“Turkey neck” is an informal term describing loose, sagging skin and muscle in the neck area. This aesthetic concern manifests as horizontal creases, vertical bands, and a loss of definition along the jawline and under the chin. It is a common cosmetic concern.
The Medical Name for “Turkey Neck”
The medical terms for “turkey neck” relate to specific anatomical structures. These include “platysmal bands,” “platysma muscle laxity,” or “cervical laxity,” which describe the underlying anatomical changes. The platysma is a broad, thin superficial muscle that extends from the upper chest up the neck to the lower jawline. When this muscle loses tone or becomes lax, it can form prominent vertical cords, contributing to the banded appearance.
Factors Contributing to Neck Appearance
Several factors contribute to changes in neck appearance over time. A primary contributor is the natural aging process, which leads to a reduction in the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that provide skin firmness and elasticity. The continuous pull of gravity also plays a role, gradually drawing skin and tissues downwards. Genetic predispositions can influence an individual’s skin type, elasticity, and how fat is distributed in the neck area.
Excessive sun exposure contributes by causing ultraviolet (UV) damage, which accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Significant fluctuations in weight can stretch the skin and underlying tissues, making them less likely to retract fully. While these factors can alter neck appearance, such changes are a natural part of aging for many and are primarily cosmetic in nature.
Non-Invasive Options for Neck Rejuvenation
For individuals seeking to address “turkey neck” without surgery, several non-invasive and minimally invasive options are available. Topical skincare products can offer some improvement, with ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants working to improve skin texture and elasticity. Injectable treatments also provide solutions, such as neuromodulators like botulinum toxin, which can relax prominent platysmal bands to create a smoother neck contour. Dermal fillers may be used to improve overall skin quality or address minor volume loss in specific areas.
Energy-based devices are another non-invasive treatment, utilizing technologies like radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasound therapies. Devices such as Ultherapy deliver controlled energy to deeper skin layers, stimulating new collagen production and for gradual skin tightening. Microneedling, sometimes combined with radiofrequency, can also enhance skin texture and firmness by creating controlled micro-injuries that trigger the body’s natural healing response. These non-surgical methods generally offer varying degrees of improvement and are typically most effective for mild to moderate skin laxity, often requiring multiple sessions and ongoing maintenance.
Surgical Interventions for Neck Contouring
For more significant and long-lasting correction of a pronounced “turkey neck,” surgical interventions are often considered. A neck lift, medically referred to as platysmaplasty and/or cervicoplasty, is a comprehensive procedure designed to redefine the neck and jawline. Platysmaplasty specifically involves tightening the platysma muscle, which helps to eliminate vertical bands and create a smoother neck profile. Cervicoplasty, on the other hand, focuses on excising and redraping excess skin to remove sagging folds.
Liposuction is frequently performed in conjunction with a neck lift, particularly when excess fat deposits contribute to the appearance under the chin. This procedure removes localized fat, often referred to as submental fat, which can create a “double chin” effect and obscure the jawline. These surgical procedures are invasive and require anesthesia, involving a period of recovery. They are typically recommended for individuals with significant skin laxity and realistic expectations regarding the outcomes.