As we age, many of us will start to notice the development of a "turkey gobbler" or "turkey neck." This happens when the skin loses its elasticity and begins to droop and sag at the jowls and under the chin. Excess fat under the chin can also contribute to the appearance of "turkey neck."

Luckily, there is an effective solution to smooth and tighten the skin as well as get rid of fat under the chin. A neck lift can help to remove excess, hanging skin. It can also help to smooth neck wrinkles, lessen the appearance of vertical bands, and reduce excess fat.

If you are interested in a neck lift, contact Dr. Adam Basner today at 410-616-3000. He will listen to your concerns and examine you thoroughly to find the best treatment option to reach your goals.

When Do You Need A Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure generally performed on older men and women. If you are in your 30s, it is unlikely that you need a full neck lift, as your skin probably still has good elasticity. Younger people may think that they need a neck lift when in fact liposuction of the chin would be a better option for their needs.

However, age is not a main consideration when determining candidacy for a neck lift. Key considerations are:

• The quality of your skin - if your skin is loose and sagging, you will likely benefit from a neck lift no matter your age.
• Skin vs fat - If your main concern is a double chin, you would probably be better served with liposuction.
• Overall health - if you are a smoker or have an uncontrolled chronic medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you may not be a good candidate. Talk to Dr. Basner about what you can do to become a better neck lift candidate.

Keep in mind that the natural aging process as well as gravity will keep working against you even after you have a neck lift. You will always look better than if you did not have the procedure done, but if you are considering a neck lift at age 40, know that you will probably want to have it redone in fifteen or twenty years.

What Can You Expect From A Neck Lift?

A neck lift can be a wonderful way to smooth and tighten the neck for a more youthful and attractive appearance. Neck lifts are done under general anesthesia, and generally only take an hour or two to perform. After your neck lift, you can expect a few weeks of recovery time. There's usually not much pain, although your neck may feel uncomfortably tight for some time.

A neck lift can temporarily reduce the appearance of horizontal wrinkles, but these wrinkles are the result of your neck's movement and cannot be completely erased. They are a normal human feature that everyone has. Vertical bands, on the other hand, can be significantly softened for a smoother appearance.

A neck lift alone will not fully address the jowls and jaw line. If you are interested in achieving a crisp, sharp jaw line but you have significant jowling, you may need a combination neck lift and lower facelift.

Schedule Your Neck Lift Consultation

If you are ready to eliminate your turkey neck and achieve a smooth, graceful swan's neck, call Dr. Basner today at 410-616-3000 to schedule your initial consultation. We serve patients in greater Baltimore, including Lutherville Timonium and Columbia.