What is a turkey neck and how do I get rid of it?

Turkey necks develop as part of the ageing process. The skin and muscles on our necks loses its 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 saging neck. They often occur in your 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's.

• 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.
• Weak muscles: The state of your muscles may also play a role in developing a turkey neck. To begin with, your neck's supporting 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. Gaining weight can also result in a turkey neck. The appearance of the turkey neck may be aggravated due to this.

Exercise of the facial neck muscles on a regular basis might help the appearance of a turkey neck. 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:

• Wrinkle relaxing injections and other injectables can help minimise the appearance of wrinkles. 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 a turkey neck 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 permament 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. 

• 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.
• Neck lift: A neck lift surgical technique or turkey neck lift may be able to help you get rid of your turkey neck. Kensington Medical cosmetic 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.
• In some instances, micro liposuction might be required before a neck lift operation. Micro liposuction to the neck will remove any excess fat. Our plastic surgeon can discuss the options with you in consultation and once they have looked at your neck.

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 click here.