A turkey neck is pretty much inevitable as you age, meaning that unappealing, sagging skin under the chin will form whether you like it or not.
Not only is this inevitable, but a turkey neck can also prove to be a massive struggle for people willing to take the time and effort to remove it. Turkey necks frustrate people because they are almost impossible to lose through diet or exercise alone. This sagging skin on your neck adds years to your appearance like nothing else.
The only option turkey neck victims used to have to tighten their sagging skin was to go through plastic surgery. Lucky for you, times are a-changin’!
Innovative, new technologies have created numerous methods that deliver better-looking necks to those badly craving one. The days of having a youthful neck and a more chiseled jawline are now possible without going under the knife. Even the surgical option for removing a turkey neck, called lower rhytidectomy surgery, has been updated and improved in recent years.
Before deciding on a procedure, patients should review all available options and understand the benefits and disadvantages of them, such as cost, recovery time, and how these cosmetic procedures are performed.
We know that this is a lot of information to process. To make it easier for you, we’ve delving into one of the most popular treatments that can get rid of unwanted turkey necks. In doing so, we’re considering factors such as cost, invasiveness of the procedure, and results!
Lower Rhytidectomy Surgery
The lower rhytidectomy surgery is also known as a neck lift. This surgical procedure was specifically designed to get rid of unwanted turkey necks, or excess loose skin around the jaw that can add several years to a person’s image. The results are drastic, giving you a youthful jawline while taking years off of your appearance in little time.
Most patients aren’t interested in getting a full facelift, which can also properly handle the “turkey wattle” situation. Those who merely want to improve their jawline usually opt for the lower rhytidectomy.

Techniques
The lower rhytidectomy surgery is a surgical procedure done under general anesthesia. It lasts a maximum of three hours and is usually performed in a certified physician’s office.
Your surgeon starts by making incisions around the ear lobe and behind the ear directed to the lower scalp. Fat is later sculpted or shifted from the neck, while the neck skin is tightened and underlying tissue repositioned.
The physician will also commonly tighten the platysma muscle. This muscle extends from your collarbone to near the angle of the jaw. This procedure consists of re-draping the skin over the saggy areas and cutting excess skin along the way.
After this is done, the plastic surgeon inserts drainage tubes that are taken out the following day.
Recovery and Results
The recovery time for this surgical operation lasts about two weeks. This extended period is mainly a precautionary measure since patients usually report they’re able to get back to their daily routines in a matter of days.
It is essential to highlight that the presence of swelling, bruising, and indices of discomfort post-procedure will occur. Most patients can easily cover this area after a week with makeup, facilitating a seamless return to their work routines.
The best candidates for this cosmetic procedure are non-smokers that are in good health. The results are permanent, but do not think this surgery is going to stop the aging process. Still, you’ll look so much than before regardless of your aging dread!
Cost for a Neck Lift
Most lower rhytidectomies cost around $7,000. As with all cosmetic procedures, theses prices vary depending on the practitioner and the area where you live.
We urge you to always opt for the surgeon with the most experience in the field. Going for a budget procedure is risky, since the consequences of something going wrong will always exceed costs in the long run.
