Neck skin is especially susceptible to signs of aging, including wrinkles, sagging skin, and a double chin, or turkey neck. With age, skin cannot readily bounce back like it used to. But, there are ways you can improve skin elasticity, muscle tightness, and reduce neck fat for a firm neckline.
What Causes a Sagging Neck?
Neck skin is more sensitive and thin when compared to other areas of the body, and with the effects of gravity and constant use, it is uniquely at risk for sagging and signs of aging. Most people began to experience neck laxity or sagging between the age of 35 to 40, mainly due to a loss of healthy collagen, elastin fibers, and moisture. Several other factors can cause a sagging neck:
- Menopause
- Ultraviolet rays (unprotected sun exposure)
- FDA warns that artificial tanning causes premature aging
- Smoking
- Steroids and certain medications
- Detergents and skin products that contain harsh chemicals
- Alcohol consumption
Improving Sagging Neck Skin
Diet – A diet rich in antioxidants can reduce sagging skin and wrinkles. Antioxidants, which are present in different foods and supplements. Antioxidative enzymes work to stop reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are compounds that diminish collagen. Examples of antioxidant-rich supplements include:
- Vitamins A, C, D, and E (also found in blueberries, cabbage, salmon, canned tuna, egg yolks, and mushrooms)
- Zinc (also found in dry roasted peanuts, wild rice, pork loins, plain yogurt, peas, and pecans)
- Coenzyme Q10 (Also found in organ meats, ground beef, pork, fatty fish, and chicken)
- Selenium (also found in some fish, eggs, Brazil nuts, and brown rice)
You should discuss supplement use with a doctor to prevent interactions with medication or unwanted side effects.
Skin Creams – There are many different topical products available, including firming creams, gels, and patches, which may provide minor improvements by adding moisture to the skin. Firming products containing retinol compounds, which are potent antioxidants, may encourage collagen production. Individuals who experience benefits from lotions and creams must continue using them to see lasting results.
Exercise and Weight Loss – Regular exercise is a vital way to stay healthy and to improve skin elasticity and appearance. Regular exercise helps people to slowly lose weight, as opposed to an extreme drop in weight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the safest amount of weight to lose is one to two pounds per week. According to researchers at McMaster University in Ontario, who studied a small group of adults between the ages of 20 and 84, individuals over the age of 40 who exercise frequently have skin that is more subtle and elastic skin than individuals in their 20s and 30s.
Apply Sunscreen Daily – The American Academy of Dermatology Association emphasizes the importance of using sunscreen to avoid sun damage and to prevent further thinning of the skin. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be applied daily to your hands, face, and neck to stop further thinning, even during the winter.
For maximum effect, sunscreen should be applied directly to the skin before adding makeup or other body products. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outside, reapplied after every two hours of sun exposure, and immediately reapplied after excessive sweating or swimming. It’s important to note that even when it’s cloudy, you could still experience up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays.
Plastic Surgery – Plastic surgery is often the best option for men and women who suffer from a double chin, excess sagging skin, and skin creases. Dr. Bared, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida, who provides strategies on how to fix a sagging neck. According to Dr. Bared, the following plastic surgical procedures can offer natural-looking yet dramatic improvements.
Neck Lift
A neck lift, also known as platysmaplasty, tightens and lifts the skin and underlying muscles to improve the neck and jawline. This procedure is beneficial for individuals with the following signs of aging:
- Fatty jowls
- Creases
- Vertical banding
- Turkey waddle
- Excess sagging skin
- Thinning skin
A neck lift will provide a smoother, toned appearance to skin under the chin and on the neck. It is beneficial for individuals with advanced signs of aging, excess skin caused by extreme weight loss, a turkey neck caused by genetics.
Corset Platysmaplasty
Corset platysmaplasty provides dramatic neck rejuvenation for the correction of a double chin or turkey waddle. The platysmaplasty is a thin layer of muscle situated on both sides of the neck. The connective tissues that link the platysma muscle to the skin can lose elasticity with age causing problems like:
- The appearance of cords or neck bands
- Double chin
- Fatty jowls in the neck and chin
- Loose, sagging skin creating a turkey waddle
Liposuction
Liposuction may be performed alone or along with neck lift surgery. Possible liposuction candidates have firm skin that is free of wrinkles. Liposuction benefits offer:
- Fat reduction
- Sculpting
Neck contouring is an enhancement procedure that assists individuals in achieving a beautiful profile and a firmer, more refined neck and chin. This procedure can only correct excess fat, and if you also have prominent muscle bands or loose skin, a neck lift or corset platysmaplasty are recommended. Chin augmentation may also be performed with liposuction to enhance a weak or receding chin.
Your neck and facial skin require equal attention; each requires tender loving care (TLC). When the platysma muscles began to sag, and a turkey neck takes over, it can significantly change your appearance. The neck muscles and skin are especially prone to sagging due to the effects of gravity, and it may be more challenging to treat this problem after excessive sagging has taken place.
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