A “turkey neck” is often listed by patients as one of the most noticeable and telltale signs of aging they’d like to improve. Characterized by loose, crepey skin, a wrinkled texture around the neck, and/or the development of platysmal bands, a turkey neck can detract from a sharp, youthful facial profile and a sleek transition between the face and neck. Double board-certified Newport Beach facial plastic surgeon Ali Sepehr, MD explores some of the most effective treatment options to alleviate the appearance of a turkey neck and restore a firm, youthful skin tone and texture in the submental region.
What Causes a Turkey Neck?
A turkey neck usually develops as a result of age-related changes in the skin, muscles, and fat distribution of the neck and lower face. This leads to the development of sagging, wrinkled skin and — sometimes — prominent vertical bands, creating a loose and droopy appearance under the chin and along the neck. Contributing factors may include:
- Separation of muscles
- Fat buildup and redistribution
- Growing skin laxity
- Gravity
- Sun damage
- Genetics
Facial Plastic Surgery Options to Treat a Turkey Neck
RadiaLift
Most often, a turkey neck is part of a larger pattern of facial aging. While many patients consider treating the neck in isolation, RadiaLift goes beyond localized corrections by offering a comprehensive, full-face strategy that rejuvenates the neck in harmony with the rest of your features. Benefits of undergoing a comprehensive treatment plan like RadiaLift include:
- The ability to analyze your facial features globally
- Patients receive a holistic, customized plan that enhances natural contours across the face and neck
- Greater harmony between treated and untreated areas of the face for smoother, more natural-looking transitions
Neck Lift
A neck lift is specifically designed to rejuvenate the neck and jawline by:
- Tightening loose neck muscles: Neck lift surgery can address the platysma muscle, which can sag and separate with age, creating vertical bands. By tightening or rejoining this muscle, a smooth contour in the face and neck is restored.
- Removing excess skin: Excess, sagging skin is trimmed and repositioned to eliminate a crepey skin texture.
- Removing or repositioning fat: Submental liposuction can also be performed to remove fatty deposits contributing to fullness under the chin.
Lower Facelift
Depending on the nature of your concerns and the location of your skin inelasticity, a lower facelift may beautifully complement your neck lift results. Focused on restoring support and treating signs of aging in the mid- to lower face, a facelift can:
- Lift sagging jowls: This helps restore a youthful jawline and reduces the heaviness that can accentuate a turkey neck.
- Recontour deep creases: A facelift can smooth marionette lines and nasolabial folds, helping the transition to the neck look more natural.
- Enhance skin tone and firmness: By tightening underlying tissues and removing excess skin, a facelift creates harmony by improving the neck contour.
If you have any questions about treatment options to reduce a turkey neck, don’t hesitate to contact OC Facial Plastic Surgery for more information.
