A fat neck is a common problem amongst many people who complain of having a double chin. It can affect both men and women of all ages. It can often make people feel they look fat or old due to their fat neck.

What Causes of a Fat Neck

A “fat neck” is often characterised by excess fat deposits around the neck and under the chin, leading to a fuller appearance. Several factors contribute to this condition, including:

1. Genetics: Genetic predisposition can influence where your body stores fat. If your family tends to store excess fat in the neck area, you might experience the same.
2. Weight Gain: Excess weight generally leads to fat accumulation in various body parts, including the neck. This is more pronounced in individuals who have a higher overall body fat percentage.
3. Aging: As you age, the skin loses elasticity and muscle tone, which can cause fat deposits to appear more prominent.
4. Poor Posture: Consistently poor posture can lead to the appearance of a double chin or excess neck fat due to muscle weakening and skin laxity.
5. Hormonal Changes: Conditions such as hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain and fat accumulation around the neck.
6. Medical Conditions: Certain conditions, such as Cushing’s syndrome, can cause fat accumulation in the neck area.

Options for Removing Fat from the Neck

Several options are available for reducing fat in the neck area, ranging from non-invasive treatments to surgical procedures. Here’s a detailed look at each option:

Morpheus8

Does Morpheus8 Work on a Fat Neck?

Morpheus8 is a minimally invasive treatment combining microneedling with radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin and reduce fat. The microneedles penetrate the skin and deliver radiofrequency energy to the deeper layers, promoting collagen production and tightening the skin. It is effective in contouring the neck and reducing mild to moderate fat deposits.

Effectiveness: Morpheus8 can be effective for those with mild to moderate neck fat and skin laxity. However, results may vary, and multiple sessions might be required to achieve desired outcomes.

Recovery: Recovery is minimal, with patients experiencing slight redness and swelling for a few days post-treatment.

Fat Dissolving Injections (Kybella)

Do Fat Dissolving Injections Reduce a Fat Neck?

Fat dissolving injections, such as Kybella (deoxycholic acid), target and break down fat cells in specific areas. Kybella is FDA-approved for treating submental fullness (double chin). Kybella is not available in the UK but alternatives include Aqualyx.

Effectiveness: These injections are effective for reducing small to moderate fat deposits in the neck area. Multiple treatments are usually necessary, with visible results appearing after 4-6 weeks.

Recovery: Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and numbness post-treatment, which typically resolves within a few days to a week.

FaceTite

How Does FaceTite Reduce Fat in the Neck?

FaceTite is a minimally invasive procedure using radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to contour the face and neck. It melts fat and tightens the skin simultaneously.

Procedure: Under local anaesthesia, a small probe is inserted under the skin, delivering controlled radiofrequency energy to melt fat and stimulate collagen production. The liquefied fat is then suctioned out.

Effectiveness: FaceTite is effective for moderate to severe fat deposits and skin laxity. Results are usually visible immediately, with continued improvement over 6-12 months.

Recovery: Downtime is typically short, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days.

Liposuction

How Does Liposuction Remove Fat from the Neck?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove fat from specific areas, including the neck. It’s one of the most effective methods for significant fat reduction.

Procedure: The procedure involves small incisions in the neck area, through which a cannula (a thin tube) is inserted. The fat is then suctioned out using a vacuum device.

Effectiveness: Double chin liposuction is highly effective for individuals with significant fat deposits and can provide dramatic results. However, it is less effective for skin tightening, so it is often combined with other procedures like a neck lift for optimal results.

Recovery: Recovery time can vary, but most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. Swelling and bruising are common but typically subside within a few weeks.

Comparative Overview of Treatments

Factors to Consider

When choosing the best treatment option for a fat neck, consider the following factors:

1. Severity of Fat Deposits: The amount of fat and skin laxity will determine the most suitable treatment. Minor fat deposits might be effectively treated with non-invasive methods like Morpheus8 or Kybella, whereas more significant deposits may require FaceTite or liposuction.
2. Skin Elasticity: Individuals with good skin elasticity might achieve better results with non-surgical treatments, while those with significant skin laxity may benefit from a combination of fat removal and skin tightening procedures.
3. Recovery Time: Consider how much downtime you can accommodate. Non-invasive treatments generally have shorter recovery times compared to surgical options.
4. Cost: Non-surgical treatments can be less expensive initially but may require multiple sessions. Surgical treatments might have a higher upfront cost but usually require fewer sessions.
5. Desired Results: Discuss your expectations with a qualified practitioner to understand which treatment will best achieve your goals. Surgical options often provide more dramatic results, while non-surgical methods offer subtle, gradual improvements.

Conclusion

Addressing a fat neck involves understanding the underlying causes and exploring various treatment options based on the severity of the condition and individual preferences. Non-invasive treatments like Morpheus8 and Kybella offer effective solutions for mild to moderate fat deposits, while FaceTite and liposuction are better suited for more significant fat reduction. Book a consultation with our team of doctors and plastic surgeons who can help determine the most appropriate approach tailored to your specific needs and goals, ensuring optimal results and satisfaction.