Your turkey neck can be treated through surgery.
It’s no secret that ageing takes a toll on you, especially on your neck. It’s not all bad news though, because your turkey neck can be treated. In this article, I’ll discuss how to get rid of a turkey neck.
But before we talk about the solution to your turkey neck, let’s take a look at this common neck condition.
What Is a Turkey Neck?
A turkey neck is characterized by loose neck skin and weak neck muscles.
One of the most dreaded signs of ageing shows on your neck.
Aging people commonly complain about turkey necks. From the name alone, you probably have an idea what it is.
A turkey neck is a condition in which the neck muscles start to weaken and the skin loses its elasticity. As a result, the loose skin becomes wrinkled and droopy, making anyone’s neck look like a turkey’s.
Having a saggy neck is a normal, but unfortunate part of the ageing process. Your neck is among the first parts of your body to show the signs of ageing, mainly because it is often neglected.
This is why it’s common to see people who have fewer wrinkles and less sagging on their faces than their necks.
What Are the Causes of a Turkey Neck?
A turkey neck is mainly caused by less elastic skin and weak muscles.
Here are the common causes of a turkey neck.
1. Less Elastic Skin
As you age, you produce less collagen, a protein found in your skin’s middle layer. It provides support and structure for the tissue on top of it.
As collagen production slows down, the existing collagen in your body degrades. Your skin also becomes less elastic over time.
Consequently, you become more susceptible to signs of ageing. You get saggy and loose neck skin, also known as a turkey neck.
2. Weak Muscles
The condition of your muscles can also contribute to your turkey neck.
To begin with, the muscles that support your neck weakens over time. As these muscles weaken, they lose the ability to support the skin to which they are attached.
As a result, your skin doesn’t have the support it needs to go back into its original place. Your muscles may not feel any different, but your skin sags due to your muscles losing their tightness.
3. UV Exposure
The next culprit behind a turkey neck is UV (ultraviolet) exposure.
The skin on your neck is among the thinnest areas of your body. Hence, it is highly vulnerable to damage caused by UV rays.
Despite the neck’s vulnerability to UV damage, many people often neglect it. I see a lot of people putting sunscreen on their faces but not their necks.
If you are not properly protecting your neck from UV rays, chances are, you’ll develop a turkey neck faster than others of the same age.
4. Genetics
Turkey neck can be hereditary.
If turkey neck runs in your family, you are more likely to get it as well. Though a turkey neck appears as you age, genetics can make it appear earlier.
In addition, people with distinct genetic pools tend to age differently. For instance, Caucasians tend to show signs of ageing earlier than Asians and African Americans.
5. Fat Distribution
The last common factor behind a turkey neck is fat distribution.
Some people are naturally disposed to have more fat under their chins and around their necks. Others have more fat on the cheeks or hips.
Those who have extra fat under their chins and around their necks are more susceptible to turkey necks. This is because the excess fat can cause the skin to stretch and fold.
In addition, weight gain can lead to a turkey neck. Extra weight can eventually move toward the jaw, chin, and neck. This can aggravate the appearance of the turkey neck.
How to Get Rid Of a Turkey Neck
The best way to get rid of a turkey neck is through surgery.
There are many treatments for turkey neck. Knowing how to get rid of a turkey neck helps you make an informed decision.
The best way to get rid of a turkey neck is through surgical facelift and neck lift.
A neck lift is a surgical procedure in which the neck is lifted to sharpen the angle between the neck and jawline. It also removes the vertical bands in the neck, making it look smoother and even.
There are many techniques to get rid of your turkey neck. These include neck fat reduction and reshaping, neck tightening stitches, neck muscle corset stitches (platysmaplasty), deep soft tissue reshaping, and neck lift combined with facelift.
I often recommend patients suffering from a turkey neck to have a neck lift and facelift. Since people who have a turkey neck also suffer from face-related problems, the two procedures go hand in hand in solving a turkey neck.
A facelift is a surgical procedure done to reduce the signs of ageing and enhance your face’s natural contours. When performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon, a facelift can make you look younger.
After all, having a smooth, even neck still looks unsightly if the face is sagging and wrinkling.
If you are suffering from a turkey neck, surgery is the permanent solution for you. Its results can last for a lifetime.
In addition, I use tools and techniques to give you the best experience possible.
To begin with, I use artistry to deliver the best results. I acknowledge that every patient is different. Hence, each patient must be given personalised procedures.
I also use sedation anaesthesia, which is safer than general anaesthesia. This significantly reduces the risk for possible complications. My patients also recover faster from sedation anaesthesia than general anaesthesia.
How to Get Rid Of a Turkey Neck: What to Expect Before the Surgery
A thorough consultation must be done before the neck surgery.
We will first discuss your goals and needs. I will then analyse your medical records to look for possible complications.
After that, I will explain the procedure and the risks involved with it. Based on what you hear, we will then determine the best procedure for you.
I may suggest complementary procedures so you can get the most out of the neck lift. For this, I will consider the position of your chin in relation to your jaw and your face’s condition.
Rest assured, you can then set an appointment for the surgery.
How to Get Rid Of a Turkey Neck: What to Expect During the Surgery
The surgery involves making stitches and carefully sculpting your neck.
Anaesthesia will first be administered to numb your neck and reduce bleeding.
Next, the edges of your platysma muscle will be identified through a keyhole incision in the neck. The muscle will then be sculpted and stitched together to smoothen the neck contour.
I use a double imbrication technique to maximise the tightness of your neck. This gives you the strongest support against gravity. It also helps the result last longer.
The scars are positioned discreetly in three-level stitches. I neve use staples.
The results of surgical neck procedures done at my clinic can last up to a lifetime given the right circumstances.
How to Get Rid Of a Turkey Neck: What to Expect After the Surgery
Recovery from a neck lift with facelift can take 1 to 3 weeks.
Recovery depends on several factors. Most of my patients return to work within 1 to 3 weeks.
Bruising and swelling are expected to be there after the surgery. However, these are minimal because I use special techniques to minimise their appearance.
I can also prescribe medication for faster recovery.
Before and After Photos
Here are some photos of my clients before and after certain procedures done at my clinic.
Patient Before and After 1: The patient suffered from a turkey neck and tired-looking face.
This patient had a neck lift, facelift, and laser resurfacing. After the surgery, her turkey neck was gone and her face looked youthful and natural.
Patient Before and After 2: The patient suffered from loose skin under chin, wrinkles, and nasolabial folds. This patient had a neck lift, facelift, and fat transfer. After the surgery, her turkey neck was gone and her face looked smoother and fresh.
Patient Before and After 3: The patient suffered from a turkey neck, tired eyes, and jowls. This patient had a neck lift and facelift. After the surgery, his turkey neck was gone and his face looked more alive.
Client Testimonials
Here are some testimonials from my patients.
“The most meticulous, gifted, gentle and artist in his field. No one comes close to the skill and artistic eye of Dr De Silva. His attentive and caring team made the whole process feel so relaxed and I would even say enjoyable. The results from my Deep Plane Face Lift & Lower Bleph surgery are excellent and more than I could have hoped for. Thank you to you all.”
“Having contemplated surgery for many years, I researched various London based surgeons before deciding to approach Dr De Silva. I was incredibly nervous about the surgery and asked Dr De Silva and his team a lot of questions.
During this process I felt that they always took a great deal of time to discuss each of my queries and concerns, leaving me time to reflect and reach a final decision.
I am so glad that I decided to go ahead and trusted Dr De Silva to undertake the surgery. Not only am I very happy with the result, I also felt that I was incredibly well looked after throughout the process. It is also greatly reassuring to know that I can contact Dr De Silva if there happens to be any issues in the future.
I highly recommend him for his level of skill and aesthetic sensibility as a surgeon, and for the level of care I received from both Dr De Silva and his entire team.”
Source: RateMDs
Conclusion
Surgery is the most permanent solution to a turkey neck. If done by an excellent cosmetic surgeon, a neck lift can get rid of your turkey neck for good.
Are you planning on having a neck lift? Book a consultation with us now!
