How to Treat Turkey Neck - 3 Powerful Ways 

Aging can hit you like a bus; one morning, you wake up and notice the fine lines and wrinkles now forming on your face. For some, it could simply mean visiting a plastic surgeon, but most won’t undergo such a procedure. So, what is there to do? 

While "turkey neck" may not be a medically recognized term, people know it when it appears. The excess skin, soft tissue, and lax muscles can be unsatisfying. Further issues are the cervicomental angle, where the lower jaw meets the neck, to look less defined.

There is difficulty in managing fine lines in the neck since the skin on the neck has less collagen and elastin than other body areas. Tightening the skin can be tricky without resorting to more surgical solutions. Nonetheless, read this session to get insights on how to prevent a turkey neck. 

What’s a turkey neck?

The "turkey neck" is an issue with the skin, fat, or underlying muscle in your neck- a combination of which can occur. It is often a sign of aging, though younger people can experience it too. Fortunately, many approaches alleviate the problem depending on its cause and the desired outcome.

What causes turkey neck?

• As you age, your skin's elasticity decreases. The skin on the cheeks drifts downwards and accumulates at the jawline and neck, resulting in a change in appearance.
• Weight fluctuations can lead to extra fat collecting around the neck. 
• Genetics also contribute, as some are more predisposed to having an excess of neck tissue or being prone to accumulating fat in that area. 
• Lifestyle habits, smoking, exposure to environmental toxins, sun damage, and an unhealthy diet can all hurt the skin's elasticity.
• Certain medications may lead to weight gain or concentrated fat in your body, including the neck. For example, HIV lipodystrophy is abnormal fat changes in those taking anti-HIV medication, causing excess fat to collect specifically around the neck. Furthermore, steroids can cause the face to appear rounder and appear additional neck fat. 
• Weakness or separation of the two platysma muscles located at the front of the neck can affect its overall appearance over time.

Turkey neck treatments

To address the "turkey neck," targeted exercises, such as chin tucks, shoulder rolls, and head tilts, may strengthen the neck muscles and reduce the appearance of a sagging neck. Some swear by neck exercises, while others look the other way for more effective solutions. 

Furthermore, a nutritious diet that includes foods rich in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables can enhance skin elasticity and reduce the accumulation of fatty tissue around the neck.

 Although in severe cases, medical or cosmetic treatments may help to handle the issue. 

How to get rid of turkey neck without surgery

Options are available to enhance skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of neck fat, including vast products and minimally invasive procedures. Those are the following. 

Weight loss

Weight loss can impact the appearance of one's neck, although factors can affect the outcome. The quality and texture of your skin influence how your skin retracts after weight loss. 

If your skin is youthful and healthy, it may have a better chance of tightening on its own, whereas skin that is wrinkled or has lost elasticity, such as those in smokers or the elderly, may not see significant improvement. 

Surgeries that treat turkey neck

Facelifts (rhytidectomy) and neck lifts (platysmaplasty) are available. In these procedures, plastic surgeons work to remove excess skin and fat from the face or neck while also tightening the remaining skin, muscle, and tissue for a firmer, more youthful appearance.

Although surgical treatments carry more risks and require a recovery period than non-surgical options, they provide more transformative results. 

Facelifts and neck lifts offer immediate and conclusive improvement by surgically removing excess skin and fat; tightening the muscles as needed.

Turkey neck exercise

Performing deliberate, repetitive movements to help strengthen the muscles in the neck and jawline area. These exercises help improve the tone of the neck muscles and may reduce the appearance of a sagging neck or a “turkey neck.”

Forehead push

Hold your forehead with one hand and push your head against the hand without moving your head forward. Let it last for 10 seconds. 

Then use both hands behind your head, pushing backward your neck, and wait 10 seconds.

Chewing

With a back straight, lift your head, pointing your chin to the ceiling. Recreate chewing motion with your mouth -  lips sealed - and do it 20 times. 

Kiss

Repeat the same actions as above but pout your lips for a kiss to the air 20 times.

Neck lift

Lay on your back, hang your head on the edge of the bed/surface, and lift your head using your neck muscles as high as possible. Repeat five times. Discontinue if you feel neck pain.  

Conclusion

Anti-aging skin care products can be a preventative measure to target issues of sagging and wrinkles. While more intensive treatments like laser skin resurfacing, Ultherapy, micro-needling, and radiofrequency micro-needling are effective methods for rejuvenating and tightening the skin.

Feeling self-conscious about turkey neck is ok, but it doesn’t define who you are.

Treatments can help improve your appearance, but at an early age, taking the proper measures can go a long way. 

Remember that no matter what, you’re essence is beautiful. Take care of yourself, inside and out, and stay positive!

Experience ÆTHEION®

Whether you decide on non-surgical or surgical procedures, trust ÆTHEION® to care for your skin. Every formulation contains unique science that will help you feel your best. 

Learn more about our research here. Discover the different series available to complement your skin.