September 28th, 2022 — by Dina Eliopoulos
Turkey neck or tech neck — whatever you prefer to call it, I frequently see patients concerned about the appearance of their necks. Both men and women are susceptible to a reduction in skin tone as part of the natural aging process. Other factors, such as weight loss, sun exposure, and genetics, can also accelerate the appearance of loose skin and lines, which is often referred to as turkey neck.
For people looking for neck rejuvenation options, there’s an entire suite of non-surgical medspa treatments that effectively decrease neck lines and wrinkles. From neck Botox® and Morpheus8 radiofrequency-assisted microneedling to minimally invasive FaceTite™ radiofrequency-assisted liposuction, here’s how to smooth turkey neck and tech neck.
It’s no secret that the skin becomes drier and produces less collagen as we age, and the skin around the neck and jaw is no exception. The decrease in collagen production can start in your mid to late 20s. Signs of decreased collagen production can be visible and include loss in skin elasticity and increased lines and wrinkles.
However, not everyone is aware that the muscles along the front and sides of the neck can also become less elastic over time. As collagen generation slows and neck muscles migrate, the effects of gravity can cause ‘turkey neck’ to develop. Excess fat in the neck, especially beneath the chin area, can also contribute to this appearance.
Weight loss is another cause of loose, sagging skin forming under the chin. Even though total fat in this area may decrease with weight loss, excess skin may remain and contribute to the appearance of skin laxity and volume loss.
Exposure to ultraviolet rays over time can lead to premature aging in the dermis, including the neck area. Not only do ultraviolet rays cause damage to the surface of the skin, but they also break down collagen and elastin.
Turkey neck and tech neck both refer to signs of aging, such as skin laxity, deep lines, sagging along the jawline and neck area, and loss of that nice smooth neck definition. Though each term refers to a similar condition, the signs of turkey neck and tech neck (plus how they develop over time) are quite different.
Turkey neck refers to fat deposits and loose skin that gather underneath the jawline to create the appearance of fullness and drooping skin on the neck – much like the gobbler on a turkey. It occurs when platysma muscles in the front of the neck separate into rope-like bands that impact the tightness and smoothness of the skin and overall neck contour.
Turkey neck develops as the platysma muscles separate but is often accelerated by additional factors. For instance, as the skin begins to produce less collagen and elastin, it naturally becomes less firm. Likewise, photodamage from years of unprotected sun exposure and certain genetics can contribute to turkey neck. Excess fat in the area can exacerbate the appearance. But weight loss can also contribute to the appearance of a turkey neck; as fat deposits around the neck area decrease, loose, sagging skin can be left behind.
Compared to turkey neck, tech neck is a relatively new phenomenon that’s caused by — believe it or not — using electronic devices! Tech neck is the name given to a condition that results from constantly bending the head downward to look at an electronic device. It’s an aesthetic and musculoskeletal condition that impacts both the skin and the muscles of the neck.
Primary symptoms of tech neck are ‘tech neck lines’ or wrinkles that form by continuing to look down at a cell phone or computer. Tech neck lines are a type of compression wrinkle that develops when the skin endures prolonged pressure at one position. As the muscles in the neck continue to point down and collagen production naturally lessens, signs of tech neck can develop.
Whether you want to say goodbye to loose skin, unwanted fat, and jowls beneath the jawline in the neck or reduce the appearance of fine lines along the neck, these three medspa treatments can help smooth turkey neck laxity and tech neck lines.
InMode’s FaceTite uses Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction (RFAL) to emit heat energy below the skin's surface. RFAL energy helps solidify the fat, tighten the deeper fibroseptal network, and build new collagen fibers for increasingly firmer skin over time. An advantage of Radiofrequency technology is that it is safe for most skin types and colors, including tanned skin.
FaceTite is FDA-cleared to improve skin tightness along the cheeks, chin, jowls, and neck; and can help to reduce unwanted fat that accompanies turkey neck. While FaceTite cannot entirely eliminate jowls, it is an effective gap procedure for someone who is not ready for a facelift or desires an alternative to a facelift that is minimally invasive and leaves fewer scars. If even more tightening is desired, we can combine treatment with Morpheus8 RF microneedling.
Morpheus8 by InMode takes microneedling and collagen induction therapy to a whole new level by delivering fractional radiofrequency (RF) energy directly into the dermis to improve skin elasticity and firmness. Morpheus8 encourages a natural repair process that helps to coagulate loose tissue for a tighter neck, all while remodeling and boosting collagen and elastin production.
Morpheus8 is ideal for patients with turkey neck (especially when combined with FaceTite) and tech neck alike. I find it improves skin texture and tone, the appearance of tech neck lines, and laxity along the jawline. Plus, Morpheus8 can contour irregularities that may contribute to sagging or drooping neck skin. This treatment is also highly recommended for those who want to start early, even in their 30s and 40’s as a preventative measure to help build collagen and ward off that dreaded neck laxity.
You’re likely familiar with the most popular use of Botox as a non-surgical wrinkle treatment, but it’s also beneficial for a number of other concerns. Specifically for patients with turkey neck, Botox injections can relax the bands of platysma muscles that give the skin a rippled cord-like appearance.
For patients with tech neck, neck Botox can combat the formation of compression wrinkles. Though Botox cannot reduce fat that may accumulate around the neck and jawline over time, neck Botox injections can help alleviate the early signs of skin laxity.
Depending on your desired results, neck Botox can be combined with other medspa treatments to achieve optimal results.
Treating turkey neck and tech neck will be most effective when combined with at-home skin care. I recommend that my patients take a collaborative approach with the following methods:
The development of turkey neck and tech neck can be frustrating, especially when the signs of aging begin to impact the appearance of your side profile and, most importantly, your confidence. At Eliopoulos Plastic Surgery in Chelmsford, MA, we can explore the best non-surgical medspa treatment options for your skin concerns, including FaceTite, Morpheus8, and neck Botox.
Schedule your consultation with Boston and Chelmsford plastic surgery expert Dr. Dina Eliopolous today to begin fighting the signs of turkey and tech neck.
Plastic surgery isn’t just about people changing their look—it's about making you feel good about being you. Whether you need breast augmentation, a breast lift, liposuction or Botox, Dr. Dina Eliopoulos is here for you. For over 20 years, patients have sought out the care and results that Dr. Eliopoulos can create in her beautiful Chelmsford, Massachusetts office. The peace of mind that comes from a board-certified, residency- and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon is hard to parallel. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Eliopoulos today to experience the difference for yourself.
