Can a Deep Plane Facelift Fix
a Turkey Neck?

“Turkey neck” is not a single problem. It is the visible result of three distinct anatomical changes that typically occur together:

Platysma banding. The platysma is a thin, broad muscle that runs from the chest up over the jawline and into the lower face. In youth, the two halves of the platysma sit neatly together in the midline. With age, they separate and form visible vertical cords — the hallmark bands that define a turkey neck.

Submental fat accumulation. Fat can accumulate beneath the chin (the submental area), creating fullness and softness that blurs the jawline-to-neck transition. Genetics and aging both contribute. Some patients have a genetic predisposition to submental fat even at a healthy weight.

Skin laxity. As collagen and elastin diminish over the decades, the neck skin loses its ability to contract. It hangs loosely, creating horizontal creases and a crepey texture that no amount of cream, laser, or radiofrequency can fully reverse.

The reason turkey neck is so difficult to treat non-surgically is that it involves all three layers — muscle, fat, and skin. Addressing one without the others produces an incomplete result.

A traditional facelift addresses skin laxity by pulling the skin tighter. This can temporarily improve the neck contour, but because it does not address the muscle layer, the results are limited and short-lived. The underlying platysma bands remain, and the skin-only correction gradually succumbs to gravity.

A deep plane facelift works differently. Dr. Huq releases the SMAS — the structural muscular layer beneath the skin — and repositions it as a unit. This allows the facial and neck tissues to be restored to their natural position without relying on skin tension alone. Because the structural layer is repositioned, the result lasts significantly longer (10–15 years) and looks more natural.

For the neck specifically, the deep plane approach may be combined with direct platysma muscle repair — called a platysmaplasty — where the separated muscle bands are sutured together in the midline, recreating a smooth, continuous sling beneath the chin.

When Dr. Huq treats a turkey neck, the surgical plan typically addresses all three contributing factors:

Platysma repair. The separated muscle bands are tightened and sutured together (platysmaplasty), eliminating the vertical cords and creating a clean, defined neck contour.

Submental fat reduction. Excess fat beneath the chin is carefully removed or sculpted to restore a lean, angular cervicomental angle — the clean line from jaw to throat.

Skin redraping. Once the structural work is complete, redundant skin is redraped smoothly over the newly contoured neck. Because the deeper layers are supporting the result, the skin sits naturally without tension.

The goal is a neck that looks naturally youthful — defined, smooth, and proportionate to the rest of the face — without visible signs of surgery.

Some patients need only a standalone neck lift to address isolated neck concerns. Others benefit from a full deep plane facelift that addresses the neck, jowls, midface, and jawline simultaneously.

How does Dr. Huq determine which approach is right? It depends on what is contributing to your concern:

Standalone neck lift may be sufficient if the platysma banding and submental fullness are the primary issues and the jawline and midface are relatively well-maintained.

Full deep plane facelift with neck lift is recommended when jowling, midface descent, and nasolabial folds are contributing to the overall aging appearance — not just the neck in isolation.

In practice, most patients with significant turkey neck also have some degree of jowling and lower facial descent. The two are anatomically connected. Dr. Huq will assess your full facial anatomy during your consultation and recommend the approach that serves you best.

Non-surgical treatments can provide modest improvement in mild cases, but they have significant limitations:

Botox can relax platysma bands temporarily, softening their appearance for three to four months. It does not remove the bands or address skin laxity.

Kybella (Belkyra) can reduce submental fat, but it does not address banding or skin laxity — and the skin may actually appear looser once the fat volume is reduced.

Profound RF and other skin-tightening devices can produce mild improvement in skin quality, but they cannot tighten separated muscle or remove significant excess skin.

For moderate to severe turkey neck — visible banding, excess skin, and submental fullness — surgery remains the only treatment that addresses all three components in a single procedure with lasting results.

If your neck is the feature that bothers you most when you look in the mirror, you are not alone. It is one of the most common concerns Dr. Huq addresses. To determine whether a neck lift, a deep plane facelift, or a combined approach is right for your anatomy, meet with Dr. Huq for a consultation.

Niagara Plastic Surgery Centre | Suite 1, 5668 Main Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 5Z4 (905) 357-2360 | Toll Free 1-866-929-3223 | niagaraplasticsurgery@gmail.com