Kybella Neck Lift

The neck is one of the first areas of the face to show visible signs of aging. Because the skin here is thinner than elsewhere on the body, it is especially vulnerable to sun damage and the gradual breakdown of collagen that occurs with age. Sagging skin, stubborn fat, and neck bands can all contribute to what is commonly known as a “turkey neck,” while fat accumulation beneath the chin often results in a double chin that resists diet and exercise alone. For many patients, these changes can be a source of self-consciousness, prompting a search for effective, non-surgical solutions from an experienced provider such as Dr. Michele Green.

Fortunately, Kybella injections offer patients a safe, FDA-approved injectable treatment that permanently destroys fat cells in the neck area without requiring surgery or extended downtime. As the first and only FDA-approved treatment for submental fat, Kybella has transformed how patients address a double chin, offering long-lasting results through a simple series of in-office injections. Whether combined with other cosmetic treatments or used on its own, Kybella can sculpt a slimmer, more contoured jawline and neck under the care of Dr. Michele Green.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing patients worldwide with the best non-invasive cosmetic treatments available. She was among the first dermatologists in NYC to offer Kybella injections, and she is consistently recognized as one of New York’s top physicians by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach to rejuvenation and embraces a “less is more” philosophy, customizing every patient’s treatment plan to their unique concerns and aesthetic goals.

What is Kybella?

Kybella is the first FDA-approved injectable treatment for excess fat on the neck and along the jawline, also known as jowls. Unlike a dermal filler such as Juvederm or a neurotoxin like Botox, Kybella is a prescription medication composed of synthetic deoxycholic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body and helps break down and absorb dietary fat. This permanent, non-invasive treatment reshapes the neck and jawline contours and, because it targets fat cells specifically, can be combined with other cosmetic treatments, such as Thermage, to help regenerate collagen and further tighten the skin.

How do Kybella injections work?

Kybella is an injectable treatment that dissolves fat cells in the neck and jowls through a process called injection lipolysis. The treatment contains synthetic deoxycholic acid, an enzyme that occurs naturally in the intestines and helps break down dietary fat by disrupting fat cell membranes. Once injected, Kybella works in much the same way, gradually breaking down fat cells at and around the injection site over about 4 weeks. Because deoxycholic acid is naturally occurring, the body can flush out the destroyed fat cells on its own. Kybella injections are effective for moderate-to-severe fat beneath the chin and work well for all skin types, resulting in a slimmer, more youthful neck.

The procedure for Kybella injections begins with a consultation with Dr. Michele Green in NYC to discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals for your neck. Dr. Green will assess the treatment area and design a personalized non-surgical neck lift plan that may include other cosmetic treatments, such as Thermage, Botox, or CoolSculpting, based on your needs. If Kybella is recommended, Dr. Green will prescribe a topical numbing cream to apply one hour before your appointment. In some cases, a local anesthetic may also be used to further minimize discomfort during the injections.

After the numbing cream is removed and the skin is cleansed, Dr. Green marks the treatment area in a grid pattern and injects Kybella directly into the fat with a very fine needle. Patients typically receive 12 to 20 injections, depending on the size of the treatment area, and the procedure usually takes about 15 minutes. To reduce the risk of bruising, Dr. Green advises patients to stop taking blood thinners for at least one week before treatment.

What is the recovery time after Kybella neck injections?

Kybella is a non-invasive treatment, so recovery time is minimal compared with a surgical procedure such as a facelift or traditional neck lift. Most patients experience only mild swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site and can return to normal daily activities immediately after treatment. Dr. Green’s office applies an ice pack after injections to further minimize swelling and bruising, and patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours after their Kybella neck lift. Because no incisions or anesthesia are required, the recovery experience is far shorter and more comfortable than that of surgery on your face, neck, or chin.

The aftercare following Kybella treatment can help minimize swelling and support optimal results. Immediately after the injections, Dr. Green’s office applies ice packs to the treatment area, and patients are encouraged to continue icing periodically throughout the day. Dr. Green also recommends sleeping with your head elevated on two pillows and lying on your back the night of your treatment. For 48 hours after receiving Kybella injections, patients should avoid extensive physical activity or heavy exercise.

How many treatment sessions do you need, and when does Kybella start to work?

During your consultation, Dr. Green will help determine the treatment plan and schedule that work best for you, since the number of sessions needed varies from patient to patient. To achieve optimal results, Dr. Green typically recommends 3 to 4 treatment sessions, spaced at least a month apart, to allow deoxycholic acid to gradually break down fat cells. Sessions are usually scheduled four to six weeks apart, depending on the fat concentration in the treatment area, neck size, and the degree of swelling after each session. Once the full treatment process is complete, however, the results are permanent, and patients do not need to return for additional Kybella injections in the treated area.

How long do the results of Kybella last?

Neck rejuvenation with Kybella is designed to deliver permanent results. After completing the recommended 3 to 4 treatment sessions, you will see visible fat reduction in the neck. Although the effects of fat cell destruction are permanent, significant weight gain can increase submental fullness and affect neck contour. Maintaining a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine helps preserve the cosmetic benefits of Kybella injections over time.

Does Kybella work as a neck lift?

Many patients ask whether Kybella can be used on the neck. Yes, Kybella is specifically approved to treat the submental area, the region below the chin. Kybella is often described as a non-surgical neck lift because it delivers many of the same slimming, contouring benefits as a traditional neck lift without anesthesia, incisions, or an extended recovery. Rather than tightening loose muscle or removing excess skin as a surgical procedure does, Kybella destroys fat cells that contribute to submental fullness and a double chin. For patients with good skin elasticity whose primary concern is excess fat rather than sagging skin, Kybella injections can achieve dramatic, permanent slimming of the neck and jawline, making it an effective alternative to a traditional neck lift.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kybella

How effective is Kybella for double chin and neck fat?

Clinical studies and years of patient outcomes have shown that Kybella injections are a highly effective, FDA-approved treatment for reducing submental fat and improving the appearance of a double chin. Most patients see a noticeable reduction in fat beneath the chin after a full series of treatment sessions, with results that continue to improve for several weeks after each injection as the body clears away destroyed fat cells. Because Kybella permanently eliminates fat cells rather than simply shrinking them, its effects on the neck area are long-lasting, provided that patients maintain a stable, healthy weight. Dr. Green’s expertise in administering Kybella allows her to consistently deliver natural-looking, well-contoured results.

What are the side effects of Kybella injections?

As a non-invasive treatment, Kybella has a low risk of significant side effects, and most reactions are mild and temporary. The most common injection-site problems include swelling, bruising, redness, numbness, and areas of hardness around the treatment area, all of which typically resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks. Icing the treatment area and keeping the head elevated on the day of the procedure can help reduce the likelihood of significant swelling or prolonged numbness.

More serious side effects are rare but can occur if Kybella is administered by an inexperienced or imprecise injector. These may include an uneven smile or other facial muscle weakness, nerve injury in the jaw, ulcers at the injection site, or, in very rare cases, difficulty swallowing. The risk of these complications is greatly reduced when Kybella injections are performed by an expert, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, with extensive experience and detailed knowledge of neck anatomy.

Kybella vs Neck Lift

For patients weighing their options, it helps to understand the difference between Kybella and a surgical neck lift. The key distinction is how each procedure is performed: Kybella injections are a non-surgical treatment with minimal recovery time, while a surgical neck lift is a true surgical procedure, similar to a facelift, that requires incisions behind the ears, under the chin, and along the hairline and often general anesthesia. During a neck lift, a plastic surgeon redistributes fat, performs liposuction to remove excess fat, tightens the underlying neck muscles, and trims away loose skin.

A surgical neck lift may be the better option for patients with significant skin or muscle laxity, along with excess fat, since Kybella cannot remove excess skin. By contrast, Kybella injections take about 15 to 20 minutes with essentially no downtime, while a surgical neck lift can take 2 to 4 hours to perform and requires 2 weeks to a full month of recovery. Kybella is also significantly less expensive and more accessible than surgery. If you have mild skin laxity and submental fat, combining Thermage skin tightening with a Kybella neck lift can provide excellent results without surgery.

Is Kybella better than a surgical neck lift?

Whether Kybella or a surgical neck lift is the “better” option depends on each patient’s individual concerns. For patients whose primary concern is excess submental fat, Kybella injections often offer better value, achieving permanent fat reduction without the cost, downtime, or risks of surgery. However, for patients with significant loose skin or muscle laxity in the neck, a surgical neck lift may achieve results that Kybella alone cannot. During your consultation, Dr. Green will help you determine which treatment, or combination of treatments, is best suited to your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Can you put Kybella in the neck?

Yes. Kybella is FDA-approved to treat the submental region, including the neck, and has shown excellent results in multiple clinical studies. The treatment targets fatty tissue beneath the chin and in the neck to reduce the appearance of a double chin and enhance the jawline contour.

Does Kybella tighten neck skin?

Kybella injections are designed primarily to dissolve excess fat cells that create a double chin or turkey neck appearance, using deoxycholic acid to break down fat around the injection site for a smoother, slimmer neck contour. Kybella itself does not resurface or significantly tighten lax or loose skin, which is why it is often paired with a treatment like Thermage, a radiofrequency device that stimulates new collagen production. That said, patients without significant skin laxity may notice mild skin-tightening benefits from Kybella alone.

Does Kybella work on a sagging neck?

Kybella is designed to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat by dissolving fat cell membranes in the treatment area. If a sagging neck is due to fatty tissue buildup, Kybella injections will dissolve these fat cells and melt away a double chin. For patients whose sagging is caused primarily by loose skin, combining Kybella with a skin-tightening laser, such as Vivace or Thermage FLX, can further improve the appearance of a sagging neck and tighten the jawline without surgery.

How many Kybella vials do you need for your neck?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan for Kybella. The number of vials needed depends on several factors, including the size of the treatment area, the size of the patient’s neck, and the severity of fat concentration beneath the chin. Typically, 2 to 3 vials of Kybella are needed per session to adequately treat the neck area over a course of 3 to 4 treatment sessions. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, she will assess your neck and provide an estimate of how many sessions will be needed to achieve your goals.

Does Kybella cause skin sagging afterward?

Kybella does not cause skin to sag on its own; rather, some patients with a significant amount of submental fat may notice mild loose skin after the fat is eliminated, particularly if they already had reduced skin elasticity prior to treatment. This is more common in older patients or those with a larger volume of fat removed. Dr. Green carefully evaluates each patient’s skin quality and elasticity during the consultation and, when needed, recommends pairing Kybella with a skin-tightening treatment such as Thermage to ensure smooth, firm results in the neck area.

Can Kybella help treat turkey neck?

“Turkey neck” refers to excess skin or fat that accumulates beneath the chin, creating a loose, wobbly appearance that can be a source of self-consciousness. Kybella injections are an excellent option when a turkey neck is caused by excess fat, as the treatment breaks down and removes fat cells, leaving a slimmer, more contoured neck. If loose skin is the primary cause, Dr. Green may recommend a treatment such as Thermage, which promotes firmer skin by increasing collagen production; in cases of severe skin laxity, she may refer patients to a trusted, board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation about a surgical neck lift.

Can Kybella be used in conjunction with other treatments?

Yes, Dr. Green frequently combines Kybella with other cosmetic treatments to achieve optimal results. CoolSculpting, for example, can be used before Kybella to reduce excess fat in the neck area through a cold-based process called cryolipolysis; the CoolMini applicator is often used for the submental area, or double chin. Botox injections, when placed into the neck cords and platysmal bands, can further tighten the neck and improve the appearance of vertical neck lines in a technique known as a “Nefertiti lift.” This approach is frequently combined with Kybella for enhanced neck contouring.

Thermage is another treatment often paired with Kybella, particularly for patients with loose or lax skin, since Kybella addresses excess fat while Thermage’s radiofrequency energy stimulates new collagen production for firmer, smoother skin. Because Kybella specifically targets fat cells, it works well alongside these skin-tightening and Botox treatments, allowing Dr. Green to design a fully customized, non-surgical neck rejuvenation plan for each patient.

Can Kybella be combined with a neck lift or other procedures?

For patients who ultimately choose to undergo a surgical neck lift, Kybella can sometimes still play a role, either before or after the surgical procedure, depending on the patient’s goals and the surgeon’s recommendation. More commonly, however, patients use Kybella injections as a non-surgical alternative to avoid a neck lift altogether, reserving surgery for cases where skin laxity is too significant for injectables and lasers to address. Dr. Green works closely with patients to determine whether Kybella alone, Kybella combined with other cosmetic treatments such as Thermage or Botox, or a referral to a board-certified plastic surgeon for a surgical neck lift is the most appropriate path forward.

How do you fix saggy neck skin?

If a patient is concerned with both excess fat and saggy, loose skin in the neck, Dr. Green may recommend pairing If a patient is concerned about both excess fat and saggy, loose skin in the neck, Dr. Green may recommend pairing Kybella injections with a skin-tightening laser such as Thermage. As collagen and elastin production naturally decline with age, the skin can become loose, contributing to the appearance of a turkey neck. Thermage is a radiofrequency device that causes existing collagen to contract while stimulating the production of new collagen. A single treatment session can often correct mild to moderate skin laxity. There is no downtime with Thermage, and its skin-tightening effects can last up to 2 years, with most patients opting for an annual maintenance session.

How much is Kybella for neck rejuvenation?

The total cost of Kybella injections depends on several factors, including the office’s geographic location, the provider’s experience, and the number of vials or treatment sessions needed to achieve your ideal results. While it may be less expensive to receive Kybella at a MedSpa, the risk of side effects is higher when injections are performed by an injector who is not an expert, such as Dr. Michele Green. During your consultation, Dr. Green’s office will determine the cost of your Kybella treatment based on your individual goals and treatment plan.

Is Kybella Botox?

Kybella is a cosmetic injectable composed of synthetic deoxycholic acid, an enzyme naturally found in the body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat. It was designed as a non-surgical treatment for submental fat removal. Botox, on the other hand, is an injectable neurotoxin considered the gold standard for softening dynamic fine lines and wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the facial muscles responsible for repeated expressions. While Kybella and Botox are different cosmetic treatments, they are frequently used together in a non-surgical neck lift: Kybella eliminates excess fat cells, while Botox is injected into the platysma muscles to reduce the appearance of vertical neck bands. When you consult with Dr. Green at her Upper East Side office, she will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique concerns and goals.

Can Kybella be used on the jawline?

Kybella is FDA-approved to remove excess fat in the submental area, and patients seeking a more defined jawline often include it in their treatment plans to enhance jawline contour. It is essential that a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist perform Kybella injections, as injecting too high on the neck or along the sides of the jawline can affect the nerves controlling the lower facial muscles, potentially causing facial muscle weakness or an uneven smile. An experienced injector, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, has the anatomical expertise to strategically place Kybella injections for optimal fat reduction and a well-defined jawline.

Can Kybella help with jowls as well as neck fat?

Yes, Kybella injections can treat fat that contributes to jowls, as well as submental fat in the neck. Jowls form when fat and skin along the lower jawline begin to sag, often due to fat accumulation and the natural aging process. When jowls are caused primarily by excess fat rather than loose skin, Kybella can help reduce fullness along the jawline for a more sculpted, youthful appearance. Because the area near the jowls is close to important facial nerves, it is especially important to have Kybella injections performed by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Green to minimize the risk of complications.

Who is a good candidate for Kybella treatment?

It is very common to develop excess fat beneath the chin, known as submental fullness, which can result from genetics, weight gain, or the natural aging process. Patients who feel self-conscious about submental fat and are interested in a non-surgical neck lift are often excellent candidates for Kybella, an FDA-approved, non-invasive injectable treatment that permanently dissolves unwanted fat cells. The ideal candidate has a moderate amount of submental fat and minimal skin laxity. Patients should also discuss with Dr. Green any prior surgery on the face, neck, or chin, as this history can affect treatment planning. If this description matches your concerns, you may be the perfect candidate for a Kybella neck lift.

How do I get started with Kybella injectable treatment with Dr. Green today?

Excess fat beneath the chin, whether as a double chin, turkey neck, or fullness along the jawline, can undermine a patient’s confidence long before diet and exercise take effect. As the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment for submental fat reduction, Kybella offers a safe, permanent, non-surgical alternative to a traditional neck lift, destroying unwanted fat cells with minimal downtime and discomfort. Whether used alone or combined with complementary cosmetic treatments such as Thermage, Botox, or CoolSculpting, Kybella can help patients achieve a slimmer, more contoured neck and jawline under the care of an experienced injector like Dr. Michele Green.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing patients in New York City and around the world with the finest non-surgical cosmetic treatments. She was among the first dermatologists in NYC to offer Kybella injections and is consistently recognized as one of New York’s best physicians by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times. She takes a holistic, “less is more” approach to rejuvenation, customizing each treatment plan to each patient’s specific concerns and aesthetic goals. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and learn more about the non-surgical neck lift with Kybella injections, contact the NYC office of Dr. Michele Green online  or call 212-535-3088 today.