Turkey Neck
Here, at The Aesthetic Treatment Rooms - our Newcastle Upon Tyne based Skin and Aesthetics Clinic, we hear a lot of people complain about what they like to call “Turkey neck”. Although this is not an official medical term, it is a common cosmetic concern that people do wish to try and improve.
This actually affects many people, particularly as they age. It is a very unglamorous way of referring to the sagging, loose skin that hangs down from the neck, giving it a wattle-like appearance. While turkey neck is a natural part of the aging process, there are several treatments available to help reduce its appearance. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of turkey neck, and the latest treatments available to help reduce its appearance.
What Causes Turkey Neck?
The skin on our necks is delicate and thinner than the skin on our faces. As we age, the natural decline in collagen and elastin production causes the skin to lose its elasticity and sag. This sagging, combined with the effects of gravity, leads to the development of turkey neck.
Other factors that can contribute to the development of turkey neck include:-
Genetics: this can play a role in how quickly the skin on our necks age, as this determines when your collagen and elastin production will slow down.
Weight loss: can cause the skin to sag due to the loss of underlying fat tissue. Causing drooping and sagging of the skin.
Weak muscles: Having a turkey neck may also be caused by the condition of your muscles. First of all, the muscles that support your neck weaken with time. The ability of these muscles to support the skin is lost. Your skin is therefore unable to regain the support it needs to move to its natural posture. Your skin sags when your muscles lose their stiffness, even though you may not notice a difference in how your muscles feel.
Sun damage: contributes to the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to premature aging.
Fat distribution: some individuals are born with more double chin and neck fat than others. People with additional fat around their necks and under their chins are more likely to develop turkey necks because extra fat can cause the skin to strain and fold. Turkey necks might develop as a result of weight gain. This might exacerbate the appearance of the Turkey Neck.
Treatments available for Turkey Neck in Newcastle Upon Tyne
Non Surgical Treatments for a turkey neck
This is the most popular option from what we see in our Newcastle based clinic, mainly because it is a minimally invasive way to treat a turkey neck. These options can be done in a short amount of time, making it a great choice for those with busy schedules. In addition, non surgical options are safe and effective while also minimizing the risk of side effects. Here we have a few options of treatments available. This is not an exhaustive list, but it can give you some hope that help is available for the Turkey neck:
Home care: By using neck creams and lotions as part of an anti-aging skin care regimen will help hydrate and slightly plump your skin.
Turkey neck exercises: Regular neck workouts will help to build stronger neck muscles, which could enhance the appearance of your neck.
Microneedling: Can be an effective treatment for the turkey neck, helping to tighten and smooth the skin in the neck area. Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that involves using a device with tiny needles to puncture the skin. These needles create tiny micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body's natural healing response. This response includes the production of new collagen and elastin, which are essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin. One of the main effects of microneedling on the turkey neck is that it can help to tighten and smooth the skin in the neck area. This is because the increased production of collagen and elastin helps to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. In addition to tightening and smoothing the skin, microneedling can also help to improve the texture of the skin in the neck area. This is because the micro-injuries created by the needles stimulate the production of new skin cells, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Another effect of microneedling on turkey neck is that it can help to improve the overall tone and texture of the skin. This is because the increased production of collagen and elastin helps to improve the elasticity of the skin, making it appear firmer and more youthful-looking.
Radiofrequency (RF) treatments: Can be an effective solution for the turkey neck, helping to tighten and smooth the skin in the neck area. One of the main effects of Radio Frequency (RF) on the turkey neck is that it can help to tighten and firm the skin in the neck area. This is because the heat from the RF waves stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, which helps to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. In addition to tightening and firming the skin, RF can also help to improve the texture of the skin in the neck area. This is because the increased production of collagen and elastin helps to improve the elasticity of the skin, making it appear smoother and more youthful-looking. Another effect of RF on turkey neck is that it can help to improve the overall tone and texture of the skin. This is because the heat from the RF waves helps to stimulate blood flow to the area, which can help to improve the appearance of the skin. Finally, RF is a versatile treatment that can be used to address a wide range of skin concerns, including turkey neck. This makes it a great option for those looking for an all-in-one treatment that can address multiple skin concerns at once.
Fat Dissolving Injections: Neck fat can be removed using deoxycholic acid. Fat dissolving injections are a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that involves injecting a solution into the targeted area to dissolve unwanted fat. This solution is made up of deoxycholic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to break down and absorb fat. One of the main effects of fat dissolving injections on the turkey neck is that it can help to reduce the appearance of fat in the neck area. This is because the deoxycholic acid in the injection helps to break down and absorb fat cells, which can result in a more contoured and defined neck area.
Botox®: Your neck may develop vertical bands or cords when the platysma muscles deteriorate. Botox injections can be used to relax the muscles that contribute to the appearance of the turkey neck, leading to a smoother appearance. Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment that can be used to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. However, Botox can also be an effective treatment for turkey neck. Botox is a cosmetic treatment that involves injecting a purified form of botulinum toxin into the targeted area. This toxin works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles in the area, which can help to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. One of the main ways that Botox can help turkey neck is by relaxing the platysma muscle in the neck area. The platysma muscle is responsible for pulling the skin down and creating the appearance of sagging or loose skin in the neck area. By injecting Botox into the platysma muscle, the muscle becomes temporarily paralyzed, which can help to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines in the neck area. This can result in a more youthful and defined neck area, with a reduction in the appearance of turkey neck.
Dermal Fillers: Can be used to add volume to the skin, reducing the appearance of sagging and wrinkles. Dermal fillers are a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that involves injecting a gel-like substance into the targeted area to add volume and improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The most common fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to hydrate and plump up the skin. One of the main ways that dermal fillers can help turkey neck is by adding volume to the neck area. This is because as we age, we lose volume in our skin, which can result in sagging and loose skin in the neck area. By injecting dermal fillers into the neck area, the filler adds volume and lifts the skin, which can result in a more contoured and defined neck area. This can help to reduce the appearance of the turkey neck and create a more youthful and healthy-looking neck.
Surgical options to improve turkey neck:
Surgery does have more risks and requires a longer recovery than nonsurgical options. The gold standard is a neck and face lift. You can achieve immediate results and a permanent solution by surgically removing the extra skin and fat (and tightening the muscles as necessary).
Lifts for the neck and face
Neck lifts (platysmaplasty) and facelifts (rhytidectomy) are surgical procedures used to treat turkey necks. These operations involve the removal of extra skin and fat from the face and neck while tightening the remaining skin, muscle, and tissue.
Another efficient method for reducing a double chin is liposuction.
Benefits can also come from other procedures that fix jaw and tooth misalignments and other issues with bone structure. While less frequently performed for cosmetic reasons, these operations can ultimately enhance the appearance of your neck.
Conclusion
Turkey neck is a common cosmetic concern that can have a significant impact on self-esteem. While it is a natural part of the aging process, there are several treatments available to help reduce its appearance. If you are struggling with turkey neck, consider speaking with a qualified medical professional to determine which treatment option is right for you. With the right treatment, you can regain your confidence and enjoy a smoother, more youthful-looking neck.
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Turkey neck, or the sagging and drooping of the skin under the chin and around the neck, is a common concern as we age. Discover effective treatment options for turkey neck, including non-surgical and surgical approaches. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of turkey neck. Find the best solution for a firmer, more youthful-looking neck. Schedule a consultation to discuss your turkey neck concerns with our expert team.
