Sagging Neck Skin After Weight Loss: What Can Help?

Editor's Answer:

Hello Jane,

First, congratulations on your weight loss! That's quite a change in just six weeks. Since you're also managing type 2 diabetes, I hope you're checking in with your doctor along the way.

As for the loose skin under your chin and around your neck, I understand that for some people, the skin can tighten up a little after weight loss, especially once their weight settles. But it doesn't happen for everyone. Age, skin elasticity, and how much weight you've lost can all make a difference.

Something else worth knowing is that losing weight can change the look of your whole lower face, not just your neck. When your cheeks lose fullness, your jawline and jowls may start looking a little looser, too.

You can read more about this in why weight loss can make jowls more noticeable after 40.

Here's what helped me with my own sagging neck.

I didn't realize how much my neck had changed until I accidentally took a picture while holding my phone upside down. What a surprise! I could really see the loose skin and wrinkles under my chin.

I'd been doing a few facial exercises here and there for years, but never stuck with a regular routine. That picture was what finally got me serious about it.

So I started doing Carolyn's Facial Fitness exercises about 3-4 times a week. Instead of working on just my neck or chin, I followed the whole face and neck routine.

After about eight weeks, I started noticing changes in my lower face and neck. I even sent my progress pictures to Carolyn.

Of course, facial exercises can't get rid of extra skin after major weight loss. And there's still limited research on how much they can help with sagging.

But I like the results I've seen from doing them regularly. They're simple, don't take much time, and they're something I've continued doing over the years.

What else can you try?

One simple thing I'd suggest is keeping your neck moisturized. Dry skin can make fine lines and crepey areas look worse, especially as we get older. Moisturizing won't tighten loose skin, but it can help the area look smoother and softer.

I've noticed this with my own face. When my skin gets dry, everything seems to look a little more lined and saggy. You can read more about how dry skin can make your face look more saggy and what helps.

I'd also suggest protecting your neck from the sun and giving your skin some time to adjust while your weight is changing.

And if you'd like to try facial exercises, I've shared my sagging neck before-and-after pictures and the neck-firming methods I've used.

My biggest suggestion? Don't rush out and spend a lot of money on expensive neck creams or gadgets. Give your skin some time, try a few simple things, and see how it responds.

I hope this helps, Jane, and best wishes with your weight loss!

Linda