Loose Neck Skin
Loose neck skin, often referred to as “turkey neck” or neck laxity, develops as a result of collagen and elastin loss, thinning of the skin, and weakening of the underlying platysma muscle. Gravity, sun exposure, and natural ageing accelerate these changes, while weight fluctuations can make the issue more pronounced. This concern often appears in combination with jowls or sagging under the chin, creating a less defined jawline and aged appearance. Effective treatment requires addressing both skin laxity and structural support, targeting the deeper tissues as well as the skin’s surface.
Recommended treatments
Ultraformer MPT HIFU
Ultraformer MPT HIFU is the gold standard in non-surgical neck tightening. Using precise micro- and macro-focused ultrasound, it targets the SMAS layer and deep dermis to stimulate collagen contraction and production. By delivering controlled thermal energy at exact depths, it lifts and firms the skin from within, improving both horizontal neck lines and general laxity. The MPT system offers more uniform energy delivery and greater comfort compared to earlier HIFU technology. Results appear gradually over 3–6 months and can last 12–18 months.
Muscle Relaxants
Prominent vertical neck bands are often caused by overactivity of the platysma muscle. Muscle relaxant injections can soften these bands, smoothing the neck’s appearance and improving overall contour. This treatment works well when used in combination with skin tightening procedures for a more comprehensive result.
Biostimulators
Biostimulating injectables, such as calcium hydroxyapatite or poly-L-lactic acid, help improve neck laxity by triggering the body’s natural collagen production over time. When injected in a controlled grid pattern, they gradually thicken and firm the skin, improving texture and elasticity without adding volume. This makes them ideal for crepey skin or mild to moderate laxity.
Rejuran
Rejuran, a polynucleotide-based skin booster, supports cellular repair and stimulates collagen synthesis in delicate neck skin. It improves texture, reduces fine creasing, and restores elasticity, making it particularly effective for crepey or sun-damaged necks. Results develop over several weeks, with optimal outcomes seen after a series of treatments.
Lutronic eCO₂ Laser
Fractional CO₂ resurfacing can significantly improve the texture and tightness of loose neck skin by creating controlled micro-columns of thermal injury that stimulate collagen remodelling. The Lutronic eCO₂ is highly customisable, allowing energy settings to be adjusted for the thinner, more delicate skin of the neck to minimise downtime while maximising tightening and textural improvement.
Jowls
Jowls refer to the sagging or drooping skin that develops along the jawline, blurring its once-sharp contour. This change typically occurs due to a combination of collagen and elastin breakdown, gravity, fat pad descent, and bone resorption in the lower face. Genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors can accelerate the process. As the skin loses its ability to “snap back” and the supporting structures weaken, the lower cheeks and jawline begin to sag, giving the appearance of heaviness in the lower face. While surgery can be an option in advanced cases, modern non-surgical treatments can significantly lift and redefine the jawline without downtime.
Volumisation
One of the main contributors to jowl formation is mid-face volume loss. When the cheeks lose their structural support, the skin in the lower face begins to sag. Strategic volumisation restores this lost foundation, lifting the lower face indirectly by repositioning and supporting tissues from above. This creates a more youthful contour, improves skin drape over the jawline, and reduces the shadowing that makes jowls more noticeable.
Thread Lift
Thread lifts use fine, absorbable sutures with tiny barbs or cones to physically reposition sagging skin along the jawline. The threads are placed under the skin and gently pulled to lift the tissues into a more youthful position. Beyond the immediate mechanical lift, the procedure stimulates the body’s natural collagen production along the thread pathways, further improving firmness over the following months. Results are visible immediately, with continued enhancement for up to 6 months and longevity of 12–18 months depending on the individual.
