Say Goodbye to that Turkey Neck with a Deep Vertical Neck Lift

A Comprehensive Surgical Solution to Lift, Tighten, and Rejuvenate the Neck and Jawline

If you’re frustrated by loose, sagging skin under your chin, or if your jawline seems to vanish in profile photos, you might be dealing with the dreaded turkey neck.

Fortunately, today’s advanced facial rejuvenation techniques can help restore a defined, youthful neckline with long-lasting results.

Turkey Neck Explained

“Turkey neck” is the common term for sagging, wrinkled, or banded skin beneath the chin and along the neck. It’s a natural part of aging but can dramatically affect your overall appearance, especially in photos and video calls.

Skincare products and non-invasive treatments may offer temporary improvements, but a surgical neck lift remains the gold standard for long-term correction.

What Causes Turkey Neck?

A variety of factors can lead to the development of turkey neck:

Muscle Laxity – The platysma muscle in the neck weakens and separates over time, forming visible neck bands.
Skin Aging – With age and sun exposure, skin loses elasticity and begins to sag.
Excess Fat – Fat accumulation under the chin contributes to a full, undefined neckline.
Genetics – Some people are genetically predisposed to develop turkey neck earlier or more prominently than others.

Together, these factors create the loose, sagging appearance commonly referred to as a turkey neck, but the good news is, it’s entirely treatable with the right surgical approach.

The Deep Vertical Neck Lift: A Modern Solution

Unlike traditional lifts that focus on tightening skin alone, the deep vertical neck lift addresses the problem at its source, underlying muscles, fat, and connective tissue.

This technique involves:

Tightening the Platysma Muscle – The “hammock” of neck support is reconstructed from within.
Repositioning or Removing Fat – Fat deposits are artistically sculpted to restore smooth contour.
Excising Loose Skin – Skin is redraped and trimmed, but with minimal trauma and tension.

By releasing the anatomical “Velcro” that holds aging tissues in place, this approach allows the neck to be lifted vertically rather than pulled sideways, creating elegant, natural-looking definition without distortion.

Transformations for Turkey Neck and Jawline Contouring

Three-quarter angle before and after images showcasing sculpted jawline, lifted cheeks, and smoother neck after an Artiste Lift deep plane facelift

Angled view of the same patient, illustrating a more defined jawline, lifted cheeks, and natural skin tightening following a facelift

Before and after revision rhinoplasty, angled view. Smooth bridge, lifted tip, proportionate shape.

Browse the Full Gallery of Transformations

What to Expect from Turkey Neck Surgery

During surgery:

A small, curved incision is made under the chin (far more discreet than a straight-line incision).
Additional incisions may be placed behind the ears, hidden in natural creases.
The platysma muscles are restructured and sutured into place.
Fat may be removed or repositioned.
Excess skin is carefully trimmed for a smooth finish.

The procedure is often performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia, and takes about 2–3 hours depending on complexity.

Recovery and Healing

Most patients return to light activity within 7–10 days. You can expect some swelling or bruising, which improves significantly during the second week.

Some advanced practices use photobiomodulation therapy (light-based treatment) after surgery to:

Minimize bruising
Reduce swelling
Accelerate tissue healing

This cutting-edge therapy supports faster recovery and enhances final results.

Post-Facelift Healing: How We Accelerate Facelift Recovery and Minimize Swelling and Bruising

Who’s a Good Candidate?

You may be a candidate for turkey neck surgery if you:

Are bothered by sagging neck skin, jowls, or neck bands
Have tried non-surgical options without lasting results
Are in overall good health and a non-smoker
Want results that are natural, elegant, and long-lasting

If you’re ready to restore a smoother, more defined neck and jawline, a surgical solution may be the next step in your aesthetic journey.

Restore Your Jawline and Confidence

The deep vertical neck lift is one of the most effective procedures for rejuvenating the lower face and neck. By addressing the structural causes of aging, not just the surface, it creates lasting improvements that don’t look pulled or artificial.

This procedure is rarely done in isolation. Whether paired with a deep plane facelift, facial fat transfer, or eyelid surgery, the deep neck lift enhances facial harmony, reshaping the jawline and restoring youthful balance from every angle.

Sculpt the Perfect Jawline

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Learn More About Plastic Surgery

Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Richard Balikian is a renowned facial plastic surgeon known for his dedication to patients throughout Southern California.

With more than two decades of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, he brings together surgical precision and an artist’s eye.

Dr. Balikian is among a select group of specialists whose advanced training is devoted entirely to procedures of the face and neck.

Your Face, Your Body, Our Expertise.

Dr. Richard V. Balikian, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and neck, and is renowned for his signature Artiste Lift™ preservation deep plane facelift technique.

Dr. Tyler Frew, board-certified plastic surgeon, specializes in advanced breast and body procedures, and is renowned for his expertly performed Mommy Makeover surgery combinations.