Do Kybella and THERMItight Provide the Same Youthful Results as a Neck Lift?

In a contemporary world so dominated by the glamorous filters of social media, it has become essential to put our best face forward. Whether it be through skincare products, minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, or in some cases surgery, we have come to prioritize the rejuvenation of faces of all ages and types; after all, the way we look reflects not only our outward beauty, but our broader sense of self. While each part of the face contributes to our overall appearance in its own unique way, one of the most important components of an inviting, youthful countenance is the neck, which, with age, tends to droop, wrinkle, and band with gravity, making even the most arresting of faces look unduly decrepit. Thankfully, there are a number of remedies for this kind of aging, whether they be minimally invasive or surgical—but what are the differences between them?

On the non-surgical side, Kybella and THERMItight are excellent, relatively long-lasting choices. Kybella, which targets turkey necks and double chins, is an FDA-approved injectable whose primary ingredient, deoxycholic acid—a molecule naturally found in the body—destroys fatty tissue in the neck area that is then safely metabolized and eliminated. Within four to eight weeks, patients will notice that their neck is noticeably smoother, tighter, and less droopy. Unlike most other injectable remedies, Kybella’s results are permanent, meaning patients will not need to revisit their doctor every few months for expensive upkeep. Even better, Kybella requires almost no downtime post-treatment; patients can return to work the same day.

THERMItight, on the other hand, uses radiofrequency technology to tighten the neck. After some numbing, a small needle drives a thermistor probe into the skin, which is then heated to a clinician-selected temperature and moved gently around. Because the thermal energy is delivered within the subcutaneous layer of the neck, the probe is able to melt away excess fat as well as tighten the muscles it glides over. The outcome is a neck that is smoother, suppler, and more uniform. Because THERMItight requires no cuts, there is only minimal scarring and bruising, and the downtime is incredibly short; most patients are able to return to work the next day. Results can appear instantly and improve over six to twelve months, ultimately lasting between three to five years.

While Kybella and thermitight may sound like the be-all and end-all of neck tightening treatments, it is important to note that their results are not as dramatic as those of surgical procedures. For older patients with heavier jowls and wrinkles, by way of example, non-invasive procedures are like trying to shrink a pair of pants in the dryer that are three sizes too big; doing so will only improve things slightly, and in the end, the face will still be droopy. Moreover, patients who are genetically predisposed to have more significant turkey necks won’t find much relief without what is known as a neck lift.

During this procedure, the surgeon makes a small, hidden incision under the chin and passes through an endoscope (a small fiber optic telescope) to visualize and operate on deeper planes of tissue. Excess fat and looser parts of the platysma—the muscle that covers the neck—are removed, and the left and right sections of muscle are sutured together in the middle of the neck. The sagging parts of the muscle therefore tighten up under the chin, flattening neck bands and eliminating wrinkles. Then, through an incision behind each ear, the surgeon lifts and secures the outer portions of the platysma muscle and slides them backward into their original, more youthful positions, defining the remaining contours of the neck and jawline.

“One of the best things about the neck lift is how manifold its outcomes are,” says Dr. Andrew Jacono, a dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon practicing on Manhattan’s Park Avenue and considered one of the best plastic surgeons in America . “Patients can not only come out of surgery looking years younger, but also slimmer, better-rested, and more symmetrical. I think this surgery is a testament to how important the neck is to the appearance.”

Of course, recovery time for a neck lift is longer than that of its minimally invasive counterparts, and bruising can be more significant than in the case of THERMItight, but the results can last anywhere from ten to fifteen years, and with such staggering results, it’s hard to say that it’s not worth a bit more trouble.

So, with so many treatment options out there, why settle for a neck you are not pleased with? At the end of the day, there are few things as empowering as going out into the world knowing you look fantastic.