Sagging, wobbling skin on your neck that can occur due to aging and weight gain, is lovably referred to as "turkey neck." If your neck has seen better days, there are both surgical and non-surgical ways to eliminate the wobble. If you're just starting to notice the beginnings of sagging skin under your neck, you may also be able to prevent the condition from getting worse. Although surgical procedures are the most expensive treatments for turkey neck, they will also provide the most drastic results.
Step 1
Apply a retinoid cream to the neck area, suggests Alan Matarasso, M.D., plastic surgery professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. An over-the-counter or prescription retinoid cream can help rebuild elastin and collagen on the neck area, making skin firmer and smoother, although it will probably not provide drastic results.
Step 2
Eat less salt, suggests "Good Housekeeping" magazine. Foods that contain large amounts of sodium, like fast food, canned soups and potato chips, can cause water retention in the face and neck area. Limit your intake of sodium to prevent your neck from swelling up.
Step 3
Consult your dermatologist about laser resurfacing. Laser resurfacing can help tighten skin on the neck, states Matarasso. Additionally, laser resurfacing can help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles that are causing the neck to sag, but it may require several treatments to be fully effective.
Step 4
Consult a cosmetic surgeon about a neck lift. A neck lift is a surgical procedure where an incision is made under the chin. The excess skin is pulled and trimmed, then sewn in place to tighten both the skin and the neck muscles, states the Mayo Clinic. A neck lift works better for people with sagging only in the neck area who do not need tightening in the face or cheeks. After a neck lift, you can go back to work within a week but will not see full results for four to six months, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Step 5
Get all-over tightening with a face-lift. If your whole facial and neck area need a pick-me-up, a cosmetic surgeon can make incisions in front of your ear and up near your temples to tighten the entire facial area, including the neck. After a face-lift, you can return to work within two to four weeks.
Tips and Warnings
- Moisturize your skin every day with an oil-free moisturizer to prevent further sagging of the skin in the neck area.
- Consult several cosmetic surgeons before deciding on the procedure and doctor that is right for you.
Things You'll Need
- Retinoid cream
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