What Causes Turkey Neck?

If you’re tired of feeling self-conscious about sagging skin in the neck area – often referred to as ‘turkey neck’, you’re not alone.

This common but annoying side effect of ageing can occur as soon as we hit our 40s. Sadly, there’s not a lot we can do to stop the ageing process. Thankfully though, there are solutions to improve the look of a turkey neck.

If you’re seeking a dramatic transformation, you might consider a neck lift in London with Dominic Bray – a board-certified plastic surgeon and one of the UK’s leading plastic surgeons in skin rejuvenation.

Before we look further into what can be done about loose neck skin, let’s explore what causes turkey neck.

 

What is turkey neck?

Turkey neck refers to sagging and loose skin in the neck area that occurs when the neck muscles begin to weaken and the skin’s elasticity diminishes. As we get older, collagen production also slows which is one of the key ingredients to giving us our youthful appearance.

Many people grapple with this common cosmetic concern and although in the majority of cases it is age-related, there are also some other factors that might play a part in the appearance of turkey neck.

 

Turkey Neck: What are the main culprits?

 

Ageing

The most common reason for your turkey neck is down to ageing. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and firmness due to the breakdown of elastin fibres and decreasing collagen production.

The neck muscles will also begin to weaken as we get older and this also shows in your neck skin which can become wrinkled.

 

Sun exposure

If you’ve spent a significant amount of time exposed to harmful UV rays from the sun you might be more prone to developing sagging neck skin. UV radiation is damaging to elastin and collagen which leads to wrinkled skin.

If you want to avoid accelerating the rate of developing sagging skin, it’s best to limit the amount of sun exposure you have and be sure to wear a high-factor sun cream.

 

Weight loss

You might be absolutely thrilled to have lost weight, only to realise that it’s left you with an unsightly turkey neck. When the excess fat that was once doing the job of plumping up your face and neck skin disappears, you can be left with excess skin that often can’t be treated with exercise alone.

 

Genetics

Unfortunately for some, a turkey neck can simply be a matter of genetics. If you have a family history of this condition, don’t be surprised to learn you may be predisposed to it.

Genetics play a significant role in determining the quality and resilience of our skin. If sagging skin around the neck runs in your family, your chances of dealing with this condition are increased.

 

How can I get rid of turkey neck?

The good news is that there are ways to get rid of turkey neck. Some are more invasive than others but as with a lot of cosmetic treatments, more drastic measures often have more dramatic results.

 

Facial exercises for turkey neck

Neck exercises can do wonders for increasing the strength of your neck muscles and in turn help to improve the neck’s appearance. You can try neck lifts and chin tucks to begin with, as well as moving your mouth in a chewing motion to get the neck muscles more mobile.

 

Botox injections

Line relaxing injections can address skin laxity and improve the appearance of wrinkles that come as a result of excess skin. Botox injections are non-invasive and temporarily block the messages between the facial muscles and the brain, resulting in smoother and firmer skin.

 

Laser skin tightening

Laser skin tightening is a non-surgical treatment aimed at tightening sagging neck skin. It works by encouraging elastin and collagen production. Results are often seen immediately but continue to develop over time as the skin’s surface benefits from the boost in elastin and collagen.

 

What surgical procedures can remove a turkey neck?

Neck exercises and other cosmetic treatments can go some way to improving the neck’s skin, but none will be quite as dramatic in terms of results as a neck lift.

A surgical neck lift will treat turkey neck permanently and is designed to remove excess skin, tighten skin on the neck and redefine your contours.

During surgery, an experienced surgeon like Dominic Bray will carefully remove surplus skin and fat deposits while tightening the underlying muscles and repositioning tissues to create a more youthful neckline.

 

Are turkey neck treatments safe?

As with any surgical procedure, there are associated risks however these can be mitigated by choosing a renowned and experienced surgeon.

Dominic Bray is widely known in the industry for his outstanding skill and experience in facelift and neck lift procedures. His meticulous eye for detail and commitment to patient satisfaction ensures he delivers natural-looking results that enhance your unique features and restore your self-confidence.

 

Schedule a consultation

If you’d like to know more about a neck lift or any other treatments for turkey necks, you can book a consultation with Dominic Bray to discuss your options.

Dominic Bray is one of the UK’s leading plastic surgeons and consults from his private clinics in Harley Street London and Tunbridge Wells, Kent. You can contact our clinics on +44 203 417 9980.