How to Get Rid of Saggy Neck?

A saggy neck, often called “turkey neck,” is a common sign of ageing. It can make you look older than you feel, and for many, it becomes a concern when the skin under the chin starts to droop. But the good news is, there are several ways to improve or even eliminate a saggy neck, both surgical and non-surgical.

In this blog, we’ll look at the best ways to treat and prevent a saggy neck.

How to Get Rid of a Saggy Neck with Medical Treatments?

Whether you’re just starting to notice some skin laxity or struggling with visible sagging and neck bands, there are various non-surgical and surgical treatments available. Here’s a breakdown of the most trusted and popular options, explained in detail:

1. Ultherapy (Ultrasound Skin Tightening)

Ultherapy is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to reach the deep layers of skin and stimulate collagen production. It targets the foundational layer of the neck — the same layer addressed during surgical lifts.

Why it’s great for the neck:

• It tightens loose skin under the chin and along the jawline.
• Helps reduce crepey texture in the neck.
• Ideal for early to moderate sagging.
• No needles, no downtime.

When to consider it:

If you have mild to moderate laxity and want a natural, progressive lift over time without surgery.

2. Radiofrequency (RF) Skin Tightening

RF treatments deliver gentle heat into the skin’s deeper layers, causing immediate collagen contraction and longer-term collagen remodelling. Some devices (like Morpheus8) combine RF with microneedling for even more dramatic skin tightening and texture improvement.

Why it’s great for the neck:

• Firms loose, crepey neck skin
• Improves overall skin tone and elasticity
• Safe for all skin tones
• Gradual but noticeable lift with multiple sessions

When to consider it:

If your skin looks thinner or less firm and you want a non-invasive tightening solution with minimal downtime.

3. Laser Skin Tightening

Lasers work by creating controlled thermal damage in the skin, which encourages new collagen formation and smoother, tighter skin.

Why it’s great for the neck:

• Can address both sagging and texture (wrinkles, fine lines).
• Stimulates deep collagen without surgical incisions.
• Improves sun damage and skin pigmentation along with laxity.

When to consider it:

If you have early signs of a “turkey neck” or want to improve both sagging and skin tone at once.

4. Injectable Treatments for the Neck

These are non-surgical injectables that can target specific issues contributing to a saggy neck:

1. Botox for Platysmal Bands

Botox relaxes the platysma muscle (those vertical bands that pop out when you strain your neck). By softening this muscle, it creates a smoother, tighter-looking neckline.

When to consider it:

If you notice prominent neck bands or “cords” pulling the skin downward.

2. Collagen-Boosting Fillers (Sculptra / Radiesse)

These injectables stimulate collagen rather than adding volume. They’re perfect for crepey, thin neck skin that needs firming from within.

When to consider it:

If your neck skin is loose but not too heavy, and you want long-term collagen remodelling.

5. Thread Lift for Neck

Thin, dissolvable threads (often made from materials like PDO or PLLA) are gently placed under the skin using a fine needle. These threads physically lift sagging tissue and also stimulate natural collagen as they dissolve over the following months.

Why it’s great for the neck:

• Lifts sagging skin under the chin and along the jawline
• Improves mild to moderate laxity
• Quick procedure with little downtime
• Natural-looking results that improve over time

When to consider it:

If you’re not ready for surgery but want a visible lift, especially under the chin or around the jawline.

Surgical Solutions for Advanced Sagging

If non-surgical options aren’t enough, cosmetic surgery can provide dramatic and lasting results. These procedures are typically recommended when there’s excess skin, deeper muscle laxity, or heavy fat accumulation in the neck.

1. Neck Lift Surgery (Platysmaplasty / Cervicoplasty)

This surgery involves tightening the platysma muscle, removing excess skin, and sometimes repositioning fat for a more youthful contour. It can be done alone or along with a facelift.

Why it’s ideal for severe sagging:

• Restores a firmer neck profile
• Removes deep wrinkles and excess skin
• Long-lasting results (often 10+ years)

When to consider it:

If non-invasive methods haven’t worked, and your neck has significant loose skin or “turkey neck” appearance.

2. Neck Liposuction

This treatment uses a small tube to gently remove extra fat from beneath the chin and along the jawline. It creates a sharper, more defined neck and jawline.

Why it’s great for the neck:

• Effective if fullness is caused by fat, not loose skin
• Can be combined with a neck lift
• Minimal scarring and downtime

When to consider it:

If your neck looks heavy or bulky, but your skin still has decent elasticity.

Can Neck Exercises Help with Turkey Neck?

There are lots of facial and neck exercises out there that claim to improve the look of a saggy neck, often called “turkey neck”. While exercising your neck muscles can help strengthen and tone them, it’s important to know that these exercises won’t remove loose skin. So, while you might notice some firmness over time, don’t expect dramatic changes from exercises alone.

That said, neck exercises are still good for muscle tone, posture, and overall health, and they might help give the neck area a more lifted look when done consistently.

Here are some easy exercises you can try at home. They don’t require any equipment and just take a few minutes a day:

1. Neck Lift (Use Caution)

This one targets the front neck muscles.

• Lie down on a bed with your head gently hanging off the edge.
• Look up toward the ceiling.
• Slowly lift your head as high as you can, using just your neck muscles.
• Hold for a second, then lower it back down.
• Repeat 5 times.
• Stop immediately if you feel any neck discomfort or strain.

2. The Chewing Motion

This exercise works the jaw and neck muscles at the same time.

• Sit upright with your back straight.
• Tilt your head back so your chin is pointing toward the ceiling.
• Keep your lips closed and mimic a chewing motion.
• You should feel a stretch in your neck and jawline.
• Repeat 20 times.

3. Forehead Resistance Push

This one helps build strength in your neck muscles.

• Place your palm against your forehead.
• Push your head gently forward while resisting with your hand (your head shouldn’t actually move).
• Hold the push for 10 seconds.
• Now, place both hands behind your head and push backward against them for another 10 seconds.

4. The Kissing Stretch

This targets the muscles under the chin.

• Sit up straight and lift your chin toward the ceiling.
• Pucker your lips as if you’re giving a kiss to the ceiling.
• Hold the “kiss” for a second, then relax.
• Repeat 20 times.

How to Prevent a Saggy Neck?

While some neck sagging is part of the natural ageing process, there are definitely steps you can take to slow it down and keep your skin looking firm and healthy for longer. Prevention is always easier (and often more effective) than correction.

Here’s how to help keep your neck smooth, lifted, and youthful:

1. Protect Your Neck from the Sun

Just like your face, your neck is exposed to the sun daily, and UV rays are one of the biggest causes of collagen breakdown and sagging.

• Always apply SPF 30 or higher on your neck and chest every morning.
• Wear protective clothing or a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors for long periods.

2. Keep Your Neck Moisturised

Dry, dehydrated skin is more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

• Use a hydrating neck cream or your regular facial moisturiser on your neck, morning and night.
• Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, and vitamin C.

3. Watch Your Posture (Say Goodbye to ‘Tech Neck’)

Looking down at phones and screens for long hours causes repeated folding of the neck skin, leading to early wrinkles and sagging.

• Keep your screen at eye level as much as possible.
• Practice good posture by keeping your head up and shoulders back.

4. Eat Skin-Friendly Foods

What you eat plays a role in your skin’s health.

• Include foods rich in antioxidants, collagen-boosting nutrients (like Vitamin C and zinc), and healthy fats.
• Stay hydrated — water keeps your skin plump and elastic.

5. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Smoking and excessive alcohol can speed up skin ageing by damaging collagen and reducing blood flow to your skin. If you’re serious about long-term skin health, it’s best to quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.

6. Extend Your Skincare to Your Neck

Many people focus on their face and forget the neck, but the skin there is just as delicate and deserves the same care.

• Always apply cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturiser down to your neck.
• Use retinol or anti-ageing treatments carefully in this area to boost collagen.

Final Thoughts

A saggy neck can be frustrating, but with the right care and modern aesthetic treatments, it’s possible to restore firmness and regain a more youthful look. Whether you choose non-surgical options or consider a more permanent surgical route, the key is to start with a personalised plan and realistic expectations.

Remember, your neck deserves just as much attention as your face. Treat it kindly, protect it from the sun, and consider professional help when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions