The Best Treatments For A Turkey Neck

According to the "Atlas of Aesthetic Face & Neck Surgery" by Gregory S. LaTrenta, the platysma muscle, located in the front of the neck, can become loose and distended with age. This condition, combined with weight gain, can result in a noticeably jowly appearance often referred to as "turkey neck." Several treatments are available for turkey neck, but which is best depends on the severity of the skin deformity.

Skin Creams

If your turkey neck is very slight, and you or your dermatologist or aesthetician agree that it is in its early stages, it may be successfully treated with specialized skin creams and a smart skin care regimen, according to "A More Beautiful You: Reverse Aging Through Skin Care, Plastic Surgery, and Lifestyle Solutions" by Robert M. Freund. Creams and topical solutions designed for this purpose can tighten and firm the skin around the neck, temporarily stopping and even reversing the sagging and loosening, but they cannot stop the aging process. Eventually, the condition may progress to a point where creams are no longer effective. In addition to using creams, you should be sure to include your neck skin in your overall skin care regimen, giving it as much care and attention as your facial skin. Wash, exfoliate and moisturize your neck skin regularly, and be sure to use a sunscreen when you plan to be outside for any substantial length of time.

LED Therapy

LED light therapy may be effective for more advanced turkey neck conditions, according to "Understanding Cosmetic Laser Surgery" by Robert Langdon, M.D. An alternative to invasive surgery and harsh chemical treatments, LED therapy involves the use of different colored lights that, when focused on damaged skin, can repair the skin at a cellular level to restore tone and elasticity. This treatment can stimulate the skin's natural production of collagen and elastin, the substances that make skin firm, strong and springy. Some handheld devices make this technology safe and available for home use, but more powerful LED light treatments are available in professional settings through dermatologists, aestheticians and plastic surgeons.

Invasive Surgery

For extensive weakening of the platysma muscle resulting in severe turkey neck, invasive procedures are often the only means of achieving satisfactory results. Freund states that if the condition is mostly related to weight gain and the skin is still relatively youthful and springy, liposuction can be performed, during which fat will be sucked out of the neck tissue using specialized tools. When age is the primary factor, a procedure called a neck lift is usually recommended. With a neck lift, incisions are made under the chin and behind the ears. If there is excess skin, some of it may be removed completely, and some of the platysma muscle may be removed or manipulated through the incisions. The incisions are then sutured and left to heal, which often takes about two weeks.