What Is Turkey Neck and How Do You Fix It? Your Complete Guide to Neck Lift Surgery

Key Points


  • Turkey neck is loose, sagging skin in the neck resembling a turkey's wattle 
  • Causes include aging, genetics, weight loss, and sun damage 
  • Non-surgical treatments provide temporary improvement only 
  • Neck lift surgery removes excess skin and tightens muscles for lasting results 
  • Results typically last 10-15+ years 


You avoid turtlenecks. You strategically position yourself in photos. Every time you look in the mirror, your eyes go straight to your neck, where loose, wrinkled skin hangs in folds you can't hide. 

 

It's called turkey neck, and you've probably tried creams, exercises, and maybe even non-surgical treatments. But turkey neck is stubborn, and temporary fixes don't cut it anymore. 

 

At Guthrie Facial Plastic Surgery in Brentwood, TN, Dr. Ashley Guthrie specializes in neck lift surgery that permanently eliminates turkey neck and restores a smooth, youthful profile. 


What Is Turkey Neck? 


Turkey neck is loose, sagging skin and tissue in the neck that creates folds and wrinkles resembling a turkey's wattle. The medical term is cervical skin laxity. 

 

Characteristics include: 

  • Loose, hanging skin creating folds 
  • Vertical bands (platysma bands) 
  • Loss of jaw-neck definition 
  • Waddle-like appearance 
  • Horizontal lines across the neck 


What Causes Turkey Neck?


Aging: Skin loses collagen and elastin. The neck is particularly vulnerable because skin here is thinner than facial skin. 

 

Muscle Weakening: Platysma muscles weaken and separate, creating visible vertical bands. 

 

Genetics: Some people are predisposed to developing turkey neck earlier. 

 

Weight Loss: Rapid or significant weight loss leaves excess skin. Learn more about neck rejuvenation after weight loss. 

 

Sun Damage and Smoking: Both break down collagen and accelerate skin aging. 



Can Non-Surgical Treatments Fix Turkey Neck?


Non-surgical treatments provide modest improvement for very mild neck laxity but cannot eliminate moderate to severe turkey neck. 


Skin Tightening Devices: Ultherapy and radiofrequency treatments provide mild tightening but can't remove significant excess skin or tighten separated muscles. 


Injectables: Botox can temporarily relax platysma bands. Kybella dissolves fat but removing fat when your problem is excess skin can make turkey neck worse.


If you have significant excess neck skin or visible bands, surgery is the only way to actually remove skin and permanently tighten muscles.

Neck Lift Surgery: The Permanent Solution


Neck lift surgery removes excess skin, tightens muscles, and creates a smooth, youthful neck contour. 

 

What it addresses: 

  • Loose, hanging neck skin 
  • Turkey neck appearance 
  • Platysma bands 
  • Horizontal neck lines 
  • Loss of jaw-neck definition 


How It Works


Small incisions are made behind the ears and possibly under the chin. If you have visible platysma bands, Dr. Guthrie sutures the separated muscles back together (platysmaplasty), eliminating bands and creating better definition. Excess fat can be removed through liposuction. Excess skin is trimmed away and remaining skin is re-draped smoothly. 


The procedure takes 2-3 hours under general anesthesia.


Platysmaplasty: Tightening the Neck Muscles 


Platysma muscles run vertically down both sides of your neck. As you age, they separate in the middle, creating visible bands. During platysmaplasty, Dr. Guthrie sutures them back together, eliminating bands, creating definition, improving the chin-neck angle, and providing structural support for long-lasting results. 

 

Combining Neck Lift with Facelift 

 

If you have turkey neck, you likely also have facial aging like jowls and sagging. Most patients benefit from combining neck lift with a deep plane facelift for comprehensive results, single recovery period, better value, and seamless transition from face to neck. 

 

Learn more about combining procedures. 


Recovery Timeline 

 

Week 1: Peak swelling and bruising. Wear compression garment. Discomfort is manageable. 

 

Week 2: Significant improvement. Sutures removed. Many return to desk work. 

 

Weeks 3-4: Most visible signs resolved. Resume light exercise. 

 

Months 6-12: Final results visible. Scars faded to barely visible lines. 


Who Is a Good Candidate? 

 

Good candidates have moderate to severe turkey neck, excess loose neck skin, visible platysma bands, good overall health, realistic expectations, stable weight, and want a permanent solution. 

FAQs About Turkey Neck and Neck Lift 

  • Can you get rid of turkey neck without surgery?

    Non-surgical treatments provide modest improvement for very mild cases only. Surgery is the only permanent solution for moderate to severe turkey neck. 

  • How long does neck lift surgery take?

    Neck lift alone takes 2-3 hours. Combined with facelift, 3-5 hours. 

  • Is it painful?

    Most describe tightness and discomfort rather than severe pain. Medications keep you comfortable.

  • Will I have visible scars?

    Incisions are placed behind ears and under chin where they're difficult to see. Scars fade to thin, barely visible lines.

  • How long do results last?

    Typically 10-15+ years. You'll continue aging naturally but always look better than without surgery.

FAQs About Guthrie Facial Plastic Surgery 

  • Where is your practice?

    1001 Health Park Drive, Suite 420, Brentwood, TN 37027. Call (615) 880-9500.

  • Can I see before-and-after photos?

    Yes, view Dr. Guthrie's surgical gallery. 

Ready to Say Goodbye to Turkey Neck?


Turkey neck doesn't have to be permanent. With neck lift surgery, you can achieve a smooth, defined neck that makes you look years younger. 

 

At Guthrie Facial Plastic Surgery in Brentwood, TN, Dr. Ashley Guthrie delivers natural, beautiful results. Call (615) 880-9500 or visit drashleyguthrie.com to schedule your consultation today. 

 

Clinic Ph: (615) 880-9500 | 1001 Health Park Drive, Suite 420, Brentwood, TN 37027

Disclaimer:  The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, and should not be considered, medical advice. All information, content, and material available on this blog are for general informational purposes only. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The author and the blog disclaim any liability for the decisions you make based on the information provided. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.