15 Proven Ways to Get Rid of Chicken Neck (That Actually Work!)

Are you noticing that sagging skin under your chin that makes you look older than you really are? Yeah, I’m talking about that dreaded “chicken neck” – the saggy, wrinkled skin that can make even the most confident person feel self-conscious.

I’ve spent weeks researching the most effective ways to combat this common sign of aging, and I’m excited to share what actually works. Whether you’re just starting to notice some looseness or you’re dealing with more advanced sagging, there’s hope without going under the knife!

What Exactly Is Chicken Neck?

Chicken neck (also called turkey neck) happens when the skin on your neck loses elasticity and the muscles underneath weaken. This creates that saggy, wrinkled appearance that resembles, well… a chicken’s neck.

Several factors contribute to this condition

• Aging: As we get older, our skin naturally loses elasticity
• Poor posture: Constantly looking down at phones and devices (tech neck)
• Muscle weakness: Underused neck muscles that lose tone over time
• Weight fluctuations: Gaining and losing weight can stretch skin
• Sun damage: UV exposure breaks down collagen
• Genetics: Some people are more prone to it than others

The good news? There are many ways to address chicken neck without resorting to surgery.

Non-Surgical Ways to Get Rid of Chicken Neck

1. Neck Exercises to Strengthen Muscles

Exercising your neck muscles can make a significant difference in how your neck looks, Here are some effective exercises you can do daily

Chin Lifts

• Keep your back straight and tilt your head backward
• Push your lower lip forward to feel a stretch
• Hold for 10 seconds
• Repeat 10 times

Neck Flexion

• Slowly bring your chin toward your chest
• Hold for 5 seconds
• Return to neutral position
• Repeat 12-15 times

Platysma Stretch

• Pull your bottom lip over your top lip
• Hold for 10 seconds
• Repeat 10 times

Lateral Neck Holds

• Place your right hand on the right side of your head
• Push against your hand while resisting the movement
• Hold for 15 seconds
• Repeat on the left side

Isometric Jaw Pushes

• Place your fist under your chin
• Push upward while keeping your mouth closed
• Hold for 10 seconds
• Repeat 10 times

Consistency is key here! I’ve found that doing these exercises 3-4 times per week for at least 4-6 weeks shows noticeable results

2. Improve Your Posture

Poor posture is a major contributor to chicken neck. Making these adjustments can help:

• Keep your chin slightly up rather than looking down
• Position screens at eye level to avoid bending your neck
• Take breaks from screens every hour to stretch
• Use a neck-supporting pillow while sleeping

3. Proper Hydration and Nutrition

What you put in your body affects your skin’s appearance:

• Drink 2.5-3 liters of water daily to maintain skin elasticity
• Eat foods rich in antioxidants (berries, citrus fruits, spinach, green tea)
• Consume enough protein to support muscle growth
• Consider adding collagen-boosting foods to your diet

4. Effective Skincare Routine

The right skincare can make a big difference for chicken neck:

• Use products containing retinol, which promotes collagen production
• Apply vitamin C serums to protect against free radical damage
• Use neck creams specifically formulated for the delicate neck area
• Never skip moisturizer and sunscreen on your neck

I’ve seen great results with N-acetyl glucosamine creams, which research shows can improve skin firmness and reduce hyperpigmentation over a 16-week period.

5. Try Resistance Training

Using resistance tools like a neck harness can accelerate results by targeting specific muscles:

• Provides just the right amount of resistance for safety
• Targets the platysma and supporting muscles
• Can be used at home or on-the-go
• Helps improve posture while strengthening neck muscles

Minimally Invasive Treatments

If you want more dramatic results without surgery, these options might help:

6. Botox Injections

Botox can be injected into the platysma bands to relax them and reduce the appearance of vertical cords:

• Results last 3-4 months
• Requires no downtime
• Works best for addressing muscle issues rather than excess skin

7. Kybella Injections

Kybella contains deoxycholic acid that helps dissolve fat under the chin:

• Permanently destroys fat cells
• Requires multiple sessions
• Minimal downtime

8. Non-Surgical Body Sculpting

These treatments target fat cells without surgery:

• CoolSculpting freezes fat cells
• Treatments using laser, radiofrequency, or ultrasound energy
• Requires multiple sessions for best results

9. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser treatments can help tighten skin:

• Uses heat to stimulate collagen production
• Improves skin texture and elasticity
• Requires some downtime depending on intensity

10. Ultherapy

This treatment uses focused ultrasound to lift and tighten skin:

• Stimulates collagen production deep within the skin
• Results develop over 2-3 months
• No downtime required

11. Microneedling

Tiny needles create micro-injuries that stimulate skin to repair itself:

• Promotes collagen and elastin production
• Can be combined with radiofrequency for enhanced results
• Minimal downtime

Surgical Options (When Non-Surgical Methods Aren’t Enough)

If you’ve tried everything else and still want more dramatic results, these surgical options are available:

12. Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)

This procedure tightens neck muscles and removes excess skin:

• Provides immediate and significant results
• Requires 1-2 weeks of downtime
• Results can last 10+ years

13. Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

A more comprehensive approach that addresses both face and neck:

• Removes excess skin and tightens underlying tissues
• Requires 2-3 weeks of recovery
• Provides long-lasting results

14. Liposuction

Removes excess fat under the chin and neck:

• Can be done alone or with other procedures
• Shorter recovery than a full neck lift
• Works best for those with good skin elasticity

15. MST Operation

This minimally invasive technique uses barbed threads to tighten neck skin:

• Leaves only small scars
• Shorter recovery time than traditional surgery
• Less dramatic results than a full neck lift

My Recommended Weekly Routine to Combat Chicken Neck

Based on my research, here’s a weekly routine that can help you fight chicken neck:

Day 1:

• 10 minutes of chin lifts, platysma stretches, and jaw pushes
• Apply vitamin C serum and neck cream
• Check posture throughout the day

Day 2:

• 12 minutes of neck flexion, isometric holds, and side presses
• Hydrate with at least 2.5 liters of water
• Apply moisturizer and sunscreen

Day 3:

• Repeat Day 1 exercises
• Focus on antioxidant-rich foods
• Apply retinol neck cream before bed

Day 4:

• Rest day or gentle stretching
• Stay hydrated
• Continue skincare routine

Day 5:

• Complete full workout with slightly increased resistance
• Check posture and alignment
• Apply vitamin C and moisturizer

Stick with this routine for at least 4-6 weeks to see noticeable improvements!

When Should You See a Doctor?

While most chicken neck is cosmetic, sometimes it could indicate other issues. See a doctor if:

• You notice sudden or dramatic neck changes
• You experience pain or discomfort along with sagging
• You have difficulty swallowing or breathing
• The sagging is accompanied by swelling or lumps

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of chicken neck doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistency and the right approach, you can see significant improvement. I’ve found that combining exercises, good posture, proper hydration, and targeted skincare gives the best results for most people.

Remember that what works for one person might not work for another, so be patient and willing to try different approaches. And hey, if all else fails and you’re really bothered by your chicken neck, there’s no shame in consulting with a professional about more intensive treatments.

Have you tried any of these methods? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This article contains general information only. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new skincare or exercise regimen.

Yes, you can effectively “get rid” of the appearance of turkey neck through surgical treatments like a neck lift surgery or liposuction for fat removal, or non-surgical options such as Botox, thread lifts, and radiofrequency or ultrasound therapies to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin. The most effective treatment depends on the severity of the sagging and the individual’s skin elasticity, with surgical methods offering the most substantial and long-lasting results.

“Chicken neck,” or “wry neck,” in poultry, is caused by a Vitamin D or Vitamin E deficiency, or fungal infections. For humans, “turkey neck” is caused by the natural aging process, which leads to the loss of skin elasticity, and is worsened by sun damage, weight fluctuations, genetics, and lifestyle choices like smoking.

“Chicken neck” or “turkey neck” is a colloquial term for sagging neck skin and can be treated with surgical procedures like neck lifts to remove excess skin and tighten underlying muscles, or non-surgical options such as ** Ulthera**, radiofrequency ( RF) microneedling, or topical treatments containing ingredients like peptides and ** AHAs**. For actual chickens with wry neck, the condition is often treated with ** vitamin E, vitamin B, and possibly antibiotics**, with the goal of correcting muscle spasms and an underlying infection or fungal issue.