Turkey Neck removal London: how to get rid of a turkey neck, surgery

Introduction to Turkey Neck

Turkey neck is a common concern that develops as part of the natural ageing process, marked by loose, sagging skin around the neck and jawline. As we age, the neck muscles gradually weaken and the skin loses its natural elasticity and firmness. This is largely due to a decrease in the production of collagen and elastin—two essential proteins that help maintain the skin’s structure and youthful appearance. When the skin loses its ability to bounce back, it can begin to wrinkle and droop, resulting in what is commonly known as turkey neck. While anyone can experience these changes, they are most frequently seen in people in their 40s and beyond. The good news is that a variety of treatment options, from non-surgical procedures to surgical interventions, are available to help tighten sagging neck skin and restore a smoother, firmer neck area.

What is a turkey neck?

Turkey necks develop as part of the ageing process. The skin and muscles on our necks lose their natural support and flexibility as we age. Collagen and elastin storage, as well as lipid deposits that give our skin structure and rigidity, diminish. We eventually develop a wrinkled and sagging neck.

The platysmal muscles run along the front of the neck and, as they weaken and separate with age, can form visible vertical bands that contribute to the appearance of turkey neck. Additionally, the hyoid bone, a U-shaped bone in the neck, can influence chin length and the degree of neck sagging. The anatomical position of the hyoid bone affects how pronounced turkey neck appears, as its placement can contribute to a more aged or sagging look.

Turkey necks often occur in your 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Excess neck skin or a turkey neck can be successfully treated.

What are the causes of turkey neck?

Turkey neck can develop due to a combination of factors, including ageing and lifestyle factors such as diet, sun exposure, and weight fluctuation.

Less elastic skin: As we grow older, we start to lose collagen, a protein found in the middle layer of our skin. Collagen gives the tissue on top of it support and structure. The existing collagen in your body dissolves when collagen production slows and, over time, your skin loses its elasticity. As a result, the neck ages and you may develop a turkey neck, which is characterised by droopy and loose neck skin as the skin loses elasticity.
Weak muscles: The state of your muscles may also play a role in developing a turkey neck. To begin with, weak neck muscles deteriorate over time. These muscles lose their ability to support the skin. As a result, your skin lacks the support it requires to return to its normal position. Your muscles may not feel any different, but as your muscles lose their rigidity, your skin sags.
UV Exposure: UV (ultraviolet) exposure is the next cause of a turkey neck. Your neck has some of the thinnest skin on your entire body. It is extremely prone to UV radiation damage. Even though the neck is vulnerable to UV damage, many people do not look after it. Many people apply sunscreen to their faces but not to their necks. This can further add to the creation of a turkey neck.
Fat distribution: Fat distribution is the last cause of a turkey neck. Some people are born with more fat under their chins and around their necks than others. Turkey necks are more common among people who have excess fat under their chins and around their necks because extra fat can cause the skin to stretch and fold. The accumulation of fat cells under the chin and around the neck can contribute to the development of a double chin and sagging skin. Weight gain can increase the number and size of fat cells in the neck area, worsening the appearance of turkey neck. Gaining weight can also result in a turkey neck. The appearance of the turkey neck may be aggravated due to this.
Weight loss: Losing weight can make the turkey skin more prominant. Often people ask will losing weight help a turkey neck. There is no straight answer. If the skin is lax then in many instacnes the turkey neck will not improve. And in some instances the loss of fat can make it look worse. And in some instances the loss of fat can make it look worse. Losing weigth by taking Ozempic can cause a turkey neck.

Can exercises help neck muscles for a turkey neck?

Exercise of the facial neck muscles on a regular basis might help the appearance of a turkey neck and improve the look of loose and wrinkled skin. It can also improve blood circulation in the neck, making it appear tighter and trimmer.

There are, however, no credible studies to determine whether these workouts are effective. Although exercise benefits your health and can tone your muscles, it does not remove excess skin. As a result, while exercises may help tighten your neck muscles, the skin on top of them may not.

The following are some of the most widely recommended facial exercises:

Forehead push:

Lay one hand on your forehead.
Push your head against your hand and keep it from moving forward.
Hold this position for a total of ten seconds.
Then, with both hands behind your head and your neck pushed backwards, hold for 10 seconds.

Kiss:

Sit up straight in your seat.
Close your lips and lift your head so your chin points to the ceiling.
As if you're giving a kiss, pout your lips.
Try to repeat 20 times.

Chew:

Sit up straight in your seat.
Raise your chin to the ceiling by lifting your head back.
Make a chewing motion with your mouth while keeping your lips closed.
Repeat 20 times more.

Neck lift:

Lie down with your head hanging over the side of your bed.
Lift your head as high as you can with your neck muscles, gently and carefully.
Rep five times more.
If you suffer neck pain, stop doing this exercise.

What non-surgical treatments can help a turkey neck? What are the best treatments for turkey neck?

Wrinkle relaxing injections and other injectables, such as botox injections, can help minimise the appearance of wrinkles and are popular turkey neck treatments. Botox injections are a type of wrinkle relaxing injection used to reduce vertical neck lines by temporarily relaxing muscle activity. It involves little to no downtime and is quick to administer. However, you will need to come in for a treatment every 3 to 4 months to keep your results.

Laser skin tightening such as the Endolift, Thermage and Morpeus8 can help tighten sagging neck skin without surgery. They work by heating and tightening the skin of the neck. The results vary depending on the type of laser used; typically, a number of sessions are required to attain a result. The time off work is usually low, and the results can last for a year to 18 months. If you want a more permanent solution, with a better outcome then turkey neck surgery might be the best option.

Ultherapy is a turkey neck treatment that can help. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ultherapy, a non-surgical ultrasound device, for non-invasive neck and chin lifts. Ultherapy works by stimulating collagen production to develop younger-looking skin on the neck and chin. Ultherapy does this by using ultrasonic energy combined with targeted imaging to bypass the skin’s surface. Which allows the radio frequency to lift and support the skin’s deeper layers. Treatment lasts 12 to 18 months. If the turkey neck is very loose then surgery for turkey neck might be a better option.

Some anti-aging creams for the neck area contain n acetyl glucosamine, which can help fight wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and sagging skin.

What surgical procedures can get rid of a a turkey neck?

When it comes to effectively addressing a turkey neck, surgical procedures can offer significant and lasting results. Unlike non-surgical treatments, these options require surgery and should be considered carefully. One of the most common surgical options is a neck lift, also known as platysmaplasty. This medical procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon and involves making small incisions to minimize scarring and recovery time. During the surgery, the surgeon removes excess skin, tightens the underlying neck muscles, and repositions the neck bands to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. A neck lift can provide permanent and long-lasting results, making it a popular choice for those looking to get rid of turkey necks.

In addition to neck lifts, other surgeries such as facelifts (rhytidectomy) can also be performed to treat turkey necks. Facelifts involve tightening and lifting weak facial and neck muscles, which can help improve the overall contour of the neck and jawline. Both procedures are typically performed under general anaesthesia and require a recovery period, but the results can be transformative.

At Kensington Medical our expert plastic surgeon can discuss the options with you in consultation. Turkey neck removal is a highly successful procedure that can transform a face, giving back confidence and a rejuvenated jawline.

Book a turkey neck removal consultation today. Or contact us to find out more information about turkey neck removal.

Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is crucial when considering a surgical procedure to get rid of a turkey neck. It’s essential to find a GMC specialist registered plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing neck lift and facelift procedures. A qualified plastic surgeon can help you achieve the desired results while minimising the risks and complications associated with surgery.

During your consultation, take the time to ask about the surgeon’s credentials, experience, and approach to the procedure. Request to see before-and-after photos of previous patients. Discuss the various procedure options available and ask for a detailed explanation of the recovery process. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you feel confident in your choice of surgeon.

Prevention and Maintenance

Preventing and maintaining healthy neck skin involves a combination of good skincare practices, a healthy diet, and lifestyle habits. Sun exposure is a key factor in skin aging and the development of turkey neck, as it accelerates collagen breakdown, skin laxity, and wrinkles. Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial—make it a habit to apply sunscreen with a high SPF to your neck daily, even on cloudy days, to minimize sun exposure and its damaging effects.

A consistent skincare routine can also help maintain skin elasticity and firmness. Look for products containing retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, which are known to support skin health. Additionally, incorporating facial exercises, such as neck stretches, chin tucks, and head lifts, can help strengthen the neck muscles and improve the appearance of loose skin.

Maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can also support skin health. Staying hydrated and avoiding smoking can further help keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant.

What surgical procedures can a GMC specialist registered plastic surgeon use to get rid of a turkey neck?

- Fat transfer: Fat transfer can be performed to treat loose skin or excess skin caused by the natural loss of face fat. This procedure includes carefully extracting fat from one portion of the body and treating it to purify the fat’s inherent cells. These cells are then injected into locations that need “plumping” or augmentation. Swelling may occur for two weeks after the fat transfer operation. Elastic compression bandages are often used after surgery to reduce swelling and support healing.
- Neck lift or turkey neck surgery: A neck lift surgical technique or turkey neck lift may be able to help you get rid of your turkey neck or turkey chin. Kensington Medical facial surgeons perform the procedure to tighten loose neck muscles and remove excess, sagging skin, giving the neck a smoother, firmer, and better-defined appearance. Typically, a neck lift is performed as a day case under general anaesthetic. Your cosmetic surgeon will make a small incision behind each ear, as well as a possible third small incision under the chin, which is not noticeable. The neck muscles will be tightened along with the underlying tissues and the surgoen will remove extra, sagging skin. This will result in a smoother, firmer and more youthful-looking neck. It is a popular procedure for people in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Elastic compression bandages are commonly applied after a neck lift to reduce swelling and promote optimal healing.
- Lower face lift: a lower face lift or jowl lift can help to remove a turkey neck. It can also help to remove any jowls long the jawline area.
- Micro liposuction or chin liposuction can target a turkey neck. It can also be part of a combined neck lift with fat removal around the neck, chin area. Micro liposuction to the neck will remove any excess fat.
At Kensington Medical our expert plastic surgeon can discuss the options with you in consultation. Turkey neck removal is a highly successful procedure.

Book a turkey neck removal consultation today. Or contact us to find out more information about turkey neck removal.

Laser Skin Treatments for Turkey Neck

Laser skin treatments have become a leading non-surgical solution for those looking to treat turkey neck and rejuvenate the neck area. These advanced procedures use targeted laser energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, which stimulates collagen production and encourages the skin to tighten naturally over time. Popular laser skin tightening treatments, such as Endolift, Thermage, and Morpheus8, are specifically designed to address sagging neck skin and improve overall skin texture.

Patients typically require a series of sessions to achieve optimal results, with improvements in skin firmness and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles becoming more noticeable after each treatment. The effects of laser skin tightening can last from one to two years, making it a convenient option for those seeking long-lasting results without surgery. With minimal downtime and a low risk of side effects, laser skin treatments offer a safe and effective way to restore a more youthful appearance to the neck. By boosting collagen production and tightening the skin, these treatments can help you get rid of turkey neck and enjoy smoother, firmer neck skin.

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What is the best turkey neck option for me?

To find out which turkey neck procedure is best for me call 0204 551 4892 to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist registered plastics surgeons or fill in the contact form.

Kensington Medical expert facial surgeons:

Mr David Gateley Consultant Plastic Surgeon GMC 2939470, MA FRCS, FRCS (Plast)

Mr Amir Sadri Consultant Plastic Surgeon GMC 6163656, FRCS (Plast)

Mr Paul Tulley Consultant Plastic Surgeon GMC 4035952, Bsc MB BS MD FRCS(Plas)

In the consultation, your surgeon will show you before and after photos, discuss the type of turkey neck procedure options that will work for your neck and explain the recovery process. Our facial plastic surgeons have carried out thousands of turkey neck lift procedures and will explain in detail what is best for you, along with the estimated recovery time.

For more information on neck lifts for turkey neck click here.

Conclusion

A turkey neck can be a source of insecurity for many people, but there are various treatment options available to address this concern. From non-surgical treatments like Botox, laser skin tightening, and facial enhancement procedures to surgical procedures such as liposuction, neck lifts and facelifts, there’s a solution for everyone. By understanding the causes of turkey neck and taking proactive steps to prevent and maintain healthy neck skin, you can achieve a more youthful and vibrant appearance.

To find out more or to book a consultation with one of our qualified plastic surgeon to find out what is best for you fill in the contact us form below.

How To Get Rid Of Turkey Neck: What It Is and Solutions