Kybella vs. Neck Lift: Which is Best for You?
For years, the only viable option for getting rid of a double chin was to undergo neck lift surgery. It’s a popular and highly effective choice, but it’s also pricey and can mean more downtime than many are able or willing to endure. Then came Kybella, a revolutionary, FDA-approved injectable proven to destroy stubborn chin fat and give patients a more streamlined chin line that can take years off their looks at a fraction of the price and requiring little to no downtime.
But which option will best address your issues? Here are a few key factors about each that will help you and your surgeon determine the most effective course of action.
First, consider what’s involved in each of the two procedures. Kybella involves a series of injections of deoxycholic acid – a substance naturally occurring in the body – into your chin fat. Over the next few weeks, the acid dissolves the fat. Though the singular treatments take only about 20 minutes, a typical treatment course may involve two to six treatments performed about a month apart, which can mean visits spanning up to six months.
By comparison, a neck lift is far more invasive. Typically, your surgeon will cut incisions that run behind the ears, under the chin and back toward your hairline, then remove excess fat, redistribute remaining fat and tighten muscle to create a tighter, younger look. He or she then will carefully lay your skin back over your neck, cutting away any excess skin. The full procedure may take two to four hours and you’ll likely be asked to make several follow up visits.
Next, consider the differences in recovery from each procedure. With Kybella, you may experience swelling and tenderness, typically lasting for several days. But you’ll be able to return to your normal routine immediately. Recovering after a neck lift will take several weeks, depending primarily on the extent of the surgery. Most patients return to work and their routines about two weeks following surgery.
Now, let’s talk results. Because a neck lift addresses fat, muscle and skin, you’ll see a faster, more dramatic and long-lasting result. But if your only issue is fat, Kybella, while it may take a while to reach your desired result, is the less expensive, noninvasive and likely more appropriate option.
If you’re looking to rid yourself of a double chin, call Jacksonville’s Parkway Plastic Surgery at 904-396-1186. We’ll help you determine which course of action is best for you.