Body Contouring for the Neck

The Best Non-Surgical Neck Treatments

Whether you call it turkey waddle, a double chin or jowls (the medical term for fat around this area is “submental fat”), most people agree they want it gone. A recent survey showed that participants said the excess fat under the chin and neck is their top cosmetic concern. With many of the people saying a double chin makes them look older than their age. In the past, plastic surgery was the only way to get rid a double chin, but technology has changed and no longer do you have to go under the knife to achieve a better-looking neck and chin area. Here are some of the best non-surgical neck treatments we offer at Schweiger Dermatology Group:

Treatment: Kybella

What it is: Kybella is being touted as the anti-double chin drug. Kyle injections are made up of a non-animal/non-human substance called deoxycholic acid, which is naturally found in our bodies.
How does it work: When injected into tissue, Kybella physically destroys the cell membrane and can treat moderate to severe fat pockets. And the good news is that it destroys the fat cells for good. In other words, once your double chin has disappeared after Kybella injections, it won’t return.
How many treatments needed: Approximately 50 injections are needed per treatment session. Most patients see results from Kybella after two to four treatment sessions. Treatments should be spaced about one month apart. Each Kybella treatment takes about 15-20 minutes in the office.
Best area to treat: Double chin
Side effects: The most common side effects were mild and temporary, resolving on their own shortly after the injections. Kybella side effects include mild swelling, redness, bruising or numbness around the injection areas.
Results: More than 20 clinical studies have been performed with the results showing that Kybella successfully works to eliminate moderate to severe chin fat. With 79% of patients reporting they are happy with the results from Kybella, it’s one of the best cosmetic treatments offered.

Treatment: CoolMini from CoolSculpting

What it is: A smaller treatment tip from CoolSculpting designed specifically to target and treat fat under the chin.
How does it work: Using the CoolSculpting technology of non-invasive cooling, which breaks down fat cells, the CoolMini treats the double chin area with no pain and no downtime with the use of a smaller applicator created specifically for the under chin area. The technology behind CoolMini and CoolSculpting is called Cryolipolysis, which uses controlled and prolonged cooling of local tissue to reduce fat cells and subcutaneous fat without damaging the overlying skin. Cyrolipolysis causes cell death though freezing the fat on the neck and jawline with mild to moderate fat pockets.
Best area to treat: Fat under the chin
How many treatments needed: Patients typically need one to two sessions
Side effects: You can expect a very cold feeling on the neck and possible redness, swelling or bruising after. But any side effects disappear quickly.
Results: In a clinical study using 60 male and female patients, 83% of the patients were satisfied with the results and 8 out of 10 patients would recommend CoolMini for under the chin fat reduction. CoolSculpting technology received FDA approval in 2010 for reducing fat in the thighs and abdomen and has been used in more than 2 million treatments around the world. Now the double chin area can receive the same result-driven non-invasive treatment to kill fat cells.

Treatment: Ultherapy

What it is: A non-surgical skin tightening device that stimulates collagen production.
How does it work: Ultherapy works by emitting an ultrasound energy, similar to the energy that is used to perform an ultrasound during pregnancy. In this case, the ultrasound energy is targeting deeper layers of the skin, in order to stimulate production of new, healthy collagen and elastin. The result of this process is smoother, tighter and healthier looking skin without surgery.
Best area to treat: While Ultherapy can be performed on many areas of the face and neck, one of the most commonly treated areas is the jowls (loose skin along the jawline).
How many treatments needed: Only one treatment is needed to see results.
Side effects: Some numbness may occur after the treatment and last a few days following.
Results: The results are seen gradually in the months following treatment. Since Ultherapy works by stimulating collagen and elastin in the skin with ultrasound energy, time must be allowed for the collagen and elastin to be produced. As new collagen and elastin are formed within the skin, the skin will appear tighter and smoother. Results are first seen at approximately two to three months following the treatment. The improvement continues to progress for up to six months following the initial treatment.

Treatment: Thermage

What it is: A non-invasive device that uses radiofrequency to help improve sagging and loose skin on the face, neck and chin. Thermage stimulates the production of the skin’s own collagen, thereby helping to improve skin texture and consequently take years off.  Surgery free, there are no scars, no prolonged healing period and no intense pain. But you still get a beautiful lifted and more toned look.
How does it work: Small bursts of radiofrequency energy are emitted onto the skin to spark greater collagen production.
How may treatments needed: Only one treatment every 2-3 years.
Side effects: Some mild redness post treatment, but typically the side effects are very minimal.
Results: You will start to notice a difference in skin tone, texture and feel right away with the results fully taking shape about 3-6 months later.