Many patients come into our office and utter these exact words....often using the words "turkey neck" or "waddle". Even diehard naturalists who exercise and eat right will finally cave in when they see this under their chin. Often they tell us that they "got this from my mother". While heredity can influence to the severity of an againg neck, we all get this to some degree or another. Our neck starts to sag as we age for several reasons: 1) Sun damage: UV radiation directly damages the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin (everywhere!) causing a loss of elasticity and sagging of the skin. 2) Muscle laxity: the bands in our neck called platysma bands are actually muscle that extends from the collar bone to the jawline and into the cheek. Over time, it can relax and loosen and separates from the underlying tissues. The bands become visible under the skin even when we don't flex it. 3) Fat: cycles of weight gain or consistant weight gain and weight loss can eliminate the once 90 degree angle of the chin and neck. Dr. Lawrence Chang, Dr. Joseph Thornton and Dr. Kyo Kim can consult with you to see if surgery like a facelift or neck lift or non-surgery like Thermage can benefit you. A necklift involves repositioning and removing excess skin in the neck, in addition to muscle tightening and if necessary liposution. Some patients need liposuction alone or to tighten the platysma bands alone. Whatever you need, our board certified plastic surgeons in Delaware can provide the care you care looking for. We have offices in Middletown, Newark, Hockessin Delaware and see patients in Newark, Wilmington, Hockessin, Dover, Bear Delaware as well as Landenberg, Kennett Square, Main Line Pennsylvania and Elkton, Cecil County, Rising Sun and Baltimore Maryland.