Let's Talk Turkey. Neck, That Is.
What causes those telltale neck bands, and why a treatment named after an Egyptian queen is getting attention.
Thanksgiving brings plenty of talk about turkey. But there's one kind most of us would rather leave off the menu. We're talking about turkey neck. It's not the most flattering phrase, but it's certainly familiar. As we age, the skin beneath our chin can begin to look looser, vertical bands may become more noticeable, and the once-defined line between our jaw and neck can start to soften. And while we tend to devote plenty of attention to our faces, the neck often tells a story of its own.
What's Really Happening Beneath the Surface?
Not every change in the neck has the same cause. Some are related to skin laxity, collagen loss, or changes in underlying fat. Others involve the platysma, a thin, broad muscle extending from the upper chest and neck toward the lower face. When this muscle contracts, it can create visible vertical bands and contribute to a downward pull along the lower face. That's where an increasingly popular aesthetic treatment comes into the conversation: the Nefertiti Lift.
A Little Ancient Inspiration. A Lot of Modern Anatomy.
Named for the Egyptian queen whose famously elegant profile has inspired artists for centuries, the Nefertiti Lift uses carefully placed neurotoxin injections along selected areas of the platysma. By relaxing targeted portions of the muscle, treatment can soften the appearance of prominent neck bands and, in appropriate candidates, subtly improve the appearance of the jawline. Unlike surgery, it requires no incisions. But it's important to understand what it can and cannot accomplish. A Nefertiti Lift doesn't remove excess skin or reverse significant skin laxity. Its purpose is to address the muscular component of neck aging.
The Art of Knowing What to Treat
At STILL Studios in Hoover, physician founder Dr. Elizabeth Adams approaches aesthetic treatments with an emphasis on anatomy, individualized assessment, and natural-looking results.
With more than 14 years of experience in medicine and aesthetics, Dr. Adams understands that successful treatment isn't about chasing a particular number of units or applying the same technique to every patient. It's about identifying what's actually contributing to a concern. For someone bothered by prominent platysmal bands, neurotoxin may offer a subtle improvement. For someone whose primary concern is loose skin, a different approach may be more appropriate. The difference begins with understanding the face and the neck in front of you.
A More Thoughtful Approach to Aging
The growing interest in treatments like the Nefertiti Lift reflects a broader shift in aesthetic medicine. More patients are looking for subtle refinements rather than dramatic transformations. They want to look refreshed without looking unfamiliar. And perhaps most importantly, they're asking better questions about which treatments make sense for their individual anatomy. Not every line needs correcting. Not every change requires intervention. And not every neck concern can be addressed with an injection. Sometimes the most valuable part of an aesthetic appointment is simply understanding your options.
A Final Word on Turkey
This Thanksgiving, we're all for enjoying the turkey at the table.
As for the one beneath your chin? It might be worth a conversation.
STILL Studios is a physician-led, neurotoxin-focused aesthetic studio located in Hoover's Brock's Gap Village. The Nefertiti Lift is offered for $525, with treatment recommendations based on individual anatomy and clinical assessment.
*Neurotoxin treatment of the platysma carries risks and is not appropriate for everyone. Results vary, and an in-person clinical assessment is necessary to determine candidacy.