Like the hands on a clock, time spares no one, not even the sleek curve of our necks. As we age, the skin on our neck tends to lose elasticity, resulting in sagging, wrinkles, and the dreaded “turkey neck” effect. Turkey neck is a common term used to describe the appearance of loose skin and wrinkles that form along the lower part of the neck, typically in those aged 40 and older.
However, with the advancements in cosmetic treatments, there are now various options available for neck rejuvenation. These include both non-invasive and surgical, which can help you achieve a younger-looking neck.
Read on to learn more about how to tighten neck skin without surgery, as well as surgical options for those who want a more long-lasting and dramatic result.
What Causes Turkey Neck?
Turkey neck can be a result of the following:
- Aging
- Sun damage
- Genetics
- Weight loss
- Poor posture
- Smoking
Non-Surgical Treatments for Turkey Neck
Non-surgical neck tightening treatments created to address turkey neck have gained popularity in recent years due to their minimal recovery times, lower risks of complications, and the ability to achieve noticeable improvements without invasive surgery. These treatments offer a range of options to tackle various aesthetic concerns related to the neck.
From radiofrequency skin tightening to injectables, let’s unpack your options for neck lifts without surgery.
1. Radiofrequency Skin Tightening
Using radiofrequency technology, this saggy neck treatment heats the skin’s underlying layers to stimulate collagen and elastin production, targeting skin laxity issues. The procedure usually takes 30–45 minutes, and patients typically notice results within a few weeks post-treatment. Frequent sessions might be required for the best results, with less downtime and discomfort than surgical treatments.
2. Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing involves directing short, concentrated infrared laser pulses at the areas with uneven or loose skin. The laser removes the outer layers, promoting collagen production and skin regeneration. This neck tightening treatment can reduce wrinkles and fine lines and treat acne scarring and age spots. Multiple sessions might be required based on age and skin condition.
3. Radiofrequency Microneedling
This is a very effective treatment for loose neck skin because it combines fat reduction and skin tightening. The procedure involves stimulating the skin and the tissues beneath it with tiny needles and radiofrequency heat. The combination of heat and mechanical stimulation causes remodeling, collagen production, fat breakdown, and skin tightening. The treatments can also be combined with laser skin resurfacing for greater effect. A few sessions may be performed for best results. Collagen production occurs over several months after the procedure, so a final result may be appreciated after about six months.
4. PDO Thread Lift
This treatment uses absorbable polydioxanone (PDO) sutures that stimulate the body’s healing responses and improve skin texture and elasticity. The treatment involves the insertion of these sutures beneath the skin, which are then pulled to lift and tighten, creating an instant lifting effect. The threads are absorbed within four to six months, leaving behind a collagen network for lasting results.
5. Injectable Treatments
Injectable treatments for loose neck skins have revolutionized the field of non-surgical neck rejuvenation. They are ideal for individuals seeking to improve the appearance and contour of their necks without undergoing invasive surgical procedures. These treatments involve using various injectable substances to target specific concerns and achieve desired outcomes.
These include:
- Botox. Botox injections reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles by relaxing the neck muscles in the places where they are administered. Botox can address issues such as sagging neck skin, “turkey neck,” and prominent platysmal bands on the neck and jawline. The effects typically last for three to six months.
- Injectable dermal fillers. Dermal fillers are gel-like compounds injected beneath the skin to replace volume, smooth wrinkles, soften creases, and enhance features. They offer immediate results lasting from six months to over a year, depending on the type of filler and the patient’s skin condition.
Surgical Treatments for Turkey Neck
Surgical treatments are an option for individuals seeking more extensive and long-lasting results for aesthetic concerns that non-surgical procedures cannot adequately address. These procedures involve minimally invasive treatments and are typically performed by qualified plastic surgeons or other specialized surgeons.
Here are some of your options:
1. Traditional Lift Surgical Procedure for Loose Neck Skin
A traditional neck lift removes loose skin and neck fat and tightens the underlying muscular structure, which is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Generally, a neck lift will include both a cervicoplasty (to remove loose, excess skin) and a platysmaplasty (to reduce or remove the “turkey wattle”). Done under general anesthesia, the total recovery time can be several weeks, but the results are long-lasting and dramatic.
2. Liposuction for Loose Skin
Liposuction of the neck removes excess fat deposition in this area, and as a result, it adds definition and restores balance to the facial features. It’s typically an outpatient procedure performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the amount of fat that needs to be removed. Most patients can return to work within a week and resume normal activities within a month.
3. Minimally Invasive Surgical Neck Lift
A mini neck lift surgery is a less invasive variation of the traditional neck lift that primarily addresses skin wrinkles and sagging on the lower region of the neck. The procedure typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours and involves much smaller incisions and less tissue manipulation, which reduces healing time.
At Juvenessence, we pair our mini neck lift with liposuction, FaceTite radiofrequency tightening, and a MyEllevate subcutaneous suspension suture for maximum results.
The results, which could last 5 to 8 years, are a more youthful and restful appearance in the lower neck and under the jawline.
Final Thoughts
Non-surgical and surgical treatments for neck rejuvenation can offer a more youthful, toned appearance. While a nonsurgical neck lift is a minimally invasive and relatively quick procedure with minimal downtime, the results are typically more modest. If you want more dramatic or longer-lasting improvements, consider surgical treatments. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully before making a decision. Most importantly, it’s best to consult a medical professional to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.
So, are you ready to commence your excursion to rediscover youth? Call us to learn more.
