Sagging Neck Skin: When to Know if You Need Surgery or Not
As we age, one of the first places to show signs of skin laxity is the neck. From the dreaded “turkey neck” to deep horizontal lines and crepey texture, sagging neck skin can be difficult to address with skincare products alone. Fortunately, both surgical and nonsurgical options exist to help restore a firmer, more youthful neckline.
At AesthetiCare Medspa, we offer a range of neck rejuvenation treatments tailored to your level of skin laxity, aesthetic goals, and desired recovery time. But how do you know if you need surgery, or if a less invasive solution is enough? Let’s explore your options, from energy-based treatments to advanced threads and surgery.
Why Neck Skin Sags Over Time
The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of aging, often before the face. This is because the skin on the neck is naturally thinner and contains fewer oil glands, making it more prone to dryness, wrinkling, and laxity over time. Several contributing factors work together to accelerate this process:
Collagen and Elastin Loss
As we age, the body produces less collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that keep the skin firm, elastic, and resilient. Without them, the skin becomes thinner and looser, leading to sagging and folds.
Muscle Weakening
The platysma muscle, which runs vertically along the front of the neck, can weaken and separate over time. This results in the appearance of vertical bands and contributes to the loss of neck contour.
Sun Damage
The neck often receives as much sun exposure as the face, but is frequently neglected when it comes to sunscreen use. UV damage breaks down collagen and elastin, accelerating photoaging and contributing to wrinkles, discoloration, and crepey skin.
Genetics and Lifestyle
Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining the age at which your skin starts to sag and the severity of the sagging. Factors like weight fluctuations, smoking, and even poor posture (such as constantly looking down at phones—sometimes called “tech neck”) can also worsen the signs of aging in the neck.
Altogether, these factors result in a loss of definition between the jawline and neck, deeper wrinkles, and the drooping or “turkey neck” appearance that many people struggle with. Understanding the root cause of your specific concern is the first step toward finding the most effective treatment, whether that means collagen stimulation, skin tightening, lifting, or surgical correction.
What Are Some of the Options That Can Help You?
Sagging neck skin can be treated with a variety of solutions, from noninvasive treatments to surgical procedures. At AesthetiCare Medspa, we tailor each plan to your level of laxity, goals, and comfort. Below are the most effective options to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate your neck.
Nonsurgical Neck Tightening with Sofwave™
For patients noticing early signs of neck aging, like mild laxity, crepey skin, or fine lines, Sofwave™ offers a noninvasive solution with no downtime. This advanced ultrasound treatment uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology (SUPERB™) to stimulate collagen production deep within the dermis. By targeting the skin’s foundational layers without damaging the surface, Sofwave helps tighten and smooth the neck while improving elasticity and texture.
Results typically begin to appear within four to six weeks, with continued improvement over three months. Sofwave is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate sagging who want natural-looking results without needles, surgery, or recovery time. It can also be used as a preventative treatment or paired with other therapies to extend results and delay the need for more invasive procedures.
Minimally Invasive Neck Rejuvenation with Threads
For those experiencing mild to moderate sagging or early jowling, thread lifts offer a minimally invasive way to lift and contour the neck. Performed by Dr. Korentager, thread lifts use dissolvable sutures placed beneath the skin to physically lift tissues while also stimulating natural collagen production. Instalift Threads, a specific type used at AesthetiCare, feature bi-directional cones for enhanced anchoring and lifting power, making them ideal for redefining the jawline and addressing mild laxity.
Thread lifts provide immediate lift with little downtime, followed by gradual improvement as collagen rebuilds. Bruising and swelling may occur but typically resolve within a few days. Best suited for patients not ready for surgery, this treatment offers a natural-looking enhancement that can be combined with other nonsurgical options, such as Sofwave, for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Surgical Correction With Neck Lift
When sagging is more advanced or accompanied by loose skin, deep folds, or visible platysmal bands, a surgical neck lift may be the most effective option. Performed by Dr. Korentager, this procedure removes excess skin, tightens underlying muscles, and repositions tissue to restore a smooth, youthful contour. It’s often recommended for those seeking long-lasting, dramatic improvement that nonsurgical treatments can’t provide.
While recovery typically involves 10 to 14 days of downtime, the results can last a decade or longer. Neck lifts are ideal for patients with significant aging in the lower face and neck who want a sharper jawline and smoother neckline.
Which Neck Treatment Is Right for You?
Choosing the right neck rejuvenation treatment depends on how advanced your skin laxity is and what kind of results you’re looking for. If you’re just starting to notice crepiness or early sagging, Sofwave is a great noninvasive option to tighten and firm the skin with no downtime.
For more noticeable laxity or early jowling, thread lifts or Instalift Threads offer a subtle but visible lift with collagen-boosting benefits. If you have significant sagging, loose skin, or deep banding, a surgical neck lift may be the most effective, long-term solution. A personalized consultation will help determine the best fit based on your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle.
Rediscover Confidence in Your Neckline
Whether you’re just starting to notice mild laxity or dealing with more advanced sagging, there’s a treatment option that can help you achieve a smoother, firmer neckline. From noninvasive Sofwave to minimally invasive threads and surgical neck lifts, AesthetiCare Medspa in Kansas City, MO, offers solutions for every stage of aging. A more youthful neck is within reach, without compromising your natural beauty.
Call us at (816) 338-7881 or schedule your consultation online and let our expert team help you lift, tighten, and love your look again.
