Causes and Remedies for a Turkey Neck
Everyone recognizes a ‘Turkey neck’ when they see one. They’re loose skin under the chin at the front of the throat that resembles a turkey’s wattle. They’re common in people above the age of sixty. However, they can also appear in people much younger. We’ll examine the causes and remedies for this unwanted condition so you can decide on the best way to treat it.
What Causes Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are caused by several factors, both internal and external, including:
Aging Affects Skin on The Neck
Skin loses elasticity as we age due to decreasing collagen production and fat loss. This causes the neck skin to sag and develop vertical wrinkles known as turkey necks.
Genetics Plays a Part
People inherit physical traits like necks and jawlines that can predispose them to carrying extra neck tissue and fat. The tissue can lose its elasticity and develop into sagging skin later in life.
Carrying Too Much Weight
Weight gain can cause extra fat to gather around your neck, stretching the skin. When you begin a diet and exercise program and start to lose weight, the steady loss of fat turns into loose, sagging skin.
Destructive Lifestyle Factors
Sun and ultraviolet rays, smoking, a poor diet, and environmental pollutants are all factors that can affect your skin’s elasticity, collagen content, and ability to retain moisture.
Know the Side-Effects of Medications
Some medications can cause weight gain or fat to collect in certain areas of the body, including the neck. Some anti-HIV medications cause a phenomenon called HIV lipodystrophy to occur, and one of the effects of this is fat collecting in the neck. Steroid medications can also increase neck fat and make your face rounder.
Weak Neck Muscles
The cord-like platysma muscle at the front of the neck, descending from the bottom of the chin, can weaken and separate as we age and eventually appear as a pronounced turkey neck.
Effective Surgical Ways to Fix a Turkey Neck
Whether at the prime of life or senior years, everyone cares about their appearance and seeks to appear youthful as possible. At Nirunda Aesthetic Clinic in Bangkok, we offer two procedures – a neck lift and a full facelift – which can immediately address a turkey neck condition and restore a youthful look to the neck and jawline.
Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)
The platysma is a broad muscle extending across the lower part of the face, cheeks, and neck. It’s responsible for enabling much of our lower facial movement. As we age, the section of the muscle running under the chin and down the neck can become loose, and fat deposits can become an issue.
There are several ways a surgeon can perform a platysmaplasty, or neck lift, in Bangkok. The most common neck lift procedure begins with incisions around and behind the ears and under the chin. This allows the surgeon access to the platysma muscle and neck structure under the skin. These loose muscles are tightened by suturing, and excess skin is trimmed. Liposuction can also be performed to remove excess fat. The incisions around the ears are then closed.
Full Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
During a full facelift or rhytidectomy, the surgeon makes strategic incisions along the hairline, the temples and around the ears, which are carefully concealed within the contours of the face. The muscles and tissues are then tightened and lifted, and excess skin is trimmed and removed. The facial skin is then carefully redraped and sewn closed.
Face and Neck Lift Procedures
Both procedures at Nirunda Clinic begin with a detailed consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon to determine your suitability for the chosen procedure and to provide you with a preparation checklist. The procedures are performed under anesthesia. After your procedure, you’ll be prescribed medication to alleviate any post-surgical discomfort. You’ll also be advised to sleep on your back with your head elevated for at least the first few days.
Most patients can resume their normal lifestyle within 2-3 weeks, while complete healing may take several months. Your final result will be a smoother neck and jawline, free of the turkey neck effect.
Botox as a Remedy for a Turkey Neck
Nirunda Clinic also offers energy-based device treatments, including Ultherapy ultrasound treatments and Thermage radiofrequency treatments, along with our Botox treatments in Bangkok. These treatments are an effective temporary fix for a turkey neck. Botox can relax the vertical platysma muscle, which otherwise pulls the neck skin and tissue down, creating the appearance of loose and sagging skin. The treatments can be effective for up to three or four months.
Visit Nirunda Aesthetic Clinic for Expert Treatment
With over a decade of experience performing skin and plastic surgery treatments, Nirunda Aesthetic Clinic is your first choice for safe, effective face, skin, and body aesthetic treatments.
We offer a full range of rejuvenating skin treatments, the latest in effective injectable treatments, surgery performed by board-certified specialists, and Cell-Assisted Lipotransfer (CAL) procedures. Make an appointment at Nirunda Aesthetic Clinic for a consultation regarding the best remedy for your turkey neck condition.
References:
- How to Get Rid of ‘Turkey Neck’ – Retrieved July 18, 2025, from – https://health.clevelandclinic.org/turkey-neck
- Wrinkles – Retrieved July 18, 2025, from – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/symptoms-causes/syc-20354927#:~:text=Wrinkles%20are%20caused%20by%20several,and%20feel%20of%20your%20skin.
- Neck Lift – Retrieved July 25, 2025, from – https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/neck-lift#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20neck%20lift,dermal%20fillers%20or%20eye%20lift.
