You don't have to go under the knife to lose a droopy neck. Aging and rapid weight loss can both cause the skin under the chin to sag. The loose folds of skin can age appearance even faster than face wrinkles. You may not be able to entirely eliminate loose skin on the neck, but there are a few exercises you can try to help minimize sagging and tighten things up.
Chin & Throat Stretch
Stand comfortably balanced with your feet shoulder length apart, arms at your sides and spine straight but relaxed. Or sit upright in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, hands on your thighs. Jut your lower lip out and put it over your top lip. Inhale deeply through the nose as you slowly and easily tip your head straight back. Stop the tilt when you are looking directly up. Hold, breathe, and feel the stretch along the front of the neck and in the throat. Keep the lower lip in place as you exhale through the nose and slowly bring the head back to the starting position. Take several slow, relaxed breaths and begin again. Start with three or four repetitions, and work up to 10 to 15. This exercise can be done several times a day -- it's very portable and takes very little time.
Side Chin & Throat
Begin with the basic chin and throat stretch, and when the head is tilted straight back, gently turn it to face the right. Look straight over the right shoulder and breathe. Tip the chin down to touch the shoulder. Don't force this if your neck isn't flexible enough. All the movement should be carefully done so there is no stress on the neck. You are aiming for a gentle but unmistakable stretch. Pause the chin at the shoulder and breathe. Then circle the chin down so it rests on the chest and slowly return the head to starting position, facing forward. Repeat the exercise to the left. The side stretch can directly follow basic chin and throat stretch for the same number of repetitions.
Neck and Chin Series
Keep the mouth closed, teeth together, and press the tip of the tongue against the bottom teeth. Increase the pressure for a count of 10 while gently pressing two fingers against the hollow of the neck. Release. Pout the lips out in an exaggerated "kiss." Place the tips of the fingers on the collarbone and point the chin up to the sky as you pull the corners of the mouth down. Place the thumb just under the chin bone in the center of the chin. With the mouth closed, press the tongue against the lower gum in front of the teeth as if trying to touch the thumb. Hold for a count of five, then release. These exercises can be done in multiple repetitions two or three times a day.
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