A double chin can is a stubborn concern for many people. It adds years to your appearance and often doesn’t respond to diet or exercise the same way other parts of the body do. So when it comes to tackling this frustrating issue, the question arises: non-surgical treatment or surgery? 

 

Choosing the right approach depends on your goals and desired outcomes, but non-surgical cosmetic treatments are gaining popularity for their effectiveness without the expense or recovery period involved with surgery.

 

Here at Blurr’d Lines in Dartmouth, MA, we offer Kybella injections along with other non-surgical solutions that can be used in the neck and jawline areas. Let’s delve into the specifics of each method.

Kybella Injections: Making Double Chin Fat Disappear

Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment containing deoxycholic acid, which is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps dissolve fat. Kybella works by targeting and destroying fat cells under the chin, resulting in a more sculpted jawline.

How does Kybella work?

Kybella is injected over multiple sessions, typically spaced several weeks apart. The solution gradually dissolves the fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body.

Kybella for Double Chin

Kybella is specifically designed to address submental fat, the fat deposit under the chin that creates the double chin appearance. With successful treatment, you can expect a noticeable reduction in this area.

Kybella for Turkey Neck (Loose Neck Skin)

While Kybella is effective for submental fat (below the chin), it won’t address loose skin associated with a “turkey neck” appearance. However, depending on your particular situation, Kybella may be recommended in conjunction with another non-surgical procedure to address loose, sagging skin — like microneedling or other skin tightening treatments. At Blurr’d Lines, you can trust that we’ll only recommend procedures that we’re confident will deliver good results.

Kybella for Buccal Fat

Kybella is not intended for treating buccal fat (the fat pads in the cheeks). In some cases, strategic placement of dermal fillers along the cheek bones will go a long way toward making the lower cheek area appear slimmer without the need for surgical buccal fat removal.

Quick Kybella FAQs

Is Kybella painful? 

Kybella injections may cause discomfort on some while tolerable on others. A topical anesthetic cream is typically used to minimize pain.

How many treatments are needed for Kybella? 

Depending on your consultation results, the number of treatments needed varies. Most patients require 2-4 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

Are Kybella results permanent? 

Once dissolved, the targeted fat cells are gone for good. However, weight gain can lead to new fat accumulation. We always encourage patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure the longest-lasting results. 

Kybella Aftercare: What to Expect After Kybella Treatment 

Mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness are common side effects after Kybella. However, these typically subside within a few days. Following Kybella injections, it’s important to avoid strenuous activity for a few days and to gently massage the treated area as instructed by your provider.

Liposuction & Neck Lifts for Double Chin 

Sometimes, a patient’s goals for reducing their double chin are simply not attainable with non-surgical options like Kybella. Surgery can offer a more permanent and dramatic solution for severe double chin or turkey neck. At Blurr’d Lines, we don’t currently offer plastic surgery services, but we’re happy to direct you toward a qualified plastic surgeon who offers the following surgical options for treating double chin and turkey neck.

Liposuction

This minimally invasive surgery removes excess fat through small incisions. Liposuction is a good choice for those with isolated submental fat.

 

Neck Lift

This procedure deals with both loose skin and excess fat under the chin and jawline. It’s a more extensive option suitable for patients with significant skin laxity.

The Drawbacks of Surgery for Double Chin

Both liposuction and neck lifts are performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon under anesthesia. Specific details will vary based on your chosen procedure and individual needs. Since these are more extensive treatment options than non-surgical ones, you can expect a few extra hurdles and risks.

 

Anesthesia and Recovery Time

Liposuction typically uses local anesthesia with sedation, while a neck lift usually requires general anesthesia. Recovery time varies, with liposuction having a shorter recovery compared to a neck lift. Both procedures require incisions that will need time to heal.

 

Efficacy and Results

Surgery offers a more dramatic and long-lasting reduction in the double chin compared to Kybella. However, surgical procedures also come with a higher risk of complications and a longer recovery period.

 

Longevity and Maintenance

Surgical results are generally long-lasting, but weight gain can still affect the outcome — just like with non-surgical solutions. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to preserving your results.

Other Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Double Chin & Turkey Neck

Morpheus8 Microneedling

Morpheus8 is a fantastic treatment for addressing stubborn fat and sagging skin. The dual technologies of microneedling and radiofrequency energy work together to remodel tissue, melt fat, boost collagen production, and promote skin tightening. The great part is, your results will continue to improve long after your treatments. 

 

Morpheus8 can be used almost anywhere on the body — even in areas with delicate skin like the neck. What’s more? It’s a safe and effective treatment for all skin types and requires almost no downtime. 

Forma Radiofrequency Skin Tightening 

The Forma radiofrequency “facial” is a completely non-invasive treatment for sagging skin. While the results are not as dramatic as with Morpheus8, there is absolutely no downtime with this procedure. You can even schedule on the same day as a special event!

 

Forma uses radiofrequency energy to gently heat underlying tissue to encourage tightening and lifting of the skin for immediate results. It’s not designed to address fat (double chin) but it can help with sagging skin on the neck and jawline. Depending on the severity of your sagging skin, we may recommend Morpheus8 as an alternative to Forma.

Finding The Right Treatment: Your Professional Consultation

The best course of action depends on your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. At Blurr’d Lines in Dartmouth, MA, our experienced team of professionals will assess your concerns and recommend only the best treatment for achieving your desired jawline definition. Whether non-surgical or surgical intervention is the right approach for you, we’ll give you an honest opinion about what will help you achieve your goals.

Sculpting Your Ideal Jawline With the Pros at Blurr’d Lines

Choosing between Kybella and other non-surgical or surgical options hinges on your unique goals, desired results, and tolerance for downtime. Here’s a quick recap:

 

Kybella is a great option for those with mild to moderate submental fat who prefer a non-surgical approach with minimal downtime. It can even be combined with non-surgical procedures like Morpheus8 or Forma to enhance results. 

 

Surgeries like liposuction and neck lifts, on the other hand, are ideal for those with significant submental fat or loose skin and who are comfortable with a more invasive procedure and longer recovery.

 

Ready to say goodbye to your double chin? Schedule a consultation today and let our experts help you discover a new you! Reserve your consultation online or contact us with any questions!