What causes neck thickening?

Author: Issac Yundt  |  Last update: Friday, December 19, 2025

Yes, even people who are at their ideal weight can suffer with face and neck fat. The causes for this can be anything from water retention to more serious causes such as hormonal, thyroid or gland problems. Or, it could simply be genetic, some people are genetically predisposed to the appearance of neck fat.

Why is my neck getting thicker?

Genetics can cause us to store too much fat around our necks. Ageing is also a culprit, as it can cause our skin to loosen and sag in the neck area. This can make us look as if our neck is fatter, as the skin no longer has enough support from collagen and elastin to maintain its contoured and streamlined appearance.

What does thickening of the neck mean?

A thicker neck – larger than 17 inches for men and 15.5 inches for women – usually means a narrower airway, especially when lying down. That's because there is likely more fat tissue at the base of the tongue and lining the airway.

What causes thickening of skin on neck?

Acanthosis nigricans is a condition that causes areas of dark, thick velvety skin in body folds and creases. It typically affects the armpits, groin and neck. Acanthosis nigricans (ak-an-THOE-sis NIE-grih-kuns) tends to affect people with obesity.

Why do women's necks get thicker as they age?

Aging Neck

Muscle bands occur due to the regular use of the platysma muscle, with the vertical lines representing the muscle edges. Excess fat is also a common issue and can be considered age-related because in many cases the development of these fat deposits is the result of hormonal changes in the body.

Treating and Preventing Dark Armpits, Thighs, Neck, and Arms | Dr. Jenny Liu

How to stop neck thickening with age?

There are a few extra steps you can take when caring for neck skin.
  1. Cleanse Daily. ...
  2. Wear Sunscreen On Your Neck (And Re-Apply) ...
  3. Apply an Antioxidant Serum in the Morning. ...
  4. Use a Gentle Retinoid at Night. ...
  5. Slather On a Neck Cream. ...
  6. Consider Professional Treatments.

Why is my neck getting fat all of a sudden?

The causes for this can be anything from water retention to more serious causes such as hormonal, thyroid or gland problems. Or, it could simply be genetic, some people are genetically predisposed to the appearance of neck fat.

What illness causes a thick neck?

Madelung's disease is a rare disorder of fat metabolism (lipid storage) that results in an unusual accumulation of subcutaneous fat (adipose tissue) deposits around the neck, shoulders, trunk, hips, upper arms and thighs. The fat masses can progress quickly over months or slowly over years.

What autoimmune disease causes thickening of the skin?

Scleroderma (sklair-oh-DUR-muh), also known as systemic sclerosis, is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin. Scleroderma also may cause problems in the blood vessels, internal organs and digestive tract.

What vitamin deficiency causes hyperkeratosis?

Abstract. Phrynoderma is a distinctive form of follicular hyperkeratosis associated with nutritional deficiency. Although originally thought to represent vitamin A deficiency, several studies have demonstrated multiple etiologies.

What is the test for neck thickness?

Nuchal (pronounced “NEW-kuhl”) translucency (NT) is an ultrasound that measures the amount of fluid behind the fetus's neck in the first trimester of pregnancy. A small amount of fluid is normal, and measuring the amount of fluid can help calculate the chances that the fetus has a chromosomal or genetic variant.

What is degenerative neck syndrome?

Cervical disc degenerative disorder can be characterized by neck pain. This neck pain can be most prevalent when the patient is upright or moving the head and can be reduced by lying down or reclining. Often the disc will be associated with osteophytes or bone spurs.

What builds a thicker neck?

Five Exercises For a Bigger Neck
  • 1 - Neck Plank.
  • 2 - Neck Extension Hold Over Bench.
  • 3 - Banded Isometric Hold.
  • 4 - Banded Neck Retractions.
  • 5 - Dumbbell Shrugs.

Why do I have a thick neck but I'm skinny?

Having a double chin even when you're skinny is mainly due to your genetic predisposition to store excess fat specifically in the area around the jawline.

What are usually the first signs of lupus?

Symptoms
  • Fatigue.
  • Fever.
  • Joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
  • Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rashes elsewhere on the body.
  • Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure.
  • Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods.

What is the hardest autoimmune disease to diagnose?

Vasculitis: Vasculitis involves inflammation of blood vessels, leading to various symptoms depending on the affected organs. The diagnosis often requires imaging studies and biopsies, making it one of the more challenging autoimmune diseases to identify.

What were your first signs of scleroderma?

Skin signs of scleroderma may include:
  • Fingers or toes that turn blue or white in response to cold temperatures (Raynaud phenomenon)
  • Stiffness and tightness of skin of fingers, hands, forearm, and face.
  • Hair loss.
  • Skin that is darker or lighter than normal.

What does a thick neck indicate?

In most people, a neck size greater than 16 or 17 inches is a sign of excess fat in the neck area. This may contribute to crowding and narrowing of your breathing tube, making obstruction or blockage of your airway while you sleep all the more likely.

What are 5 symptoms of Turner syndrome?

General features
  • a particularly short, wide neck (webbed neck)
  • a broad chest and widely spaced nipples.
  • arms that turn out slightly at the elbows.
  • a low hairline.
  • teeth problems.
  • a large number of moles.
  • small, spoon-shaped nails.
  • a short 4th finger or toe.

What disease affects the neck?

Cervical spondylosis is a type of degenerative disease that affects your neck. Normally, soft disks between your vertebrae, the bones in your spine, provide cushioning. With cervical spondylosis, these disks become compressed.

What hormone causes neck fat?

High levels of the hormone cortisol can lead to increased fat synthesis. With Cushing syndrome, the fat produced often deposits in the neck, known as lipodystrophy. This produces the characteristic buffalo hump.

Why is my neck fat but I'm skinny?

People are prone to carrying their weight in certain areas of their bodies. Some of us carry extra fat around our waistline, while others instantly gain weight in their thighs. If you have a double chin despite being skinny, your body just happens to genetically store extra fat around the jawline.

Does dehydration cause neck fat?

It is because lack of water or dehydration can cause the collection of fat around your neck due to the lack of insulin in your body. Your body releases certain hormones when it faces a shortage of water, leading to an accumulation of weight around your neck.

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