Face Yoga for Turkey Neck

in Facial FitnessMewingAnti Aging · 11 min read

Practical, evidence-based face yoga for turkey neck with mewing, jawline exercises, timelines, tools, and FAQs.

Introduction

face yoga for turkey neck is a targeted approach combining facial exercises, mewing (tongue posture training), and jawline work to reduce sagging skin and strengthen neck muscles. The technique focuses on reactivating the platysma and neck-support muscles, improving posture, and creating better jawline definition without surgery.

This article explains what turkey neck is, why facial muscle training can help, and how to combine mewing and jawline exercises into a practical plan. You will get specific exercises with sets, reps, a realistic 12-week timeline, product recommendations with pricing, a checklist, common mistakes to avoid, and an FAQ addressing safety and results. This matters because many people try single exercises or gadgets and see minimal change; structured, consistent training plus posture and skin-care support gives better odds for visible improvement.

Read on for step-by-step routines you can start today, how to integrate microcurrent devices or topical treatments if you choose, and when to consider professional options like dermatologic treatments or surgery.

Face Yoga for Turkey Neck What It is and Why It Works

What turkey neck is: medically, “turkey neck” describes sagging, banding, or loose skin under the chin and along the neck. Causes include gravity, collagen loss with aging, repetitive poor posture, weight fluctuation, and weakening of the platysma muscle and subcutaneous tissues.

Why face yoga addresses it: face yoga strengthens muscles that support the lower face and neck. Strengthened muscles can improve skin tension and reduce visible sagging.

  • Mechanical lift: contracting the platysma and mylohyoid muscles provides a mild lift under the chin.
  • Posture correction: improved head and tongue posture reduces forward head carriage, which decreases strain and the appearance of a double chin.

How it compares to other approaches:

  • Topical skincare (retinoids, peptides): improves collagen synthesis but does not add muscle tone.
  • Devices (microcurrent, radiofrequency): give faster superficial tightening; costs range widely.
  • Surgery (neck lift, liposuction): immediate, dramatic results but higher cost and recovery.

Evidence and expected results: randomized trials for facial exercise are limited, but a 2018 small trial showed facial exercises improved cheek fullness after 20 weeks. For neck-specific change, expect modest but visible improvements in 8-12 weeks with consistent effort. Improvements plateau after 4-6 months without progressive overload or variation.

Who benefits most: people with mild to moderate sagging, early platysma banding, or poor posture. Advanced laxity, severe skin excess, or large fat pads may need combined treatments or referral to a plastic surgeon.

How Face Yoga and Mewing Change Neck and Jaw Structure

Overview of mechanisms: face yoga and mewing (correct tongue posture) target soft tissues, muscles, and posture that influence the lower face and neck contour. Mewing trains the tongue to rest against the palate, supporting midface and encouraging nasal breathing. Over time, this reduces forward head posture and allows the jawline to appear more defined.

Principles to follow:

  • Progressive tension: like any muscle training, apply increasing load or longer holds to stimulate adaptation.
  • Consistency: daily practice is essential; 10-20 minutes total per day distributed into sessions yields better results than sporadic longer workouts.
  • Posture integration: perform exercises while maintaining neutral spine and chin tuck to maximize carryover.

Specific effects on structures:

  • Platysma muscle: repeated targeted contractions reduce vertical banding and pull skin upward when activated.
  • Digastric and mylohyoid complex: strengthening helps support the submental area (under the chin), reducing a soft appearance.
  • Masseter and temporalis activation (jawline exercises): increases muscle definition along the mandible, giving a sharper border.

Practical metrics and progress tracking:

  • Baseline photos: take front and profile photos at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 under consistent lighting.
  • Measurement: measure submental fullness by a soft-tape measurement from chin point to a fixed cervical landmark; expect a 5-15% decrease in thickness for motivated trainees in 8-12 weeks depending on starting condition.
  • Strength targets: aim to increase hold duration of isometric holds from 10 seconds to 30 seconds over 6 weeks, or increase repetitions from 10 to 30 per set.

Examples of combined benefits:

  • Mewing reduces forward head posture by promoting tongue-palate contact, which can reduce a protruding double chin when combined with neck lifts.
  • Jawline exercises plus microcurrent devices often show faster subjective tightening than exercises alone; devices typically accelerate visible results by 2-4 weeks in some users.

Warnings and limits: large fat deposits under the chin will not fully resolve with exercise alone. If you have thyroid enlargement, recent surgery, or neck masses, consult a clinician before beginning exercises.

Practical Exercise Plan for Turkey Neck Including Mewing and Jawline Exercises

Program overview: a 12-week plan, 5 days per week, with daily sessions lasting 12-20 minutes. Progress is incremental: weeks 1-4 focus on form and posture, weeks 5-8 increase intensity, weeks 9-12 add progressive overload and device support if desired.

Weekly schedule example:

  • Days 1-5: Exercises A, B, C, D (12-20 minutes total).
  • Day 6: Light mobility and posture check (5-10 minutes).
  • Day 7: Rest.

Daily session sequence (12-20 minutes):

  1. Warm-up neck mobility 1-2 minutes: slow head rotations, chin tucks.
  2. Mewing practice 3 minutes: hold tongue against palate with light suction, nasal breathing.
  3. Neck and jaw strength 8-12 minutes: 3 sets of each exercise below with 30-60 seconds rest.
  4. Cool-down skin glide or gua sha 1-3 minutes.

Specific exercises, sets, and reps:

Mewing basics (daily)

  • How: Press entire tongue against roof of mouth (palate), keep lips sealed, breathe through nose. Avoid jaw clenching.
  • Routine: Hold for 15-30 seconds, relax 10 seconds; repeat 6 times (total 3-6 minutes). Aim to progress hold to 60 seconds over 6 weeks.

Chin tucks with resistance (neck deep flexors)

  • How: Sit upright, tuck chin straight back (not down), create double-chin motion. Place hand under chin for light resistance.
  • Sets/reps: 3 sets of 10-15 slow reps, 3-second hold at end.

Platysma pulls (targets platysma)

  • How: Drop jaw, pull corners of mouth down and back into a stretched neck sensation, then lift lower lip vertically toward the nose to engage neck bands.
  • Sets/reps: 3 sets of 15 reps, 5-second hold on contraction for the last 5 reps of each set.

Chin lifts (submental lift)

  • How: Tilt head back, press tongue to roof of mouth or keep lips closed, pucker and push lower jaw forward slightly.
  • Sets/reps: 3 sets of 12 reps with 10-second holds on the last rep.

Jawline clenches / isometric jaw holds

  • How: Press tongue to roof, clench lightly while keeping teeth slightly apart, hold isometrically.
  • Sets/reps: 3 sets of 10-20 second holds.

Neck curls (lying down progression)

  • How: Lie on back, bring chin to chest, lift head 1-2 inches off mat while keeping shoulders down.
  • Sets/reps: 3 sets of 10-12 reps.

Progression plan:

  • Weeks 1-4: Focus on correct form, 12 minutes daily, light holds.
  • Weeks 5-8: Increase to 15-18 minutes, longer holds (20-30 seconds), add resistance to chin tucks.
  • Weeks 9-12: 18-20 minutes, add one advanced set (e.g., band resistance under chin) twice per week.

Expected timeline:

  • Week 2-4: Improved posture, less jaw tension, small tightening sensation.
  • Week 6-8: Visible improvement in jawline definition for many people; photos show subtle change.
  • Week 12: Noticeable contouring in mild-moderate cases; maintain program 3x/week to preserve gains.

Safety and tracking:

  • Discontinue if you experience neck pain, dizziness, or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and consult a health professional.
  • Track with weekly photos and a one-line log: exercise duration and perceived difficulty.

When to Combine Face Yoga with Devices or Professional Help

When face yoga alone is insufficient: if after 12 weeks of consistent practice you see minimal change, or if there is significant loose skin, fat pads, or platysmal banding, consider adjunct options.

Non-surgical device options:

  • Microcurrent devices (NuFACE Trinity, Foreo Bear, ZIIP): stimulate muscles and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production for faster tightening. Typical pricing:
  • NuFACE Trinity: around $299 for starter kits; buy direct from NuFACE or retailers like Sephora.
  • Foreo Bear: approximately $279; available on Foreo website and Nordstrom.
  • ZIIP: devices start around $229; purchase at Ziip or beauty retailers.
  • Radiofrequency tools (Home RF such as TriPollar): typically $299-$799.
  • Kybella (deoxycholic acid) injections: for submental fat; costs vary by clinic, often $600-$1200 per session; multiple sessions often needed.

When to see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon:

  • Moderate to severe skin laxity, platysmal bands, or excess fat are present.
  • You want faster or more dramatic results and are considering neck lift, platysmaplasty, or liposuction.
  • Professional options and rough price ranges (US averages):
  • Neck lift surgery: $6,000-$12,000 depending on surgeon and region.
  • Submental liposuction: $2,000-$6,000.
  • Thread lift: $1,500-$4,500 depending on threads and provider.

How to combine safely:

  • Start with 8-12 weeks of face yoga and mewing to assess baseline improvement.
  • If adding microcurrent, use devices 2-4 times per week in addition to daily exercises. Expect faster perceived tightening in 2-6 weeks.
  • For injectables or surgery, maintain exercise program pre- and post-treatment to support recovery and extend results. Discuss timing with your provider; professionals often recommend stopping active massage or intense facial exercise for 1-2 weeks post-procedure.

Cost-benefit comparison (summary):

  • Low cost, low risk: Face yoga and mewing (free to $50 for tools) - slow, modest results in 8-12 weeks.
  • Mid cost, moderate risk: Microcurrent and RF devices ($200-$800) - faster tightening, incremental costs for replacement parts.
  • Higher cost, higher risk: Injections or surgery ($1,500-$12,000) - faster, more dramatic, downtime, and medical risks.

Decision tips:

  • Try conservative measures first (exercise, posture, topical retinoid).
  • Add devices if motivated for faster change.
  • Use professional interventions for advanced laxity or if you need quicker, more predictable outcomes.

Tools and Resources

Devices and tools to consider with pricing and where to buy:

  • NuFACE Trinity microcurrent device

  • Price: around $299 for starter kit; attachments sold separately.

  • Availability: NuFACE official site, Sephora, Ulta.

  • Use case: boosts facial muscle tone, complements exercises.

  • Foreo Bear microcurrent device

  • Price: approximately $279.

  • Availability: Foreo.com, Nordstrom.

  • Use case: compact microcurrent option with anti-shock tech.

  • ZIIP device

  • Price: starting around $229 for basic models; subscription for electrical treatments.

  • Availability: Ziipofficial.com and select beauty clinics.

  • Use case: customizable electrical stimulation programs.

  • Gua sha tool (jade, buffalo horn)

  • Price: $10-$60.

  • Availability: Amazon, Etsy, health stores.

  • Use case: lymphatic drainage and short-term tightening; use light pressure.

  • Jade or stainless steel facial roller

  • Price: $10-$50.

  • Availability: Amazon, The Ordinary has budget options, Sephora has premium brands.

  • Use case: lymphatic drainage and improved absorption of serums.

  • Jawzrsize or silicone jaw trainer

  • Price: $20-$60 depending on model.

  • Availability: Manufacturer websites, Amazon.

  • Use case: targeted masseter exercise; use cautiously if you have TMJ issues.

Apps and programs:

  • FaceYogaSchool digital courses: pricing varies; some programs $30-$100.
  • YouTube channels: FaceYogaMethod by Fumiko Takatsu (free tutorials) and Sarah Lee for guided routines.
  • Fitness apps with face training: “FaceYoga - Workout for Face” (freemium), “FaceApp” is not a training app but can show potential looks.

Products to support skin quality:

  • Retinoids (over-the-counter retinol or prescription tretinoin): cost $15-$100 depending on brand.
  • Peptide-rich serums: $20-$150.
  • Sunscreen SPF 30+: essential to prevent further collagen loss; $10-$40.

Clinical services:

  • Dermatology consultation: $100-$300 initial visit.
  • Aesthetic clinics for Kybella, RF, or thread lifts: pricing varies widely; ask for detailed quotes and before/after photos.

Where to buy and tips:

  • Buy devices from official retailers to ensure warranty.
  • For injectables and surgery, choose board-certified professionals and ask for full cost breakdowns, recovery time, and complication rates.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1 - Poor posture while doing exercises

  • Issue: Forward head posture negates benefits and moves emphasis away from target muscles.
  • Avoidance: Always perform exercises sitting or standing tall with shoulders back. Use mirror feedback or phone posture apps like Upright GO to cue you.

Mistake 2 - Overworking the jaw and aggravating TMJ

  • Issue: Excessive chewing-like resistance or clenching can worsen temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.
  • Avoidance: Use light resistance, stop if you feel joint clicking or pain, and consult a dentist or TMJ specialist if symptoms appear.

Mistake 3 - Expecting fast, surgical-level results

  • Issue: Unrealistic expectations lead to frustration and program dropout.
  • Avoidance: Use timeline expectations (visible change in 8-12 weeks for mild cases) and take progress photos every 4 weeks.

Mistake 4 - Ignoring skin quality

  • Issue: Strengthening underlying muscles without addressing skin elasticity limits visible improvement.
  • Avoidance: Add topical retinoid at night, consistent sunscreen daily, and consider microcurrent or RF devices if needed.

Mistake 5 - Inconsistent practice

  • Issue: Spotty practice yields little adaptation; muscles need progressive overload.
  • Avoidance: Commit to 5 days/week and use short daily sessions (12-20 minutes) rather than long infrequent sessions. Set calendar reminders or use habit-tracking apps.

FAQ

How Long Until I See Results with Face Yoga for Turkey Neck?

Most people notice posture and tightness changes in 2-4 weeks. Visible contouring for mild to moderate cases typically appears in 8-12 weeks with consistent daily practice.

Can Mewing Alone Fix a Double Chin?

Mewing improves tongue posture and can reduce forward head posture, which helps the neck profile. It rarely eliminates a fatty double chin alone; combining mewing with neck exercises and fat-reduction methods is more effective.

Is It Safe to Use Devices Like Nuface with Face Yoga?

Yes, microcurrent devices are generally safe when used per manufacturer instructions. Start with low intensity, use 2-4 times per week, and avoid if you have implanted electrical devices or active skin infections. Consult a clinician if unsure.

Will Face Yoga Prevent the Need for Surgery?

Face yoga can delay or reduce the need for surgery in mild to moderate cases by improving muscle tone and posture. Severe skin laxity or large fat deposits often require surgical or procedural intervention for dramatic correction.

Can Facial Exercises Make Platysmal Bands Worse?

If done incorrectly - such as aggressive repetitive motions without progression - you can exaggerate platysmal bands temporarily. Use proper technique, slow contractions, and add isometric holds rather than forceful repetitive pulls. Consult a professional for persistent banding.

Should I Do These Exercises If I Have Neck Pain or a Medical Condition?

Stop and consult your physician if you have significant neck pain, prior cervical spine surgery, thyroid issues, or vascular disorders. A clinician can advise modifications or clearance to begin a facial exercise program.

Next Steps

  1. Start a 12-week program: commit to 12-20 minutes daily for 5 days per week. Use the exercise plan above and take baseline photos and measurements.
  2. Build posture habits: set reminders to check posture hourly, practice chin tucks and mewing for 3-5 minutes multiple times daily, and use a posture wearable (Upright Go 2 costs about $80-$100).
  3. Add one device if desired: if you want faster tightening, invest in an entry microcurrent device like NuFACE ($299) or Foreo Bear ($279) and use it 2-4 times weekly alongside exercises.
  4. Reassess at 12 weeks: compare photos, measure submental thickness, and decide whether to continue, intensify, or seek professional options like injectables or surgical consultation.

Checklist before you begin:

  • Take baseline front and profile photos.
  • Note any TMJ or neck issues; clear with a clinician if needed.
  • Choose one device (optional) and purchase from an authorized retailer.
  • Schedule daily time block and set reminders for consistency.

Final practical note: consistent, well-executed face yoga and mewing produce modest but real improvements for many users. Combine muscle training with good skin care, posture work, and sensible device use for the best non-surgical outcomes.

Further Reading

Jamie

About the author

Jamie — Founder, Jawline Exercises (website)

Jamie helps people improve their facial structure through proven mewing techniques and AI-guided jawline exercises.

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