Can Neck Lift Surgery Remove Turkey Neck?
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Loose, sagging skin on the neck — commonly referred to as a "turkey neck" — can be a frustrating sign of aging that is difficult or even impossible to correct with diet and exercise alone. Even nonsurgical skin tightening treatments are often ineffective for making significant improvements to a pronounced turkey neck — leading many people to explore their options for neck lift surgery.
At L Plastic Surgery, we specialize in advanced neck lift techniques that tighten and smooth the neck for a more defined, youthful appearance with personalized care and state-of-the-art techniques that deliver natural-looking results. If you are considering a neck lift in San Francisco, CA to address sagging skin and redefine your profile, understanding how the procedure works can help you achieve the best possible outcome. Take a closer look here at how neck lift surgery for a turkey neck works and what results may be possible for you.
What causes turkey neck?
The term "turkey neck" refers to the loose, hanging skin that develops beneath the chin and along the neck. This common concern is caused by several factors, including aging, genetics, and fluctuations in weight. Over time, the skin loses collagen and elastin, leading to reduced firmness and elasticity.
How can I get rid of a turkey neck without surgery?
While some patients may benefit from nonsurgical skin tightening or neck liposuction, significant skin laxity typically requires surgical correction through a neck lift. A neck lift specifically addresses excess skin by carefully excising tissue, tightening the underlying platysma muscle, and repositioning the remaining skin for a smooth, contoured result. Unlike temporary fixes, this surgical procedure provides a more lasting turkey neck solution for patients seeking a youthful and refined neck profile.
How does a neck lift work for sagging skin?
At L Plastic Surgery, neck lift surgery is often performed using local anesthesia in our private San Francisco office. The procedure may involve some combination of the following steps:
- Small, discreet incisions are made near the ears and under the chin
- If necessary, liposuction is performed first to remove stubborn fat deposits
- The platysma muscle is tightened to enhance neck definition
- Excess skin is carefully excised and sutured in place
- A compression garment is applied to support healing and maintain the new contours
This precise approach ensures that patients achieve a natural-looking result without an over-tightened or artificial appearance.
Do I need neck lipo vs. neck lift surgery?
The right procedure to remove turkey neck depends on whether your primary concern is excess fat, loose skin, or both. Generally speaking, neck liposuction may be ideal for patients who have isolated fat deposits under the chin but still maintain good skin elasticity. This approach can sculpt and refine the jawline without removing skin. However, if you have significant skin laxity or hanging neck skin, a neck lift may be the more appropriate option — as liposuction alone will not tighten loose skin.
Many patients benefit from a combination of both procedures, where liposuction removes unwanted fat, and a neck lift addresses sagging skin and muscle laxity. During your consultation, our knowledgeable team will assess your anatomy and aesthetic goals to create a customized surgical plan.
What is the recovery process after neck lift surgery?
Following neck lift surgery, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which typically subsides within a few weeks. A compression neck brace is worn for about 3 – 4 weeks to support healing and maintain the newly contoured shape. While initial improvements are visible soon after surgery, optimal neck lift results continue to refine over several months as swelling fully resolves.
Our team will discuss neck lift recovery expectations and instructions in greater detail before and after your procedure to help set you up for a comfortable healing process and natural-looking results that can last for years or even decades to come.
Say so long to your sagging turkey neck with a customized neck lift in San Francisco, CA
If sagging skin on your neck is making you look older than you feel, a neck lift may be a life-changing solution. With more than 20 years of experience, our team at L Plastic Surgery provides the most advanced surgical techniques to help patients achieve refined, natural-looking results. Whether you need a simple neck liposuction procedure or a more comprehensive neck lift, our boutique plastic surgery practice in San Francisco, CA offers a highly personalized experience to enhance your appearance. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about restoring the youthful and contoured neckline you deserve.