“Turkey neck” is the everyday name for loose skin and slack muscle bands hanging below the chin, which many people notice from their forties onwards or after losing weight. It is one of the most common reasons people look into neck surgery, and the name causes a little confusion online, because surgery for a turkey neck is also widely done in Turkey. This guide explains what causes a turkey neck, which treatments actually change it, and how a turkey neck lift is planned with specialist plastic surgeons at New City Clinic’s partner hospitals in Istanbul.
Neck Lift in Istanbul, Turkey: price, package and planningWhat causes a turkey neck?
Three things usually combine. The skin loses elasticity with age, sun exposure and weight change. The thin neck muscle (platysma) separates and slackens, which shows as two vertical cords running down from the chin. And fat can collect under the chin, softening the angle between chin and neck. Genetics plays a part, which is why some people have a heavy neck in their thirties while others keep a sharp jawline for decades.
Why exercises and creams rarely fix it
Neck exercises can strengthen muscle but do not remove excess skin, and creams can improve the skin surface but cannot tighten a slack muscle or reposition tissue. Non-surgical treatments such as skin-tightening devices or fillers may help in early cases with good skin quality. Once the skin hangs or the muscle cords are visible at rest, surgery is usually the only treatment that changes the shape of the neck.
The three surgical options
If the skin is firm and the problem is mainly fat under the chin, liposuction alone may be enough. If there is loose skin, muscle bands or both, a neck lift is needed: the surgeon tightens the neck muscle through a short incision in the crease under the chin (platysmaplasty), removes fat where needed and removes excess skin through incisions behind the ears. If the jowls and cheeks have also dropped, a face and neck lift treats the lower face and neck together so that the two areas match.
How the surgeon decides
At the assessment the surgeon looks at the skin quality, the muscle bands, the fat under the chin and, importantly, the jawline. If the jawline is still well defined, a neck lift alone is often enough. If jowls have formed, treating only the neck can leave the lower face looking heavier, which is why a combined operation is often suggested. You can start with photos from the front and both sides, chin level and hair tied back, sent through WhatsApp.
The operation and the scars
A turkey neck lift is performed under general anaesthesia, usually takes about two to three hours and involves one night in hospital. The scars are hidden behind the ears and, if the muscle is tightened, in the natural crease under the chin. A face and neck lift takes about four to six hours with one or two nights in hospital and adds a scar in front of the ear that follows its natural curve.
Recovery week by week
For the first days a compression band is worn around the neck and you sleep with your head raised; tightness and numbness under the chin are normal. Swelling and bruising settle over two to three weeks. Most people return to work after about ten days to two weeks and to exercise after about four weeks. The neck keeps refining for several months, and the final result after a neck lift is usually seen at around four months.
How long the result lasts
A neck lift does not stop ageing, but the skin and muscle that have been tightened keep a firmer position for many years compared with not having surgery. A stable weight, sun protection and not smoking help the result last. Smoking must be stopped well before surgery, as it affects healing of the skin.
Travelling from the UK, Ireland, the US or Australia
Plan about a week in Istanbul for a neck lift alone and about 9 to 12 days for a face and neck lift. Direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Dublin take around four hours, and a scarf makes the trip home comfortable. Tell your GP before you go; your reports are provided in English and follow-up continues with photos and video calls.
Price and what is included
A neck lift on its own is quoted individually after the surgeon has reviewed your photos, because it depends on whether muscle tightening, fat removal and skin removal are all needed. The illustrative package price for a face and neck lift in Istanbul is €4,500, including surgery at a licensed partner hospital, the hospital stay, hotel accommodation and airport transfers; flights are not included. Send your photos for a free quote on WhatsApp, usually within 24 hours.
A turkey neck lift with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about a turkey neck lift, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Recovery timeline
Day 1
Surgery under general anaesthesia, about 2–3 hours for a neck lift; one night in hospital.
Days 2–7
Neck compression band, head raised when resting, check-ups in Istanbul and the flight home.
Weeks 2–3
Bruising and swelling settle; return to work after about ten days to two weeks.
Week 4
Exercise resumes gradually.
Month 4
Final result usually visible.
Accommodation and transfers
On request, New City Clinic organises your airport–hotel–hospital transfers and your stay at partner hotels close to the hospital. The same can be arranged for a companion; details are set out in writing in your quote.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
What is a turkey neck?
Loose skin and slack muscle bands hanging below the chin, often with some fat under the chin. It is common from the forties onwards and after weight loss.
Can a turkey neck be fixed without surgery?
Early, mild cases with good skin may improve with non-surgical skin tightening. Hanging skin and visible muscle cords usually need a neck lift.
Is liposuction enough for a turkey neck?
Only if the skin is firm and the problem is mainly fat. Loose skin and muscle bands need a neck lift.
Do I need a facelift as well?
Only if the jowls and cheeks have dropped too. Then a face and neck lift usually gives a more balanced result.
Where are the scars?
Behind the ears and, if the muscle is tightened, in the crease under the chin.
How long do I need to stay in Istanbul?
About a week for a neck lift, and about 9 to 12 days for a face and neck lift.
When can I go back to work?
Usually after about ten days to two weeks.
Is the turkey neck lift price fixed?
A neck lift is quoted individually after your photos are reviewed; the face and neck lift package is €4,500 as an illustration. Flights are not included.
Deciding on a turkey neck lift is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
