Neck Wrinkles, Turkey Neck, and Sagging: What Actually Works

The neck has two primary structural issues that develop with age. The first is platysmal banding — the platysma is a wide, thin muscle that runs from the jaw down to the chest, and as it loses tone and skin above it loses laxity, vertical cords become visible, especially with movement or expression. The second is horizontal necklace lines, which are creases that become more prominent as neck skin thins and the underlying fat redistributes.

The area under the chin — the submental region — is also affected by fat accumulation and skin laxity separately from the neck itself. 'Turkey neck' typically refers to the combination: lax skin hanging below the jawline, sometimes compounded by submental fat. These are distinct problems that may benefit from different approaches, which is why a comprehensive neck consultation looks at both.

Botox injected into the platysma muscle (called the Nefertiti lift when done along the jawline) can soften visible neck cords and, when combined with jaw injections, create modest lifting of the lower face. Results are subtle but genuine — it's most effective for moderate banding rather than severe laxity. It also doesn't address skin texture or horizontal lines directly.

Radiofrequency treatments — Morpheus8 in particular — deliver heat into the deeper layers of neck skin to stimulate collagen remodeling and tightening. Multiple sessions are typically needed for meaningful results, and improvement builds over three to six months. For mild to moderate neck laxity, RF is one of the better non-surgical options. Ultherapy (focused ultrasound) works on the same principle and targets slightly deeper tissue.

Honest assessment: significant neck laxity — the kind where skin hangs visibly — is difficult to address comprehensively without surgery. Non-surgical treatments improve tone, texture, and mild-to-moderate laxity, and they can delay the point at which surgical options become relevant. But they are not equivalent to a neck lift for advanced cases. A good provider will tell you this clearly and help you understand what level of improvement is realistic for your specific anatomy.

Starting earlier produces better non-surgical results. If you're noticing early changes — mild banding, loss of definition — intervention at this stage is more effective than waiting. Skincare for the neck matters too: SPF daily (the neck is heavily sun-exposed) and retinoids applied to the neck extend the benefits of professional treatments. Most people stop their skincare routine at the chin; extending it to the neck and chest makes a meaningful difference over time.