Body Contouring for the Neck

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, we offer several non-surgical body contouring treatments for the neck. 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, as it makes them look older than their age.

In the past, plastic surgery was the only way to get rid of a double chin, but technology today has changed, and you no longer 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

Kybella is touted as the anti-double chin drug. Kybella injections are made up of a non-animal/non-human substance called deoxycholic acid, naturally found in our bodies.

When injected into tissue, Kybella physically destroys the cell membrane and treats 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.

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.

Patients have reported mild and temporary side effects with Kybella, including mild swelling, redness, bruising, or numbness around the injection sites.

More than 20 clinical studies have been performed, showing that Kybella successfully works to eliminate moderate to severe chin fat. With 79 percent of patients reporting they are happy with the results from Kybella, it’s one of the best cosmetic treatments offered.

Treatment: CoolMini from CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting uses a smaller treatment tip to target and treat fat under the chin.

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 using a smaller applicator created specifically for the under the 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, freezing the fat on the neck and jawline with mild to moderate fat pockets.

Typically, patients need one to two treatment sessions to achieve desired results.

Side effects from CoolMini treatment may include a very cold feeling on the neck and possible redness, swelling, or bruising. But any side effects disappear quickly.

In a clinical study of 60 male and female patients, 83 percent were satisfied with the results, and 8 out of 10 recommended 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 worldwide. The double chin area can now receive the same result-driven non-invasive treatment for killing fat cells.

Treatment: Ultherapy

Ultherapy is a non-surgical skin tightening device that stimulates collagen production.

Ultherapy works by emitting ultrasound energy, similar to the energy used to perform an ultrasound during pregnancy. In this case, the ultrasound energy targets deeper layers of the skin to stimulate the production of new, healthy collagen and elastin. This process results in smoother, tighter, and healthier-looking skin without surgery.

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).

Only one treatment is needed to see results.

The most common side effect is numbness, which may occur after the treatment and last a few days afterward.

Gradually, patients see results 2 to 3 months following treatment and continued results up to 6 months after initial 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.

Treatment: Sofwave

Sofwave is a new, non-invasive, next-generation skin tightening treatment that shows marked improvement in fine lines, skin, laxity, and wrinkles. There is zero downtime with Sofwave treatment.

Sofwave delivers Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology (SUPERB^™ technology) to boost collagen and elastin under the skin’s surface. Collagen and elastin are two of the main structural proteins in the skin that are responsible for their supple and youthful properties. The ultrasound energy in the Sofwave treatment bypasses the skin’s upper layers and directly targets the dermis, where it stimulates the skin’s natural collagen and elastin supply.

The Sofwave machine has an internal cooling device that makes the treatment much more comfortable than older ultrasound-based devices. Additionally, we offer a topical numbing cream before the treatment to help patients tolerate any discomfort.

You may be a candidate for Sofwave treatment if you have mild to advanced skin laxity. While those with mild to moderate skin laxity will see the most improvement, those with more advanced skin laxity will also appreciate the results. Sofwave is an effective treatment for anyone who wants to avoid or delay surgery.

Typically, we recommend one or two treatments spaced one month apart, depending on the amount of skin laxity. Sofwave treatment time for a full-face and neck treatment is 30 to 45 minutes.

Patients can receive a combination of injectables to complement a Sofwave treatment to help them achieve their aesthetic goals.

Treatment: Thermage

Thermage 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 collagen, thereby helping to improve skin texture and consequently taking years off. Surgery-free, Thermage leaves you with a beautifully lifted and toned look. There are no scars, no prolonged healing period, and no intense pain.

With Thermage, small bursts of radiofrequency energy are emitted onto the skin to spark greater collagen production.

Only one treatment is needed every 2 to 3 years.

Some mild redness may be present post-treatment, but overall side effects are usually very minimal.

Typically, patients start to notice a difference in skin tone, texture, and feel, with the results fully taking shape 3 to 6 months later.

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