How To Fix Turkey Neck with Plastic Surgery

While exercising the neck muscles can make them firmer, this won’t change the condition of the skin. If you want to get rid of turkey neck, there are several treatments that can help improve how your neck looks.

Some treatments are non-invasive, which means they do not require surgery. Others use minimally invasive surgical techniques that use small incisions, or they involve traditional surgery.

“The right options for you depend on several factors, including your age, skin type and the severity of the condition,” says Salvatore Pacella, MD, division head of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Scripps Clinic and Scripps Green Hospital. “A board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial procedures can help you determine which treatments may give you the best results.”

If you have vertical band-like lines on your neck, Botox or Dysport (neuromodulator) injections can help. These treatments temporarily reduce muscle activity in the neck and make the skin look more relaxed. Treatment takes just a few minutes and requires no recovery time; results generally last three to four months.

Various types of lasers can be used to heat and tighten the skin on the neck without surgery.

The results of laser treatment can range from mild to moderate, depending on the type used. Usually, multiple sessions are needed to get the desired outcome. Recovery time is often minimal, and the results can last for a few years.

A facelift is a surgical procedure that involves tightening and lifting weak facial and neck muscles along with removing excess loose skin to create a smoother, more toned jowl and neck.

The surgeon will make an incision behind each ear so that the scars are hidden; if needed, another incision may be made below the chin. After the surgery, patients wear an elastic compression bandage around the neck and head to reduce swelling.

A facelift and neck lift are often done together as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia and usually takes one to two hours. Most patients have some bruising and swelling for the first week or so and return to work and other activities after two weeks. There are variations of the technique which pull the face and neck in different directions to achieve a very natural result. 

“In my practice, I perform an advanced technique known as the deep plane facelift,” Dr. Pacella notes. “This is a great modification of a traditional facelift which supports the deep ligaments of the face. The cosmetic improvement tends to last 15 to 20 years compared to traditional facelift techniques that may last only seven to 10 years.”

Dr. Pacella also specializes in the mini facelift, a less invasive procedure for people who want more subtle improvements.

Excess skin or loosening of the skin caused by the natural loss of facial fat volume over time can be corrected with fat transfer. This process involves harvesting fat from one part of the body, similar to liposuction. The fat is treated gently to purify its natural stem cells. These cells are then precisely injected into areas that need more volume or “plumping.” Fat transfer may cause some swelling for about two weeks after the procedure.

“Fat transfer is also commonly used together with facial rejuvenation procedures such as neck lifts and deep plane lifts to add volume and restore the natural and youthful contour of your neck that has been lost over time,” says Dr. Pacella.

Make sure to find a plastic surgeon who is qualified to perform the cosmetic procedure that you want.

Like any medical procedure, face and neck treatments can have side effects or risks, but they are generally minimal. Your plastic surgeon can review any concerns before you decide to have a procedure.

“Turkey neck is a common complaint as we get older, and we’ve helped a lot of patients get rid of excess neck skin and tighten up the neck with excellent outcomes,” says Dr. Pacella. “Schedule a consultation and find out which treatments can help you get the results you want.”