How Do You Get Rid of a Sagging Neck?
A smooth, defined neck is one of the most noticeable signs of youth, and one of the first areas to show the effects of aging. Skin laxity, muscle banding, accumulated fat, and diminished collagen can contribute to the appearance often called a “turkey neck.” Fortunately, modern plastic surgery offers highly effective solutions to restore a firmer, more sculpted neckline. At The Aesthetic Institute of Chicago, Dr. Brian Braithwaite and Dr. Lorri Cobbins provide a range of surgical options tailored to your unique anatomy and goals.
Below, we explore why the neck begins to sag and the most reliable treatments for creating a smoother, more youthful contour.
Why the Neck Starts to Sag
The delicate skin and underlying structures of the neck tend to age faster than other areas for several reasons:
- Skin laxity: Collagen and elastin naturally decline over time, causing the skin to become thin and loose.
- Muscle banding: The platysma muscle may separate into vertical bands that distort the neck’s contour.
- Fat accumulation: Submental fat beneath the chin can create fullness that worsens the look of sagging.
- Sun exposure: UV damage accelerates aging in the neck’s already fragile skin.
While skin care and healthy habits can help slow these changes, they cannot fully reverse the structural aging that leads to significant sagging.
Neck Lift Surgery: The Most Effective Solution for a Sagging Neck
For individuals seeking the most comprehensive and long-lasting correction, neck lift surgery remains the gold standard. At The Aesthetic Institute of Chicago, Dr. Braithwaite and Dr. Cobbins specialize in advanced neck lift techniques that rejuvenate not only the skin but also the underlying tissues for natural-looking, harmonious results.
What a Neck Lift Can Address
A neck lift—often performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with a facelift—can correct:
- Loose neck skin
- Prominent neck bands
- Loss of jawline definition
- Excess fat beneath the chin
- Muscle separation or laxity
How a Neck Lift Works
During this procedure, our surgeons tighten the platysma muscle, remove or reposition excess fat, and carefully redrape the skin. This approach helps ensure a significant, yet natural-looking, improvement in the neck’s contour. The incisions are typically placed around the ears and sometimes under the chin, allowing scarring to remain discreet.
Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery
- Restores a smoother neck profile
- Sharpens the jawline
- Provides long-lasting results
- Creates dramatic improvement for moderate to severe sagging
Most patients enjoy their results for a decade or longer, especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle and good sun protection.
Facelift Surgery for Neck Rejuvenation
A sagging neck is often accompanied by jowling and mid-face laxity. In these cases, facelift surgery may be recommended either along with or instead of a neck lift.
A facelift can enhance the results of a neck lift by:
- Elevating descended facial tissues
- Improving the jawline and reducing jowls
- Supporting longer-lasting neck lift outcomes
When performed together, a facelift and neck lift create a cohesive, balanced rejuvenation from the cheeks to the collarbone.
Maintaining a Youthful Neck After Treatment
After achieving a firmer, smoother neck, you can prolong your results with:
- Consistent sunscreen use
- A medical-grade skin care routine
- Healthy weight maintenance
- Non-surgical touch-up treatments such as laser resurfacing or injectables
Schedule Your Consultation
Sagging neck concerns don’t have to keep you from feeling more confident and youthful. Whether you are considering neck lift or facelift surgery, Dr. Braithwaite and Dr. Cobbins offer expert guidance and personalized treatment plans to help you achieve a beautifully refined neckline.
To take the first step, contact The Aesthetic Institute of Chicago to schedule your private consultation.