Throughout my plastic surgery career, I have met with countless patients of different backgrounds and ages. Recently, I met a new patient in my office. She is a young woman, a freshman in college, who came in with her mother to see me for a consultation on the Inside-Out Neck Lift. She has a fullness to her neckline, which makes her jawline less defined and her face rounder. After examining the patient, I discussed the pros and cons of the Inside-Out Neck Lift, as well as two non-surgical treatment options I offer for submental fullness.
Comparing Treatments
- Inside-Out Neck Lift: The surgical procedure involves making small incisions, as well as applying local anesthesia to the fat layers. The fat is melted using a laser and removed using a liposuction technique. The Inside-Out Neck Lift is most suitable for patients with double chin fat and loose skin, as laser energy is used during the procedure to spur new collagen growth and tighten the skin. Because this particular patient’s skin is tight, she wouldn’t benefit much from the skin tightening feature of the Inside-Out Neck Lift. More importantly, there are non-invasive treatment options available to target submental fullness.
- CoolSculpting CoolMini: CoolSculpting is a widely popular non-invasive body contouring treatment that cools the fat cells in a treatment area so that the body can get rid of the fat cells permanently. Last year Zeltiq, the maker of CoolSculpting, invented a new treatment targeting concentrated small amounts of fat, including fat on the chin. The CoolMini is the applicator that is used to cool the double chin fat so the body can get rid of it. However, only 20 to 25 percent of fat cells being treated will undergo apoptosis (natural cell death). We are seeing some great results of double chin reduction with CoolSculpting. The great advantage of CoolSculpting is that it has zero downtime and very minimal discomfort. The CoolSculpting treatment using CoolMini can be completed in approximately 45 minutes. Most patients need two to four treatments spaced three months apart to see good results.
- Kybella: Kybella is the first FDA-approved injectable treatment that can permanently get rid of double chin fat cells. The injection takes only a couple of minutes to complete in my office. The results are significant, but there is some swelling and discomfort associated with the treatment. Most patients require two to four treatment sessions at least one month apart to get the results they seek. Most patients see a really good result in about one month after their last treatment. If you are looking to achieve beautiful, slimming results from Kybella Bay Area residents can rely on, be sure to ask Dr. Kong about Kybella as a possible treatment option for you.
Choosing a Procedure
I considered both CoolSculpting CoolMini double chin treatment and Kybella injection for this patient, as I think she would be a good candidate for either treatment. Because the patient has a more general fullness around her neck, I felt Kybella injection might provide quicker and more significant results to her neckline, even though it does require some downtime. CoolSculpting is better suited for patients with concentrated areas of fat under the chin. After weighing the pros and cons of both CoolSculpting and Kybella, we concluded that Kybella would be the most appropriate treatment to define her neckline. I estimate that she will need two to three treatment sessions to achieve a slim neckline — similar to what an Inside-Out Neck Lift might provide but without the downtime of surgery.
As the patient was scheduling her Kybella treatment with my receptionist, her mother shared with me a recent consultation her daughter had with another doctor, who recommended a regular traditional liposuction procedure for her double chin. After her consultation, the patient was afraid of all the risks associated with a surgical procedure. Following that consultation, the mother and daughter decided to research other options online and discovered my practice. I am proud to offer minimally invasive and non-invasive treatment options to address the unique aesthetic concerns and goals of each patient.
For many years, the Inside-Out Neck Lift was the only one surgical option to get rid of a double chin, as diet and exercise usually don’t have an impact on it. Now, there are two additional noninvasive treatment options: CoolSculpting and Kybella. There are several things to consider before deciding which treatment is the best for each patient. The most important factors to consider are the patient’s neck fat distribution, neck and jawline structure, skin condition, and also how much downtime is feasible for the patient. If you wish to refine your jaw and neckline, I encourage you to consider your cosmetic enhancement options. I am available for a complimentary consultation to discuss your particular concerns regarding a double chin. To schedule an appointment with me, please contact my San Francisco med spa by calling (415) 673-7600.
