CoolSculpting For Turkey Neck

“Turkey neck” is the unflattering term used for wrinkly, sagging skin on the neck that is a common sign of aging. As you age, your neck muscles begin to weaken and your skin loses its elasticity -- the ability to stretch and stay tight -- leading to the formation of loose skin around your neck and chin area. If you’ve tried neck-tightening exercises and neck-firming creams to no avail, but aren’t ready for neck lift surgery, non-invasive options like CoolSculpting may be ideal for you.

So does CoolSculpting work well for treating turkey neck? Yes, it can treat turkey neck as long as the skin laxity is not too severe. CoolSculpting is primarily used to eliminate fat cells, so it would work better to get rid of the unwanted fat in double chins. CoolSculpting also has mild skin tightening effects to prevent sagging skin from appearing after fat removal. 

What Is A “Turkey Neck”?

As we age, the constant twisting and stretching -- as well as the pull of gravity -- make our necks appear unattractive. The neck skin begins to sag and wrinkle, submental fullness develops below the chin, and the underlying platysma muscles detach and loosen. This leads to what we know as “turkey neck”, a cosmetic condition that earned its name for its similarity to the wattle, the flesh growth we see on turkey throats. 

While wattle is a natural part of a turkey’s anatomy, a turkey neck is a sign of aging for humans. Genetics, extreme weight loss, and sun exposure are some factors that negatively affect the quality of skin over time. The body also produces less collagen and elastin, which leads to more fine lines, wrinkles, and drooping skin. Among younger patients, a turkey neck also indicates excess fat cells being stored in the chin and neck area.

Even if turkey neck is a natural part of the aging process, its appearance bothers men and women alike. Some patients claim that certain neck exercises or neck creams can help prevent the appearance of loose, submental fat in the area, but no studies have been conducted to support these claims. It’s unlikely that either can make an unattractive ‘wattle’ disappear completely, however. Neck exercises can tone the neck muscle, but won’t eliminate excess skin; creams may improve skin quality, but won’t do much against sagging. 

CoolSculpting: The Non-Invasive Contouring Solution for Sagging Neck Fat 

One effective treatment for eliminating a double chin and toning the jawline is CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared cosmetic procedure that treats fat cells in the submental area  (chin and neck) for 20% - 25% fat reduction, perfect for double chin reduction. 

CoolSculpting double chin or turkey neck works through cryolipolysis, or freezing fat cells. A specially-designed CoolSculpting applicator is placed around the neck to suction and freeze stubborn fat away. The low temperature destroys the fat in an hour-long procedure, while the surrounding skin tissues are left unharmed by the CoolMini applicator. Once the fat cells die, the body will flush them out through the lymphatic system as waste over several months. Patients can expect to see dramatically improved results in two months; with maintenance through diet and exercise, the results can last forever. 

While the CoolMini treatment can effectively diminish a double chin to promote a slimmer profile, it’s not ideal for treating the loss of definition in the upper neck and chin area. Although the CoolSculpting treatment does have some skin tightening effects, some experts recommend pairing the treatment with other toning procedures like Thermage, ThermiTight, or microneedling to stimulate collagen reproduction. 

Learn more: Will CoolSculpting on My Neck Create Saggy Skin?

CoolSculpting vs Other Types of Neck Cosmetic Surgery 

The CoolSculpting procedure has an advantage over other procedures because it requires no incisions and no injections, so there’s zero downtime. It’s a safe and low-risk treatment that works well for many types of patients. However, some patients may have preferences, contraindications, or certain aesthetic goals that make CoolSculpting an inappropriate choice. Here are other dermatologic surgery options that may work better: 

Injectables 

Botox and dermal fillers are a reliable way to smoothen skin and fill in a sagging treatment area. If your beauty goal is to address drooping skin, rather than to reduce fat, then injectables are the way to go. As a non surgical treatment, dermal injectables can treat wrinkles, lines, and drooping skin along the jawline so it remains firm. With a few injections, you can erase other signs of aging -- and no recovery time is needed. 

Laser or radiofrequency therapy 

There are a number of noninvasive medical devices that can heat the skin, triggering the production of new tissues that tighten the skin. Laser treatment is a good option if there is only a little excess skin or minor sagging in the neck, but it won’t work on large deposits of submental fat or a significant amount of excess skin. Patients can expect to see mild to moderate results, but will have to undergo repeat treatments every six months. 

Kybella 

Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable that targets and reduces fat buildup below the chin, so it’s specifically designed for the treatment of double chin. This method uses a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid, a product found in bile that naturally melts fat cells. When combined with a numbing agent like lidocaine, a Kybella injection around the jawline can break down submental fullness easily. 

Even if Kybella is a non surgical procedure, however, it may require some down as it causes intense swelling. And compared to CoolSculpting, patients have observed mixed results with the Kybella treatment. 

Surgical treatment

Patients often see improvements with CoolSculpting or Kybella, especially if these are combined with laser treatments or retinol skin care. However, if these combinations don’t deliver the desired results, the next best option is surgery. A liposuction or a neck lift can tighten the neck muscles and remove the loose skin permanently. 

A plastic surgeon will perform these treatments by making incisions behind the ears, suctioning out the fat, and removing the excess skin before closing up the incisions and applying a pressure dressing around the head. Although surgery can yield dramatic results, it’s definitely more time-consuming and costly to undergo. 

Erase Sagging Neck Skin at The NJ Center for CoolSculpting

Each person has different needs and goals, so it’s important to review your options and consult thoroughly with an expert cosmetic practitioner to find the best solution for you. At the NJ Center for CoolSculpting, we are committed to providing our patients with the safest and most effective customized aesthetic procedures to reduce fat and improve skin quality. Schedule a consultation with us today.