If you’ve noticed sagging or loose skin around your neck-often called “chicken neck” or “turkey neck”-you’re not alone. This common sign of aging happens when the skin loses elasticity and the muscles weaken. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to tackle this issue, from simple exercises to advanced treatments. In this article, we’ll explore how you can get rid of chicken neck and restore a smoother, firmer neckline.
What Causes Chicken Neck?
Chicken neck happens due to a combination of factors:
– Loss of skin elasticity: As we age, collagen and elastin production decrease, causing skin to sag.
– Weakening neck muscles: The platysma muscle in the neck loses tone over time.
– Excess fat deposits: Fat accumulation under the chin can worsen the appearance.
– Sun damage: UV exposure breaks down skin fibers, accelerating sagging.
Understanding these causes helps us target the right solutions.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Chicken Neck
1. Neck and Facial Exercises
Strengthening the neck muscles can reduce sagging and improve the skin’s appearance. While exercises won’t remove excess skin, they can tone muscles underneath and provide a firmer look.
Try these simple exercises:
– Chewing Gum Exercise: Sit straight, tilt your head back, keep lips closed, and mimic chewing. Repeat 20 times.
– Kiss the Ceiling: Tilt your head back, pucker your lips as if blowing a kiss, and hold for a few seconds. Repeat 20 times.
– Neck Lift: Lie on your bed with your head hanging off the edge. Slowly lift your head using neck muscles and repeat five times.
– Tongue Pressure: Look up, press your tongue firmly to the roof of your mouth, and lower your chin toward your chest while maintaining tongue pressure.
Consistency is key-doing these exercises daily can gradually improve muscle tone.
2. Skincare and Topical Treatments
Applying creams that boost collagen can help tighten the skin and reduce wrinkles. Look for products containing:
– N-acetyl glucosamine: Helps firm and smooth skin.
– Retinoids: Promote collagen production and skin cell turnover.
– Collagen-boosting ingredients: Such as peptides and hyaluronic acid.
Also, protect your neck from sun damage by applying sunscreen daily and wearing hats to prevent premature aging.
3. Massage with Natural Oils
Massaging the neck with almond oil, rich in vitamin E, nourishes and hydrates the skin. Regular massage improves circulation and can help tighten the skin over time. For added benefits, mix essential oils with almond oil and massage gently from the collarbone to the chin.
Medical and Cosmetic Treatments for Chicken Neck
If natural methods don’t provide the desired results, several medical options can help:
1. Botox and Injectables
Botox injections relax neck muscles that cause wrinkles, smoothing the skin without surgery. The effects last 3 to 4 months and require maintenance treatments. Other injectables can stimulate collagen for firmer skin.
2. Laser Skin Tightening
Noninvasive laser treatments heat the skin to stimulate collagen production and tighten loose skin. Multiple sessions over several months are needed, but there’s no downtime.
3. Thread Lift Surgery
A minimally invasive procedure using barbed threads to lift and tighten neck skin. Threads also stimulate collagen production. Recovery is quicker than traditional surgery, but results vary.
4. Neck Lift Surgery (Platysmaplasty)
This surgical option removes excess skin and tightens underlying muscles for dramatic improvement. It can also address a double chin and redefine the jawline. However, it involves longer recovery and potential scarring.
Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Chicken Neck
– Maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
– Avoid rapid weight gain or loss to prevent skin stretching.
– Stay hydrated to keep skin supple.
– Exercise regularly to maintain muscle tone.
– Protect your neck from sun exposure daily.
Summary
Getting rid of chicken neck involves a combination of muscle-toning exercises, skincare, and possibly medical treatments depending on severity. Start with natural methods like neck exercises and nourishing creams, and consider professional options if needed. With patience and care, you can restore a firmer, more youthful neck.
Chicken neck is manageable, and with the right approach, you can enjoy a smoother neckline that boosts your confidence.