“Turkey neck” is an informal term referring to the appearance of saggy skin below the chin. Also referred to as a wattle, this excess skin develops on most people as a natural part of the aging process when the skin around the neck, chin, and jowls loses its elasticity. It can also be caused by rapid or pronounced weight loss that leaves behind excess skin. No matter the cause, it is a condition that can be treated. Treatment options include both surgical and non-surgical procedures to tighten the skin and/or remove fat deposits to contour the chin and jawline more precisely.

Surgical Options

Surgical treatment options for turkey neck have been around for considerably longer than the non-surgical treatments and have a long track record of good results. The most common procedure is a lower rhytidectomy surgery, also known as a neck lift. Rhytidectomy surgery involves making an incision into the skin, pulling it taut, trimming away excess tissue, and reattaching at the original incision site. For some patients, pairing a neck lift with minimal chin liposuction to remove the extra fat around the neck is an ideal surgery. A neck lift is an outpatient procedure that can be done under general anesthesia.

Non-surgical Options

For patients experiencing less loose skin and more excess fat under the chin, there are now a handful of non-surgical options available for dealing with turkey neck. One of those options is a Kybella treatment, approved by the FDA in 2015. Over a series of visits, Kybella is injected into the tissue beneath the neck. Kybella uses a patented, synthetic deoxycholic acid to dissolve fat deposits over the course of the treatment, leaving behind firmer skin. Because Kybella is non-invasive, it can be easily worked into most patients’ daily schedules. Kybella injections entail a relatively low risk, but patients may experience temporary swelling, jaw soreness, and numbness near the treatment area.

Dr. William Franckle, FACS, has over 20 years of experience working with patients to correct problem areas like turkey necks. Contact Dr. Franckle’s office at 856-772-6500 for a consultation to learn if one of these options is right for you.