

A sagging or aging neck—often referred to as a “turkey neck”—is one of the most common cosmetic concerns among men and women as they age. Even patients who maintain a youthful face may notice loose skin, vertical neck bands, fullness under the chin, or loss of jawline definition that makes them look older than they feel.
For patients in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, and throughout the Tampa Bay area, understanding why the neck sags is the first step toward choosing the right treatment.
A neck lift is not just about tightening skin—it is about addressing the underlying anatomy responsible for neck aging. Dr. Kailash Narasimhan, a highly experienced plastic surgeon, emphasizes anatomical correction to achieve natural, long-lasting neck rejuvenation.
A saggy neck refers to visible aging changes in the neck that may include:
These changes rarely stem from just one issue. Instead, a sagging neck is the result of multiple anatomical layers aging simultaneously.
To understand how a neck lift works, it’s essential to understand the anatomy of the neck and how each layer contributes to sagging.
The most visible sign of a saggy neck is loose or drooping skin.
As collagen decreases, skin loses its ability to snap back, resulting in wrinkles, folds, and laxity.
➡️ Important: Skin tightening alone is rarely sufficient for moderate to severe neck aging.
Beneath the skin lies subcutaneous fat, which plays a major role in neck contour.
Some patients have too much fat, while others have fat loss that worsens skin sagging. Both scenarios require different surgical strategies.
The platysma muscle is one of the most critical structures in neck aging.
➡️ This is why neck bands cannot be fixed with skin tightening alone—the muscle must be addressed.
Deeper structures also contribute to neck fullness and sagging.
An experienced surgeon must carefully evaluate these structures to avoid over- or under-correction.
The jawbone and chin projection provide the foundation for neck definition.
Many patients attempt to treat a sagging neck with:
While these may help early or mild aging, they cannot correct muscle laxity, deep fat descent, or significant skin excess.
➡️ A neck lift addresses the root anatomical causes, not just the surface.
A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to:
Dr. Narasimhan customizes each neck lift based on the patient’s unique anatomy and degree of aging.
Ideal for moderate to severe sagging.
Addresses:
Best for early aging or mild laxity.
Often recommended when neck aging is part of broader facial aging.
You may be a good candidate if you have:
Age alone does not determine candidacy—anatomy does.
Dr. Narasimhan prioritizes hidden incisions and natural-looking results.
A properly performed neck lift can last 10–15 years or longer.
While aging continues, patients maintain a more youthful neck contour compared to untreated aging.
Yes. A neck lift is the most effective treatment for turkey neck caused by skin and muscle laxity.
Incisions are strategically placed and typically heal very well.
Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort, controlled with medication.
Yes. Fat contouring is often part of the procedure.
Patients throughout St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, and Tampa Bay choose Dr. Narasimhan because of his:
His approach focuses on correcting anatomy—not masking it.
A sagging neck is not just a skin problem—it is a multi-layered anatomical issue involving skin, fat, muscle, glands, and bone structure.
A well-performed neck lift:
Under the care of Dr. Kailash Narasimhan, patients can achieve natural, elegant neck rejuvenation tailored to their anatomy and goals.
If you are concerned about a sagging neck and want a long-term solution, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kailash Narasimhan – Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
📍 Serving St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, and the Tampa Bay area
Your consultation will include a detailed anatomical evaluation and a customized surgical plan designed to restore confidence and definition.