What is turkey neck and how do you fix it?

Turkey neck refers to loose, sagging skin and prominent vertical muscle bands on the neck that create a resemblance to a turkey's wattle. It's caused by aging, genetics, sun exposure, and loss of skin elasticity. The most effective fix is a surgical neck lift (platysmaplasty), which tightens the platysma muscle and removes excess skin. Non-surgical options like Botox, Kybella, and radiofrequency treatments can help mild cases, but surgery provides the most dramatic, long-lasting results.

How much does it cost to fix turkey neck in Turkey (the country)?

A neck lift to correct turkey neck in Istanbul, Turkey costs between $3,000 and $6,000 — an all-inclusive price covering the board-certified surgeon, JCI-accredited hospital, anesthesia, luxury hotel, and VIP transfers. The same procedure costs $8,000 to $15,000 in the United States. Many patients combine their neck lift with a facelift for comprehensive rejuvenation.

Is a neck lift the only way to fix turkey neck?

A neck lift is the gold standard for significant turkey neck, but milder cases may benefit from non-surgical treatments: Botox (for platysmal bands), Kybella or CoolSculpting (for submental fat), radiofrequency skin tightening (Morpheus8, Thermage), or thread lifts. However, these non-surgical options have limitations and cannot replicate the dramatic, long-lasting results of a surgical neck lift — especially for moderate to severe sagging.

At what age does turkey neck start?

Turkey neck typically becomes noticeable in the late 40s to 50s, though genetics and sun exposure can accelerate it. Early signs include loss of jawline definition, visible platysmal bands when tensing the neck, and excess submental fat (double chin). Weight fluctuations and smoking also contribute to premature neck aging. A neck lift can turn back the clock 10-15 years regardless of when turkey neck develops.

Can I get a neck lift without a facelift?

Yes, a standalone neck lift is a common procedure. It's ideal for patients whose primary concern is neck sagging, bands, or excess fat — without significant jowling or mid-face aging. However, for patients over 55, combining a neck lift with a lower facelift often produces the most harmonious, natural-looking results. Your Istanbul surgeon will recommend the optimal approach during your free consultation.

Back to Home

Condition Guide

Turkey Neck Treatment

Loose, sagging neck skin — commonly called "turkey neck" — can be effectively treated with a surgical neck lift performed by board-certified plastic surgeons in Istanbul, Turkey. Save up to 70% compared to US prices.

View Neck Lift Procedure Free Consultation

Understanding the Condition

What Is Turkey Neck?

"Turkey neck" is a colloquial term for cervical skin laxity — the loose, sagging skin and prominent vertical muscle bands that develop on the neck as we age. The condition is named for its resemblance to the wattle (the fleshy skin that hangs from a turkey's neck). It's one of the most common signs of facial aging and affects both men and women, typically becoming noticeable in the late 40s to 60s.

Turkey neck is caused by a combination of factors: loss of skin elasticity due to decreased collagen production, weakening and separation of the platysma muscle (the thin muscle sheet that runs from the chest to the jawline), accumulation of submental fat (under the chin), sun damage, genetics, weight fluctuations, and gravity. While non-surgical treatments can improve mild cases, a surgical neck lift (platysmaplasty) is the most effective solution for moderate to severe turkey neck.

Interestingly, many people searching for "turkey neck" are looking for cosmetic treatments — and Turkey (the country) happens to be the world's leading destination for affordable, high-quality neck lift surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeons in Istanbul perform neck lifts in JCI-accredited hospitals at prices 60-70% lower than the United States, making Turkey the ideal destination to fix your turkey neck.

Treatment Options

How to Fix Turkey Neck

Gold Standard

Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)

Surgical tightening of the platysma muscle, removal of excess skin, and optional liposuction for dramatic, long-lasting results. Turns back the clock 10-15 years.

Learn More

Facelift + Neck Lift

Combining a lower facelift with neck lift for comprehensive jawline and neck rejuvenation. Ideal for patients with both jowling and neck sagging.

Learn More

Minimal Downtime

Neck Liposuction

VASER or tumescent liposuction to remove submental fat and define the jawline. Best for younger patients with good skin elasticity and excess fat only.

Learn More

Mild Cases