Are you bothered by baggy, wrinkly skin on your neck? You’re not alone. Many men and women have what is often referred to as “turkey neck”; the name stuck because the excess skin hanging from the neck looks similar to a turkey’s wattle. This is a natural aging process for many people, and it can be pronounced on those who have lost a lot of weight very quickly or have a family history in which other immediate or extended family members showed the same issues. Fortunately, there are ways to tighten the excess skin of the neck to ensure you don’t get mistaken for the bird tomorrow at Thanksgiving dinner! Check out our list of solutions for turkey neck and have a happy Thanksgiving!

Exercise the Excess Away

There are plenty of exercises that tighten the skin and muscles of the neck. Some are harder or more effective than others, but the main takeaway is to repeatedly flex and relax the muscles in your neck to strengthen them. This can be done by smiling wide then relaxing with your chin pointed slightly upwards at a comfortable angle, or even by simply stretching and rolling your neck for a few minutes every day. The exercise route is typically most useful for patients with less severe sagging or as a preventative measure if your family has a history of loose neck skin as they age. Even men and women in their twenties and thirties can start doing these quick exercises every day to prevent the effects of aging on the neck.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

We always talk about the importance of moisturizing, and it’s because that is the easiest way to keep your skin looking taut and youthful. If you’re specifically looking for creams to help turkey neck, especially if it is more pronounced, you’ll want professional strength products. For younger people looking to keep the turkey neck at bay, you can get away with a weaker product, but make sure to use it regularly. You may also want to talk to a dermatologist about what products are best for your specific skin type.

Botox Can Help Hard Cases

For more severe cases of turkey neck, injectables such as Botox or Kybella may be necessary to make any marked improvement on the skin. A board certified dermatologist will inject the serum to tighten the skin. While injectables are not permanent solutions (you will need to get more down the line to keep up appearances) they are a quicker, less intrusive solution than surgical options.

For the Most Severe, Surgery is Possible

If you are severely dissatisfied with the look of excess skin around your neck, surgery is always an option. Facial rejuvenation surgeries such as neck lifts are a great way to get lasting results quickly. The excessive skin and fat below the chin will be reduced so that there is a clearer distinction between the jaw line and the skin of the neck. This procedure is best for patients who have a clear need for intervention and which cannot be improved by any of the other options above.

Talk to a dermatologist about the best options for your particular case as every case is different, and have a great time celebrating with family and friends tomorrow!