Tame The Turkey Neck Before Surgery Is Necessary

The neck area is the most asked about area for sagging skin and wrinkle reduction in our office. Women consistently walk into the office, place their hands to the sides of their neck, and pull backwards so their hands are suddenly behind their ears and say “I want my neck to look like this!” As much as we all want those neck creams and miracle products to work before Turkey day, the truth is, it took time to get to that POINT, and it will take time to correct the issue.

The “Turkey Neck” as it is so nicely referred to, is the crepe, sagging skin below our chin and down our neck. It is caused by a loss of elasticity and collagen production, a dramatic and quick weight loss, as well as the emergence of the “platsymal bands” – thin bands of muscle in your neck, which become more prominent in appearance as you age. Recent studies have also suggested the increased use of wireless technology like cell phones and in-lap pads have created a younger age group seeing deeper neck lines due to always looking down, creating prominent creases from movement, similar to the face. As common of an occurrence it is, you don’t have to settle for the neck waddle.

There are several ways to correct the neck area, depending on the severity of the case.

• If it is very pronounced, surgery may be the best choice. Traditionally, a good candidate for a neck lift is someone in good health, has a moderate to severe amount of excess skin and a large amount of wrinkles in the area. Surgery is the most advanced option, is the most expensive, but is a permanent correction.
• The next option would be medical esthetic procedures that are non-invasive that build collagen, density and texture of the skin. These treatments include chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and microdermabrasion, depending on the severity of the issue. Treatments like these need to be customized, due to the skin on the neck being so thin, sensitive, and reactive to aggressive ingredients. Chemical peels and laser resurfacing are traditionally performed once a month, and work in conjunction with at home products to continue the reconstructive process. Microdermabrasion, for corrective results, needs to be performed every 2 weeks for optimal results, and is better for a patient looking to lighten dark spots while addressing lines.
• The least aggressive option, giving the least amount of results but the least upfront price option are at home products. Be wary of at home products that are sold over the counter and promise an instant neck lift for $9.99.  If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Products that will prevent or correct the turkey neck issue will include ingredients including peptides, hyaluronic acid, and acids (glycolic, retinol, etc.). Products that are sold in doctor’s offices, like Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists, usually have higher grade ingredients and larger percentages of active ingredients, and will give long term results and are best to be used at a young age for prevention or in conjunction with in-office treatments. Products like SkinCeuticals Resveratrol BE is made for an area like the neck, and has been proven to build the density of the skin, helping with wrinkle reduction. The Resveratrol BE and other serums should be used.

KEY SECRETS FROM MILLEFIORI…

Always apply you’re at home products that traditionally are used primarily for the face, on the neck, behind the ears and on the chest. Most people don’t realize, the loss of elasticity on the neck originates from behind the ears. This is where a neck lift is attached to give the tightness of the skin. If you start applying your collagen building products in this area at a young age, you will decrease the chance of the turkey wobble underneath the chin.

Watch and limit the motion of looking downward, such as texting and keeping tablets on the lap. Recent studies and the amount of younger patients asking for neck surgery have shown the increase in mobile technology has been directly linked to deeper and additional wrinkles and lines on the neck.

Concerns with your neck?
Call (321) 821-4778 to schedule a free consultation at Millefiori, in historic downtown Melbourne