How to Get Rid of a Turkey Neck Without Surgery

A turkey neck, also known as a wattle neck or double chin, is loose, sagging skin under the chin and along the jawline. As we age, skin loses elasticity and fat accumulates in this area, causing the dreaded turkey neck to appear. While a turkey neck can make someone look older, there are several effective options to improve its appearance without surgery.

What Causes a Turkey Neck?

A turkey neck occurs due to a combination of factors

• Loss of collagen and elastin – These are proteins that keep skin firm and elastic. As we get older skin produces less collagen and elastin.

• Gravity – Over time, gravity causes skin and tissue in the face and neck to droop downward.

• Genetics – Some people are just prone to carrying extra fat and skin around the neck area.

• Weight gain/fluctuations – Extra fat, especially under the chin, leads to a turkey neck

• Sun damage – UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin.

• Smoking – Chemicals in smoke degrade collagen.

• Sleeping position – Sleeping on your side or stomach can bunch up the skin.

While turkey necks are common as we get older, younger people can get them too, especially with weight gain.

Nonsurgical Options to Treat Turkey Neck

Fortunately, there are several nonsurgical ways to improve the appearance of a turkey neck:

Skin Care Products

• Neck creams – Look for formulas with antioxidants like vitamin C and peptides to stimulate collagen production. Using sunscreen daily also helps protect collagen.

• Retinoids – Retinol and retinoic acid boost collagen growth. They thicken the dermis layer of skin to reduce crepiness. Start with over-the-counter retinol creams first before trying prescription strength retinoids.

• Alpha-hydroxy acids – Glycolic acid and lactic acid exfoliate the top layer of skin to reveal fresher skin and increase collagen production.

• Moisturizers – Hydrating the skin with lotions and creams plumps up the skin to minimize sagging. Look for humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

• Neck masks – Weekly masks with brightening and hydrating properties can temporarily tighten neck skin.

In-Office Procedures

• Ultherapy – This FDA-cleared procedure uses focused ultrasound waves to stimulate collagen growth deep in the skin. It takes 1-2 treatments to see results.

• Radiofrequency microneedling – Microneedles paired with radiofrequency energy heat the dermis to spur collagen growth. Several sessions are needed.

• Laser skin resurfacing – Ablative or non-ablative lasers remove damaged outer skin layers and boost collagen. Downtime is roughly 5-7 days.

• Injectable fillers – Hyaluronic acid fillers add volume under the skin for a smoother, tighter appearance. Results last about 6 months.

• Kybella injections – This dissolves fat under the chin. Multiple treatments spaced 1 month apart are required. Mild swelling and numbness can occur.

• Botox – Botox relaxes the platysma neck muscles to smooth vertical bands. Repeat injections every 3-4 months are needed to maintain results.

At-Home Devices

• Microcurrent devices – These devices use a mild electrical current to stimulate skin cells and muscles for a tighter look. Brands like NuFace are popular.

• LED light therapy masks – Red and near-infrared LED light boosts collagen growth. Consistent use for 2-3 times per week works best.

• Microneedling tools – At-home microneedling rollers with 0.2 – 0.5mm needles enhance collagen production when used weekly. Slight redness may occur.

• Cryolipolysis massagers – These cold massagers claim to break down fat. But no studies prove their effectiveness for fat loss in the neck.

Lifestyle Changes

• Weight loss – Losing weight, if needed, can reduce excess fat under the chin. Focus on eating healthy and exercising more.

• Neck exercises – Do chin tucks, neck stretches, and strengthener exercises to tone the platysma neck muscles.

• Sleep position – Sleep on your back to avoid neck skin creasing. Use a satin pillowcase to allow skin to glide instead of sticking.

• Quit smoking – Smoking damages collagen. Quitting can improve neck skin tone and elasticity.

• Moisturize – Keep neck skin hydrated daily to maintain plumpness. Also drink plenty of water.

• Protect skin – Wear sunscreen, hats, and scarves when outdoors to prevent further collagen loss from UV exposure.

When to Consider Surgery for a Turkey Neck

For mild to moderate turkey neck, the options above can provide gradual improvement over time. However, if you have severe skin laxity and want dramatic tightening that nonsurgical treatments cannot provide, plastic surgery may be the best solution.

The surgical options to treat turkey neck include:

• Neck lift – Excess skin is cut out and muscles are tightened. Produces longer lasting results than a facelift alone.

• Lower facelift – Excess skin near the chin and neck is removed and underlying tissues are lifted. Fat transfer to the face is often done too.

• Chin/neck liposuction – Suctions out excess fat under the chin and along the neckline. Provides mild skin tightening.

• Kybella injections – Can be an alternative to liposuction for small areas of fat.

• Platysmaplasty – Cosmetic procedure to tighten neck muscles. Done alone or with a facelift.

A board certified plastic surgeon can evaluate your case and advise which surgical procedure would work best. Surgery produces dramatic improvements in the neck area. However, there is a 2-4 week recovery period. Scarring is minimal when done properly and is easily hidden along the hairline and under the chin.

A turkey neck can be frustrating, but thankfully there are both nonsurgical and surgical solutions to improve its appearance. Start with nonsurgical skin treatments, lifestyle changes, and in-office procedures first to see the results you can achieve without surgery. However, if you want optimal tightening and fat reduction, plastic surgery may be required to meet your goals. Seeking advice from a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist is the best way to address your concerns and find the right treatment plan. With the right approach, you can smooth, tighten and recontour your neck!