost care and expertise.
What is a turkey neck?
Clinical features of turkey neck can include:
- Sagging Skin: As we age, the skin on our neck loses its elasticity and becomes thinner and less supple. This can cause the skin to sag and form wrinkles and creases.
- Loose Muscles: The muscles in the neck can become weaker and less toned over time, which can contribute to the appearance of a turkey neck.
- Double Chin: Excess fat in the chin and neck area can contribute to the appearance of a turkey neck and create a double chin.
- Horizontal Lines: Horizontal lines can develop on the neck due to the constant movement of the neck muscles over time.
- Vertical Bands: Vertical bands or cords can also appear on the neck, which are caused by the separation of the neck muscles and the sagging of the skin.
While turkey neck is a common sign of ageing, it can also occur due to weight gain or genetic factors. Surgical and non-surgical options are available to help reduce the appearance of turkey neck and restore a more youthful and defined neck contour.
RELATED: What signs of ageing can a facelift and necklift correct?
Ways to Fix Turkey Neck: A Comprehensive Guide
Turkey neck is a common sign of ageing that can affect many individuals. Fortunately, there are several cosmetic options available to help reverse the signs of neck ageing and create a more defined and youthful neck contour. Here are some of the most common ways to fix turkey neck:
1. Full Facelift Surgery
The full facelift, also known as the traditional facelift, is a surgical procedure designed to tighten and lift the entire face and neck. This procedure is ideal for individuals with moderate to severe signs of facial and neck ageing, including sagging jowls, face and neck wrinkles, and sunken cheeks. The full facelift can be performed as a SMAS facelift or a deep plane facelift, both of which can offer great results.
At Centre for Surgery, our team of skilled and experienced plastic surgeons is dedicated to providing our patients with the highest level of care and expertise. We offer both SMAS facelift and deep plane facelift procedures, each tailored to the individual needs and goals of our patients.
Advantages of a Full Facelift:
- Sculpting and tightening of the whole face and neck
- Scar made less visible by the hairline
- Dramatic change in facial appearance
- Long-lasting results
- Can take up to 10 years off
Disadvantages of a Full Facelift:
- Slightly longer recovery after the surgery
- May need to revisit the forehead for a lift (brow lift)
A full facelift usually includes a neck lift to also reduce loose skin on the neck and along the jawline, making it an excellent option to reduce turkey neck.
2. Mini Facelift Surgery
A mini facelift, also known as an S-lift, mini-lift, or short scar facelift, is a surgical procedure designed to address less severe signs of facial ageing. This procedure is ideal for individuals with wrinkles and loose skin concentrated in the lower part of the face, with more effect on jowls and less on the turkey neck. The mini facelift tightens and lifts the upper neck, fixes droopy jowls, and smoothens face wrinkles, giving you perkier cheeks, a firmer face, and a strong-looking jawline.
At Centre for Surgery, we specialise in mini facelift procedures and offer our patients a range of options tailored to their individual needs and goals.
Benefits of a Mini Facelift:
- Less invasive than a full facelift
- Leaves a smaller scar
- Quicker healing time after surgery
- Addresses less severe signs of facial ageing
- Can be combined with a neck lift to address jowls, sculpt the jawline, and tighten the neck
However, there are some disadvantages to consider, including:
- Cosmetic results are not as spectacular as a full facelift
- Does not address signs of ageing in the upper face
- Does not address wrinkles in the lower neck
- Not suitable for severe turkey neck or severe signs of ageing
3. Neck Lift Surgery
A neck lift, also known as platysmaplasty or lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to tone the neck, define its outline, and smoothen any wrinkles. This procedure is optimal for getting rid of turkey neck and double chin, especially if they are the only cosmetic concerns you have or want to treat.
RELATED: How much does a neck lift cost?
At Centre for Surgery, we specialise in neck lift procedures and offer our patients a range of options tailored to their individual needs and goals.
During a neck lift, all the muscles and soft tissue are pulled up to a higher position and tightened to redefine the angle between the face, neck, and jaw. The excess skin is then removed, and the incision is closed. This procedure can dramatically reduce ageing marks by removing the extra droopy skin, defining the jawline, and enhancing the neck contour.
RELATED: Neck Lift FAQs – Q&A about Neck Lift Surgery
Advantages of Neck Lift Surgery:
- Tightens loose neck skin
- Flattens neck bands
- Gets rid of turkey wattles
- Gets rid of double and triple chin
Disadvantages of Neck Lift Surgery:
- Does not address facial concerns
- Relatively longer recovery time
- A neck lift may be the right choice for you if you are satisfied with the way your face looks but feel that your neck does not match its appearance. Following a neck lift surgery, you will have a better-defined neck, a rejuvenated neck appearance, and younger-looking skin.
4. Mini-Neck Lift
A mini-neck lift, also known as submental platysmaplasty or single incision neck lift, is a minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedure designed to tighten wrinkled skin right under the chin. This procedure is ideal for individuals who are mainly unsatisfied with the way their necks look and is performed to remove a small double chin.
At Centre for Surgery, we specialise in mini-neck lift procedures and offer our patients a range of options tailored to their individual needs and goals.
Advantages of a Mini-Neck Lift:
- Gets rid of double chin
- Small scar
- Shorter recovery time than a full neck lift
Disadvantages of a Mini-Neck Lift:
- Does not remove excess neck skin
- Does not treat severe turkey neck
- The results are not as impressive as a full neck lift
If you have minimal signs of neck ageing, a mini-neck lift surgery can rewind the clock on your neck, giving it a firmer and smoother appearance.
At Centre for Surgery, our team of experienced plastic surgeons is committed to providing our patients with exceptional care and expertise. We will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals, ensuring that you achieve the best possible results.
Thread Lifts, Facial Injectables, and Neck Tightening Devices: What You Need to Know
Thread lifts, facial injectables, and neck tightening devices are all non-surgical cosmetic procedures that aim to rejuvenate the face and neck without the need for surgery. However, they may not be the best option for treating severe signs of turkey neck.
Facial and Neck Tightening Devices:
Skin tightening devices such as Morpheus8 and Fotona4D are non-surgical alternatives for the face and neck lift. They can tighten your neck skin through thermal energy waves. However, many patients have been disappointed with the temporary and poor results of these treatments for getting rid of a turkey neck.
Advantages:
- Non-surgical
- It can make your neck and face look younger if you have mild signs of ageing
Disadvantages:
- It may not be effective for severe signs of ageing
- Temporary and poor results
If you’re considering any of these non-surgical cosmetic procedures, it’s important to discuss your goals and expectations with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. They can help you determine the best treatment option for your individual needs and achieve the results you desire.
Facial Injectables:
Facial injectables, or dermal fillers, are volumising substances injected into the skin. They are ideally used to treat the early signs of ageing in the face and neck and sometimes minimal turkey neck.
Advantages:
- Treat the fine lines around the neck and face
- Restore volume to hollow cheeks
- Improve facial symmetry
Disadvantages:
- Offer temporary results
- Can’t remove excess skin
- Can’t treat severe ageing signs
- Not the optimal treatment for turkey neck
The administration of dermal fillers by a non-health professional or by self-injection can have dangerous complications. Find an experienced cosmetic surgeon to perform your injections and give you the desired results.
Thread Lifts:
A thread lift is a non-surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the face using temporary sutures under the skin. It’s suitable for people with less prominent signs of ageing. Thread lifts can rejuvenate the neck, smooth mild wrinkles, and lift sagging jowls.
Advantages:
- No downtime
- Local anaesthesia can be used instead of general anaesthesia
- No surgery and no scars
- Costs less than a facelift
Disadvantages:
- Does not fix severe signs of skin laxity
- Does not drastically change your appearance
- Less permanent results than a facelift
What is the Best Way to Treat Turkey Neck?
It’s important to note that the optimal way to treat turkey neck varies for different individuals, as everyone has unique cosmetic concerns and different degrees of ageing. Surgical and non-surgical options are available, and the choice depends on personal preferences and the desired results.
Surgical options such as a facelift or neck lift are suitable for people with moderate to severe signs of ageing, including severe sagginess, turkey neck, double chin, deep wrinkles, and droopy cheeks and jowls. These procedures offer long-lasting results and dramatic changes in appearance, but require more healing time, leave scars, and may involve general anaesthesia.
On the other hand, non-surgical treatments like thread lifts, injectables, and face tightening devices can address minimal signs of skin ageing, such as fine lines, mild sagginess, and contouring the jawline. However, these non-surgical treatments have limited and less durable results compared to surgery.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating turkey neck. At Centre for Surgery, our plastic surgeons evaluate the degree of loose skin, anatomy, age, health, and desired outcomes to determine the optimal treatment plan for each individual.
Turkey Neck FAQs
Is turkey neck the same as double chin?
No, turkey neck and double chin are not the same. Double chin refers to the accumulation of fat under the chin, whereas turkey neck refers to the sagging and wrinkling of the skin and muscles on the neck. Although both may occur together, they have different causes and require different treatments.
What age does turkey neck start?
Turkey neck can start as early as your 30s or 40s, but it is more common as you age. The skin on your neck loses elasticity and firmness, and the muscles become weaker. This can cause sagging and wrinkling of the skin on your neck, which can result in turkey neck.
Are neck lifts permanent?
Neck lifts are generally long-lasting but not permanent. The results of a neck lift can last for several years, but the ageing process will continue. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and skincare can also impact the longevity of the results. Maintenance procedures or touch-ups may be required in the future to maintain the results.
Will losing weight help with turkey neck?
Losing weight can help reduce the appearance of turkey neck, especially if it is caused by excess fat. However, if turkey neck is caused by loose skin and weak muscles, weight loss alone may not be enough to eliminate it. In some cases, weight loss can make turkey neck more noticeable, as the skin and muscles become even looser.
How can I make my neck look younger without surgery?
Non-surgical options to make your neck look younger include:
- Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine
- Using sunscreen to protect the skin from sun damage
- Moisturising regularly to keep the skin hydrated
- Using neck creams or serums that contain retinol or peptides to stimulate collagen production
- Performing facial exercises that target the neck muscles
- Using neck shaping devices that use radiofrequency, ultrasound, or other technologies to tighten and tone the skin.
However, it is important to note that non-surgical options may not produce the same dramatic results as surgery and may not be suitable for everyone. It is best to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery to determine the best treatment options for your specific concerns.
Reasons to Choose Centre for Surgery
- Expert Surgeons: Our team consists of highly skilled and experienced surgeons specialising in various cosmetic and medical procedures. Their expertise ensures personalised care and exceptional results for you.
- Modern Facilities: Centre for Surgery features cutting-edge facilities designed for your comfort and safety during your procedure. Our advanced equipment and technology ensure the highest standards of care.
- Customised Care: We take pride in providing individualized care and attention to each patient. Our dedicated staff and surgeons collaborate with you to understand your goals and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- In-depth Consultation: Our thorough consultation process ensures you have a complete understanding of the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes. We prioritize patient education and open communication, empowering you to make informed decisions about your treatment.
- Commitment to Safety and Satisfaction: Patient safety and satisfaction are our top priorities at Centre for Surgery. We adhere to strict safety protocols and the highest medical standards, ensuring a secure and positive experience for our patients.
- Post-Procedure Care: We offer exceptional aftercare and support throughout your recovery process. Our team is available to address any questions or concerns, ensuring you feel comfortable and well-informed during your healing journey.
- Transparent Pricing and Financing: We provide transparent pricing and various financing options to make your desired procedure more accessible. Our team can guide you through payment plans, allowing you to confidently invest in your well-being.
By choosing Centre for Surgery, you’re selecting a leading plastic surgery clinic committed to delivering top-quality care, personalised attention, and outstanding results. Our dedicated team supports you at every stage, ensuring a safe and satisfying experience from consultation to recovery.
Key Steps to Prepare for Your Consultation
- Research Thoroughly
- Review a procedure guide for a deeper understanding of your surgery
- Visit our website for more information on your chosen procedure
- Medical Referral Requirements
- A medical referral is useful, but not necessary, for purely cosmetic consultations
- For medical consultations with private insurance, obtain a referral from your GP or specialist
- Maximising Consultation Benefits
- Arrive slightly early for your in-person consultation
- Consider bringing a friend or family member for assistance in processing information and discussing options
- Be prepared to undress for a physical examination; wear uncomplicated clothing
- Take detailed notes during the consultation and review provided documents carefully
- Seeking Additional Information Before Booking a Consultation?
- Learn about pricing, medical payment plans, and financing options for your surgery
- Request further information about the procedure – call or contact us
- Scheduling Your Consultation
- Prepay the £100 cosmetic consultation fee to secure your initial consultation when booking your appointment
To schedule a surgeon consultation at our Baker Street clinic, contact us or call 0207 993 4849. For more information, email us at contact@centreforsurgery.com.
