As we age, our skin starts to lose its elasticity and begins to droop. One place this is most noticeable is in our chin area, causing the dreaded “turkey neck” effect. For other people, this can happen after losing a large amount of weight. Another problem in this area is the “double chin” look of an excess fat pad under our chin. To combat these unsightly problems, many people look to neck contouring procedures to achieve a slimmer, more well-defined and youthful jawline. If you are one of those people, Dr. Joseph Michaels of Michaels Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery would like to help by outlining the effective neck contouring options he offers at his practice.
SmartLipo
The SmartLipo procedure is a laser liposuction method that uses focused laser light to painlessly liquefy and destroy fat cells in the targeted area. Excess fat is then removed through a small cannula, or suction tube. Along with destroying the fat cells, the laser also triggers the production of fresh collagen for smoother and younger-looking skin. The recovery period is significantly less than traditional liposuction, and you can expect to get back to your normal routine two to five days after the procedure. And since there is little, if any, bruising and minimal discomfort afterward, you can begin showing off your new younger look as early as a week after your treatment!
Kybella Injectable Treatment
Want to get rid of that pesky “double chin”? Kybella, an injectable made up of a naturally occurring molecule in the body, was created to do just that. This injectable treatment destroys the fat cells in the chin and neck area for a slimmer-looking face and a smoother neck contour. Once destroyed, the fat cells are gone forever and can never be re-generated, ensuring that this “problem area” is permanently solved. Many patients prefer this non-surgical neck and chin contouring method as it involves no incisions and takes 20 minutes or less to administer. And since a topical agent is used to numb the area, the treatment involves zero pain and no downtime afterwards.
Though every patient is different, it typically takes between three or four sessions to achieve the desired results. But even after one Kybella session, you will begin to see a noticeable improvement in your neck area, as it starts to appear leaner and more defined.
Neck Lift Surgery
If, instead of extra fat on your chin and neck, you have loose, hanging skin, a neck lift procedure might be the solution for you. This procedure uses small, strategically placed incisions behind the ears and/or chin to trim excess skin and then redrape the remaining skin to a tauter, though not overly tight, position. A neck lift is named such because it has a “lifting” effect for the face and neck, and one that is natural-looking in order to avoid a pulled, plastic look. Oftentimes, if there is also some extra fat in the chin or neck area, liposuction is used as part of the neck lift procedure. The result is a more well-defined chin contour that gives the entire face a more youthful appearance while also eliminating neck bands (those vertical lines on the neck that give our age away).
Which Option is Right for You?
Are you wondering which neck contouring option is right for you? Let Dr. Michaels help by scheduling a personal consultation with him, where he can examine you and assess your needs and surgical goals. Contact him at his practice, Michaels Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, by calling the Bethesda office at (301) 468-5991 or the Fairfax office at (703) 957-8610.
