Neck thread lifts as an alternative to surgical intervention for ‘turkey neck’

Dr Irfan Mian

The neck is a difficult area to treat. There are major arteries, veins, nerves and other anatomical structures that must be avoided when performing any neck procedure. Excessive loose skin in the upper neck, also commonly known as ‘turkey neck’, is a common aesthetic problem in middle-aged males and females. Many men undergo surgical Z-plasty to correct this (Biggs and Steely, 2000). However, today, polydioxanone threads are commonly used as an alternative to surgery to improve the appearance of turkey neck.

As one of the first areas to show ageing, the neck is a popular area for treatment. However, due to major arteries, veins and nerves, it can be difficult to treat, so a full understanding of the anatomy, as well as the procedure in question, is crucial

While polydioxanone threads are a popular choice of thread material, other materials, such as poly-L-lactic acid, polycaprolactone silicon-covered thread, gold and others are available to be used.