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Summary

• Turkey neck is a common condition which is characterised by loose skin and loss of muscle tone around the neck
• Ageing, weight loss and muscle activity are the most common causes of turkey neck
• Turkey neck is easily treated with non-surgical options such as Morpheus8, Nitrogen Plasma or Injectables, or surgical procedures such as Neck Lift or Fat Transfer
• Cadogan Clinic’s team of Consultant Facial Surgeons are UK-leading experts in their field, and specialists in all areas of neck rejuvenation

What is Turkey Neck?

Turkey neck is a common term used to describe loose, sagging skin and loss of muscle tone that develops around the neck.

Cadogan Clinic’s team of specialist Consultant Facial Surgeons are experts in all areas of neck rejuvenation. 100% of Cadogan Clinic’s surgical patients would recommend the clinic to their family and friends, and all procedures are overseen by a leadership team rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

Neck tightening treatments have seen a dramatic increase in popularity over the last few years. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons have reported a 21% increase in Neck Lift procedures in 2025 compared with 2024.

Although for some patients, turkey neck may simply be an aesthetic concern, for others it can cause a range of functional concerns, including skin irritation, discomfort and hygiene difficulties. Turkey neck is often associated with natural ageing, but can also result from dramatic weight loss.

The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing as the skin is much thinner and more mobile than other areas of the face and body. This can lead to an imbalance in the appearance of the face and neck, which can impact confidence and cause self-consciousness.

Neck Anatomy

The distinctive anatomy of the neck is the primary reason it is affected by ageing and weight loss at an accelerated rate compared to the rest of the face.

• Skin: The overlying skin of the neck is much thinner than other areas, with lower levels of structural proteins, including collagen and elastin
• Oil glands: The neck contains roughly 50% fewer oil-producing glands, meaning it can be prone to dryness
• Muscles: The platysma muscle is a thin, sheet-like, superficial muscle which does not provide deep support to the skin and other structures
• Mobility: The neck is highly mobile, resulting in unique strain patterns that can accelerate ageing and changes to the skin

All of these factors combined cause the neck to be more prone to showing premature signs of ageing and responding more significantly to weight changes.

 

Turkey neck is a condition which is characterised by loose and sagging skin and muscle around the neck, due to the neck’s anatomical structure, which can cause loss of confidence and physical discomfort.

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What are the Symptoms of Turkey Neck?

Turkey neck has a wide range of physical and psychological signs and symptoms which can significantly affect comfort, confidence and quality of life.

Physical Turkey Neck Symptoms

• Loose skin: The primary symptom of turkey neck is loose, sagging skin which hangs away from the neck, affecting shape and proportion
• Skin texture: The skin often develops a thin, crepey texture with fine lines and wrinkles
• Platysmal bands: Vertical bands of muscle become visible through the skin
• Softened jawline: Changes to the skin and muscle cause the jawline to lose definition, or creating the appearance of a double chin
• Skin irritation: Loose folds of skin can cause friction leading to skin irritation, which can be challenging to treat
• Hygiene challenges: In severe cases, loose skin can trap moisture and bacteria which can be challenging to keep clean, and may lead to infections

Psychological Turkey Neck Symptoms

• Loss of confidence: Turkey neck can cause a loss of confidence and may cause individuals to feel uncomfortable in social and professional settings
• Self-consciousness: People may feel hyper-aware of how their neck looks and feels, especially in photographs or when moving their neck in certain ways
• Anxiety: General anxiety about the appearance and feeling of the neck, which may develop into body dysmorphia in serious cases
• Clothing choices: Some people may rely on clothing which covers the neck to disguise the loose skin

Although turkey neck is often seen as a localised and purely aesthetic concern, the symptoms can be wide-ranging and affect mental well-being as well as physical appearance.

What Causes Turkey Neck?

When considering turkey neck treatment, it is important to understand the underlying causes and why turkey neck has developed in order to determine the best course of action, which will effectively address your concerns and achieve your desired results.

Many patients will be aware of the cause of their turkey neck concerns; however, other patients may require a comprehensive assessment carried out by a Consultant Facial Surgeon to establish the cause and develop an effective treatment plan.

Ageing

The natural ageing process is one of the most common causes of turkey neck and loose neck skin.

As we age, proteins found in the skin and muscles, collagen and elastin, start to break down and are produced more slowly. This has several effects:

• Loss of volume and structure in the overlying skin causes thinning and texture and allows platysmal bands to become visible
• Reduced strength and tone in the platysma muscle causes loss of definition and reduced support

The neck often shows signs of ageing much more quickly than other areas of the face and body, which can cause a prematurely aged appearance, affecting confidence and self-image.

Weight Loss

Weight loss, especially significant weight loss, can affect the skin and muscle in the neck, causing the appearance of turkey neck.

In cases where weight loss is very rapid, often associated with Weight Loss Medication, the skin can become loose faster than it would with slower or more controlled weight loss; this is sometimes known as Ozempic Face.

As well as general loss of subcutaneous fat, which can cause a sagging neck, weight loss can also affect the tone and structure of the platysma muscle, softening the definition of the neck and exacerbating the appearance of turkey neck.

The transformative and significant achievement of weight loss may be overshadowed by the side effects of loose skin and turkey neck, leading people to seek a solution. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that in 2025 reported that 64% of consultations related to the side effects of Weight Loss Medication were for Neck Lift procedures.

Muscle Activity

The neck is a very mobile area, and the platysma is a highly active muscle, involved in facial expression, speaking and swallowing. Over time, this use causes it to become shorter and thicker, leading the edges of the muscle to become visible through the skin.

Additionally, the edges of the platysma can also separate (known as diastasis) and roll up, causing visibility of platysmal bands.

Due to its involvement in so many processes, it is almost impossible to limit using the platysma muscle, but that due to various natural factors, individuals will be affected by muscle use and activity to different extents.

Genetics

Genetics do not directly cause turkey neck to develop. However, genetic factors may play a role in how early turkey neck arises, and how severe it is.

Individuals with direct relatives who developed turkey neck earlier or more severely may find they have the same experience themselves. For those whose turkey neck has been caused by weight loss, they may find that their body responds in a similar way to direct relatives. Although it is not guaranteed, it may act as a rough guide for what to expect, although other factors such as skin type also need to be considered.

Turkey neck can arise from several causes and influences, including ageing, weight loss, natural muscle activity and genetics. A one-to-one consultation with a Consultant Plastic Surgeon is the best way to understand your personal causes of turkey neck and develop an effective, bespoke treatment plan.

How to Get Rid of Turkey Neck?

There are several surgical and non-surgical options available to treat the symptoms of turkey neck, depending on your concerns and desired results.

Cadogan Clinic offers a wide range of neck lifting procedures and neck tightening treatments designed to effectively address all aspects of turkey neck and create a toned and proportionate neck appearance, as well as improving comfort and function.

Non-Surgical Turkey Neck Treatment

Non-surgical neck skin tightening treatments are often a suitable option for patients who have mild to moderate concerns and who are not ready to commit to a full surgical procedure.

It is important to remember that although non-surgical options are highly effective, they may require repeated treatments and follow-up appointments to maintain results in the long-term.

Morpheus8 and Nitrogen Plasma Treatment

Morpheus8 and Nitrogen Plasma Treatment are non-surgical neck skin tightening and rejuvenation treatments.

• Morpheus8 utilises a combination of radiofrequency energy and microneedling
• Nitrogen Plasma Treatment utilises thermal energy generated by Nitrogen Plasma

Both treatments work by stimulating the skin’s natural healing response, causing a natural increase in collagen and elastin production, resulting in the remodelling and toning of the skin.

Morpheus8 and Nitrogen Plasma are highly effective in treating several aesthetic turkey neck concerns including:

• Loose skin
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Skin texture
• Undefined jawline
• Double chin

Morpheus8 and Nitrogen Plasma Treatment can each be carried out as standalone procedures, be combined with each other, or performed alongside surgical procedures to enhance the final results.

Morpheus8 usually requires 1-3 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart, and results typically last up to 3 years.

A course of Nitrogen Plasma Treatment typically involves 3-6 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart, and follow-up treatments may be required after 2 years.

Injectables

Injectables are a highly popular option for treating turkey neck concerns as the treatments are straightforward and require minimal downtime.

Injectable treatments which are often used in treating turkey neck include:

• Anti-Wrinkle Injections: Also known as a Nefertiti Neck Lift, a neurotoxin is injected into the neck to relax the platysma muscle, allowing the skin to sit smoothly, reducing texture and fine lines
• Dermal Fillers: Filler made from hyaluronic acid, a natural compound found within the body, is injected to increase volume and hydrate the skin, smoothing lines and texture and firming the neck
• Profhilo: Profhilo is an alternative to Dermal Filler which is also made from hyaluronic acid, but does not significantly increase volume. It is suitable for rehydrating and firming the skin

All injectable treatments require follow-up appointments to maintain the results:

• Anti-Wrinkle Injections: Every 3-6 months
• Dermal Fillers: Every 6-12 months
• Profhilo: Initial 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart, with single top-up treatments every 6-9 months

Injectable treatments are suitable for treating minor to moderate aesthetic turkey neck concerns, but can be combined with other treatments for a more comprehensive approach.

Turkey Neck Surgery

Although non-surgical treatments are highly effective, surgery provides the gold standard in neck skin tightening treatments.

As well as typically achieving the best results, turkey neck surgery also achieves a long-term solution which does not require regular follow-up procedures.

Turkey neck surgery is suitable for patients with moderate to severe concerns who wish to effectively address aesthetic and functional issues.

Neck Lift

Also known as a Platysmaplasty, a Neck Lift is a surgical procedure that tightens the neck’s skin and muscle to achieve a defined and proportionate appearance while addressing underlying muscle concerns.

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has reported a 90.1% increase in Neck Lift procedures globally between 2020 and 2024.

During a Neck Lift, your surgeon will remove excess loose skin and tighten the platysma muscle to reshape the neck and address discomfort and skin irritation.

Surgical neck lifting procedures achieve a more comprehensive result than may be possible through non-surgical treatments, as well as permanent results. For patients whose turkey neck is caused by weight loss, a Neck Lift can be combined with other Post Weight Loss Facial Contouring procedures to enhance the final results.

Fat Transfer

Fat Transfer can be an effective solution and may offer a permanent alternative to Dermal Filler for some patients.

Excess fat is extracted from various areas of the body using Liposuction, before it is purified and injected into the neck to restore volume. Additionally, the regenerative properties of fat can be utilised to improve skin texture and tone.

Cadogan Clinic’s founder, Mr. Bryan Mayou, first introduced Liposuction to the UK over 40 years ago. Since then, Cadogan Clinic has been at the forefront of Liposuction and Fat Transfer procedures and technology, offering the highest standards of patient care and results.

Fat Transfer can be carried out as a standalone procedure, or combined with a Neck Lift to achieve a more comprehensive result.

Cadogan Clinic offers a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments to address the symptoms of turkey neck at our state-of-the-art facilities based in Chelsea, London.

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Frequently Asked Questions