The dreaded turkey neck occurs when the skin under the neck begins to loosen and sag. Because your neck skin is very delicate, sagging can easily occur when collagen and elastin fibers begin to break down. The result is a portion of skin that hangs below the chin---much like the waddle of a turkey's neck.
Preventing or treating this skin sagging as soon as you notice it can help. Because the most effective way to reverse a "turkey neck" is surgery, taking preventive steps can help avoid this costly and invasive procedure.
Step 1
Ask your dermatologist for a prescription retinoid cream, according to Oprah.com. This topical form of vitamin A can encourage collagen and elastin production in the skin. Because these fibers are responsible for giving your skin strength and structure, this growth can help tighten the appearance of the neck. Because the fibers diminish as you age, applying this cream daily can help prevent turkey neck development.
Step 2
Perform exercises to tighten neck skin three to four times per week. Yoga Wiz recommends exercises such as tilting the head backward, lifting your lower lip up and placing over your upper lip. Hold this position for three to five seconds, then release and lift your head up. Repeat three to five times.
Another example is an upward facing dog pose. Begin by lying on the ground with arms bent and hands toward you shoulders. Slowly push up making a reverse "C" with the body and lean head slightly back, tilting the chin out. Hold for several seconds and then lower to starting position.
Step 3
Drink water throughout the day. Drink at least eight glasses suggests Good Housekeeping. Water helps maintain healthy skin and reduces bloating that can result in the appearance of turkey neck.
Step 4
Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Extra fat can contribute to the looseness underneath your neck, resulting in turkey neck. By making healthy lifestyle choices to help you regulate your weight, you can reduce the likelihood you will develop a turkey neck.
Step 5
Undergo laser treatments to tighten the skin underneath the neck, according to Oprah.com. These lasers penetrate the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production, which can tighten the appearance of skin underneath the neck. Because laser treatments may not be recommended for some skin types, discuss this option with your physician.
Things You'll Need
- Retinoid cream
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