Turkey Neck: What Causes It and How to Get Rid of It (Surgical and Non-Surgical Options)

Dr Chaithan Reddy, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, FRACS (Plast), AHPRA MED0001617343 | Last updated 10 November 2026

Turkey neck is loose neck skin combined with separated bands of the platysma muscle, often with fat under the chin. Mild changes may soften with non-surgical treatment. Moderate to severe turkey neck usually needs a neck lift (platysmaplasty), which treats the layers beneath the skin as well as the skin itself.

Maybe you caught your reflection in a video call, or a photo taken from a low angle. However you noticed it, a softer jawline and loose skin under the chin can be frustrating, and the internet is full of creams and exercises that promise to fix it.

This guide explains what actually causes turkey neck, what non-surgical options can and can’t do, and when neck lift surgery may be the better answer. The key idea is simple. The treatment needs to match the cause.

What is turkey neck?

Turkey neck is an everyday name for loose, sagging skin at the front of the neck, sometimes with vertical cords running down from the chin. It gets its name from the loose fold of skin, or wattle, under a turkey’s beak.

Surgeons describe it a little differently. The vertical cords are called platysmal bands. They form when the platysma (a thin, sheet-like muscle that sits just under the neck skin) separates in the middle. The angle between your chin and neck, known as the cervicomental angle, also becomes softer and less defined.

It helps to picture the neck in three layers. On top are the skin and the fat just beneath it. Next comes the platysma muscle. Under that are the deeper structures: more fat, the submandibular (salivary) glands and the small muscles under the chin. Any of these layers can contribute to the shape of your neck.

What causes turkey neck?

Turkey neck is mainly caused by ageing, as the skin loses elasticity and the platysma muscle loosens and separates. Several other factors can make it appear earlier or look more obvious:

• Ageing and collagen loss. Skin gradually makes less collagen and elastin, so it becomes thinner and less able to spring back.
• Platysma separation. The two halves of the muscle can drift apart in the middle, creating visible bands.
• Genetics. Some people inherit a lower chin-neck angle, a smaller chin or skin that loses tone earlier.
• Weight changes. Weight gain can add fat under the chin, and large or rapid weight loss can leave loose skin behind.
• Sun damage. Neck skin is often missed when applying sunscreen, and UV exposure breaks down collagen.
• Smoking. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and speeds up skin ageing.

What about posture? Looking down at a phone can make the neck look fuller in the moment and may deepen horizontal creases. However, there is no good evidence that posture causes loose skin or muscle bands.

Is it skin, fat or muscle? Why the cause matters

Two necks can look almost the same and still have very different causes. One person may have mostly loose skin. Another may have good skin but a pad of fat under the chin. A third may have prominent glands or muscle bands that no amount of skin tightening will improve.

This is why the cause matters so much. If only one layer is treated when several are involved, results are likely to be limited or short-lived. That’s the reason Dr Reddy assesses each contributing factor at consultation, including skin quality, the platysma, fat above and below the muscle, the chin, the salivary glands and the muscles under the chin.

Chin position plays a part too. A less prominent chin can make the jawline and neck look less defined, and in some cases a chin implant or genioplasty is discussed alongside neck surgery.

Can you get rid of turkey neck without surgery?

Non-surgical treatments can soften mild changes, but they can’t remove significant loose skin or repair separated muscle. Here is an honest comparison of the common options.

Option	What it targets	Realistic result	Best for	Limitations
Neck exercises and face yoga	Neck and jaw muscles	May help posture and muscle awareness	General wellbeing	Can’t remove loose skin or repair separated platysma bands
Creams and serums	Skin surface	May improve hydration and texture; sunscreen helps prevent further damage	Skin care and prevention	No meaningful tightening of loose skin or bands
Energy-based skin tightening devices	Skin and the tissue just beneath it	Mild tightening in some people; results vary and are often modest	Early, mild skin laxity	Usually needs repeat sessions; can’t remove excess skin, fat or bands
Neck liposuction (a minor surgical procedure)	Fat above the platysma muscle	Better definition under the chin when the skin retracts well	Fullness from fat, with good skin tone	Not suited to loose skin; can’t treat bands or fat beneath the muscle

Other non-surgical medical treatments may be discussed at your consultation, depending on what your assessment shows. If your neck has loose skin that folds, visible bands at rest or fullness from deeper structures, a surgical approach is usually needed for a lasting change.

Neck liposuction vs neck lift: which do you need?

The deciding factor is mostly your skin tone. If your skin still has good elasticity and the main problem is fat, liposuction alone may improve your neck contour. If skin tone is limited, a neck lift is generally needed.

Liposuction relies on the skin shrinking back once the fat is removed. When skin has lost its spring, it can be left looser than before. You may be closer to the liposuction end of the spectrum if:

• your skin snaps back quickly when gently pinched
• the fullness is soft and sits mainly under the chin
• there are no visible bands when you are relaxed

A neck lift is more likely to suit you if:

• skin hangs or folds below the chin
• you can see vertical cords at the front of your neck
• your jawline has lost definition, or there are jowls
• fullness stays even when you are at a stable, healthy weight

These are only a guide. Liposuction is also often used as part of a neck lift to refine the result. You can read more on our liposuction page.

How a neck lift (platysmaplasty) fixes turkey neck

A neck lift fixes turkey neck by tightening the platysma muscle and removing excess skin, instead of relying on the skin alone. When deeper structures are contributing, they can be treated at the same time.

The exact plan depends on your anatomy, but a typical neck lift under general anaesthetic involves these steps:

1. Marking. Before surgery, Dr Reddy marks the planned incisions and confirms them with you.
2. Incisions. These are placed in natural creases and hairlines, usually a small incision under the chin and others around and behind the ears.
3. Lifting the skin. The skin is gently separated from the platysma muscle underneath.
4. Tightening the muscle. The two edges of the platysma are stitched together in the midline (platysmal plication). Where bands are prominent, part of the muscle may also be divided (platysmal transection).
5. Suspending the muscle. The outer edge of the platysma is anchored to firm tissue behind the ear. This keeps tension off the skin, which helps reduce the risk of widened scars and pulled earlobes.
6. Treating deeper structures if needed. Fat beneath the muscle, prominent salivary glands or full muscles under the chin may be addressed when they affect your neck shape.
7. Re-draping the skin. The skin is smoothed over the new contour, excess is trimmed and the incisions are closed. Dressings and a compression garment are then applied.

Operating time depends on how many structures need treatment. Where several layers are addressed, a comprehensive neck lift can take 4 to 6 hours or more. That time reflects the number of steps involved, and Dr Reddy will explain the expected length of your own procedure.

Neck lift, facelift or both?

A neck lift treats the neck and the area under the chin. A facelift treats the lower face, including jowls and the cheeks. Many people have changes in both areas, so the two procedures are often performed together.

If your main concern is loose neck skin, a neck lift on its own may be very effective. If you are also bothered by jowls or a heavier lower face, a combined approach is usually discussed. Changes in the midface may need other treatments again. You can read more on our face lift page, or in our article on deep plane vs SMAS facelift.

Turkey neck in men

Men develop turkey neck for the same reasons as women, and neck lift surgery is common among male patients. A few details are planned differently.

Beard growth matters, because lifting the skin can move hair-bearing skin towards or behind the ear. The hairline and sideburns also affect where incisions can sit without being noticed. Dr Reddy plans incisions with these factors in mind. You can find more on our procedures for men page.

Recovery snapshot

Recovery varies from person to person and depends on how extensive the surgery is. In the first days, swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness in the neck are expected. Discomfort is usually managed with prescribed medication.

You may be asked to wear a compression garment or chin support for a period to help control swelling. Bruising and most visible swelling settle gradually, and you will need time away from work and social activities. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are avoided until you are cleared at follow-up. Some firmness can last for several months, and scars keep maturing over 12 months or more.

Risks to consider

A neck lift is a significant operation with real risks. Dr Reddy will discuss those that apply to you, including:

• Bleeding or haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), which may need a return to theatre.
• Numbness or altered skin sensation, which may be temporary or, rarely, permanent.
• Nerve injury, including to the nerve that controls movement of the lower lip.
• Seroma, contour irregularities or asymmetry.
• Residual or recurrent bands, and visible scarring.
• Infection, blood clots and risks linked to general anaesthesia.

Smoking and some medical conditions raise the risk of complications. A neck lift also does not stop ageing, and your neck will continue to change over time. Please read our surgery risks and complications page before your consultation.

Why choose Dr Reddy for neck lift surgery in Sydney, North Shore and Central Coast

The neck is a small area with a lot going on. Skin, muscle, fat, glands and the jaw all shape the way it looks, and a good result depends on identifying which of these are involved. That takes careful assessment and a surgeon who knows the anatomy well.

Dr Chaithan Reddy is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon trained in both cosmetic surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery. He holds both medical (MBBS) and dental (BDS) degrees, so his training includes in-depth study of the jaw, the floor of the mouth and the salivary glands. These are the same structures that can affect the shape of the neck.

As Dr Reddy explains on our neck lift page: “It is always my desire to produce a neck that is beautifully contoured and proportioned. This means understanding the fine little nuances and modifying techniques that ensure the neck is tailored in a highly aesthetic manner.”

Dr Reddy is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), the only internationally recognised institute in Australia able to grant this qualification.

Credentials

• Specialist Plastic Surgeon, AHPRA registration MED0001617343
• MBBS (Hons), BDS (Hons), MS, FRACS (Plast)
• Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
• Trained in cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery

Professional listings

• Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
• Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)
• Australian and New Zealand Board for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery (ANZBPCS)
• RealSelf profile
• Westmead Private Hospital

Consulting locations

• St Leonards (North Shore Practice): Fl 4/205 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards NSW 2065
• Bella Vista (Norwest Practice): Norwest Private Hospital, Bella Vista NSW 2153
• Westmead (Westmead Practice): Westmead Specialist Centre, 16-18 Mons Rd, Westmead NSW 2145
• North Gosford (Central Coast Practice): 12 Jarrett St, North Gosford NSW 2250

Learn more about Dr Chaithan Reddy, or view our before and after gallery. Every patient is different and individual results vary.

Book a consultation with Dr Reddy by calling 1300 073 339, (02) 8459 7111 or (02) 8459 7112, or email info@theplasticsurgeryclinic.com.au. A GP referral is required for a specialist consultation. You can find out more on our GP referral page.

Every patient is unique, and results may vary. All surgery carries risks; please read our surgery risks page and discuss them with Dr Reddy during your consultation.

Further reading

• Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)
• Face Lift (Meloplasty or Rhytidectomy)
• Deep Plane Facelift vs SMAS Facelift: Which Is Better?
• Chin Implant Genioplasty

Medical references

• Healthdirect Australia. Facelift.
• Healthdirect Australia. Guide to cosmetic surgery.
• Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Be informed before having cosmetic surgery.
• Cleveland Clinic. Neck lift.
• StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). Neck rejuvenation.