How Many Units of Botox Do You Need for a Turkey Neck Treatment?

A turkey neck, also known as turkey gobbler or wattle neck, is the loose, wrinkled skin that hangs below the chin and jaw. This sagging skin gives the neck a “turkey-like” appearance, which many find unflattering. As we age, skin loses elasticity and gravity causes the skin to droop. However, turkey neck can occur even in younger people due to genetics or weight gain.

The good news is, there are treatments available to tighten and lift the neck for a rejuvenated look. One popular option is Botox injections. But how many units of Botox do you need to treat a turkey neck? Let’s take a closer look.

What Causes a Turkey Neck?

Turkey neck can be caused by several factors. including

• Aging and loss of elasticity – As we get older, skin loses collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and supple. This causes wrinkling and sagging.

• Genetics – Some people are just prone to carrying extra tissue or fat in the neck area

• Weight gain/obesity – Excess fat, especially around the chin and neck, can cause sagging.

• Improper head/neck posture – Frequent hunching over electronic devices strains the neck

• Sun damage – UV rays degrade collagen and elastin over time.

• Smoking – Chemicals in cigarettes deplete collagen.

• Medications – Steroids or certain HIV medications may cause fat accumulation under the chin.

How Does Botox Help Treat Turkey Neck?

Botox contains botulinum toxin, which blocks nerve signals to muscles, causing temporary paralysis. When injected into the neck muscles, Botox can:

• Relax the platysma neck bands – Vertical bands that run down the neck are softened.

• Lift the jawline – The jawline appears tighter and more defined.

• Smooth horizontal neck wrinkles – Wrinkles from excessive neck motion are reduced.

• Improve the appearance of neck bands and wrinkles for 3-6 months.

Essentially, Botox weakens the neck muscles from pulling down on the skin, allowing the skin to smooth out. It’s an effective, non-surgical turkey neck treatment.

How Many Units of Botox Are Needed for a Neck Lift?

The number of Botox units needed for a neck lift depends on several factors:

• Severity of sagging/wrinkles – More pronounced turkey necks require more units to relax the muscles. Mild cases may need fewer units.

• Gender – Men’s thicker neck muscles usually require more units. Women typically need 20-30 units.

• Area being treated – Targeting just the bands or just under the jaw requires less Botox than treating the entire neck.

• Products used – OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) and AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport) are not equal in potency. Dysport requires more units to achieve muscle relaxation.

• The injector’s assessment – An experienced provider will examine your neck and determine how much Botox is required.

According to plastic surgeons and dermatologists, the average Botox dosage for a complete neck lift is:

• Women: 25-40 units
• Men: Approximately 35-60 units

Injecting too much Botox into the neck can cause difficulties swallowing or neck weakness. An expert provider will use the proper dose to avoid side effects.

What to Expect During a Botox Neck Lift Treatment

Getting Botox injections to treat your turkey neck is a quick, in-office procedure. Here’s how it works:

• You’ll sit in an upright position to expose the neck.

• The provider cleans the skin and marks the injection sites.

• Using a very fine needle, Botox is injected into specific muscles in the neck.

• You may feel slight stinging or burning during the injections.

• The whole treatment takes about 10-15 minutes.

• No anesthesia is required, so you can drive yourself home afterwards.

• Results are not immediate. It takes 3-10 days to see neck skin smoothing.

• Full effects are visible at 2 weeks. Results last 3-6 months.

• You’ll need to repeat injections to maintain your neck lift.

Proper injection technique is vital for achieving optimal results from a Botox neck lift. Be sure to see an experienced provider.

Are There Any Side Effects?

When performed correctly by an expert injector, side effects are minimal. Possible side effects include:

• Temporary soreness, swelling, redness at injection sites

• Mild bruising around injection sites

• Headache

• Neck pain or tightness

• Trouble swallowing (rare)

Any side effects should resolve within a few days. Using ice packs can help minimize swelling, redness and tenderness after your treatment.

How Much Does Botox for Turkey Neck Cost?

The cost of Botox can vary depending on your provider, location, and units needed. On average, you can expect to pay:

• $12-$20 per unit – With an average of 30 units for women and 50 units for men, total costs range from $360-$700 per treatment session.

• Treatment every 3-6 months – To maintain your neck lift, you’ll need repeat treatments as the Botox wears off. This adds up to an annual investment.

When considering costs, be sure to look for qualified injectors like board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons for the best results.

Alternative Turkey Neck Treatments

If you aren’t ready to commit to Botox injections, there are alternative nonsurgical options to consider:

• Topical creams – Retinoids and peptides can help firm neck skin over time.

• Ultherapy – Ultrasound technology lifts and tightens skin. Multiple treatments needed.

• RF microneedling – Radiofrequency heat remodels collagen. Requires multiple sessions.

• Laser skin resurfacing – Lasers remove damaged outer skin layers. Several treatments usually needed.

• Surgery – A neck lift surgically removes excess skin for longer lasting results.

Discuss all your options with a provider to decide the best solution. For substantial, long-lasting improvements in neck wrinkles and skin sagging though, Botox and surgery tend to yield better results than non-invasive alternatives.

Is Botox Right for Your Turkey Neck?

If drooping neck skin or horizontal wrinkles are making you appear older than your years, Botox injections can rejuvenate your neck. But talk with your provider to decide if Botox is appropriate for your needs.

Be sure to choose an experienced injector to ensure you receive the proper dosage for optimal outcomes. On average, women need 25-40 units of Botox, while men require 35-60 units, depending on the severity and areas being treated.

Over the course of 3-6 months, Botox can smooth neck wrinkles, soften vertical bands, and lift and tighten the skin under the chin and along the jawline. Just be prepared to get maintenance injections every 3-6 months to sustain your subtle neck lift.

When performed skillfully, Botox neck lift is a quick, non-surgical solution to tackle turkey neck without extensive downtime. Talk to your provider today to learn if it’s the right treatment to help restore confidence in your beautiful neck.