Neck Lift vs. Kybella: Which Works Best for Double Chin?
Updated November 2025
Dealing with a double chin can be frustrating, especially when diet and exercise don't seem to make a difference. Whether it's due to genetics, aging, weight fluctuation, or skin laxity, submental fullness affects people of all ages and body types.
The good news? You have options and two of the most popular are neck lift surgery and Kybella injections.
But which one is right for you? A neck lift offers dramatic, long-lasting results through surgical contouring, while Kybella provides a non-surgical alternative with gradual fat reduction. The best choice depends on your anatomy, goals, budget, and tolerance for downtime.
Below, we'll break down who makes an ideal candidate for each treatment, how they compare, and what to discuss with a board-certified plastic surgeon before deciding.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?
A neck lift (platysmaplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, tightens underlying muscles, and eliminates fat to create a smoother, more defined jawline and neck contour. It's ideal for patients who want comprehensive, long-term rejuvenation.
You may be a good candidate for a neck lift if you:
- Have moderate to severe skin laxity or "turkey neck" that won't improve with non-surgical treatments
- Notice prominent platysma bands (vertical neck cords) or jowling
- Are bothered by excess fat and loose skin in the neck area
- Are in generally good health, don't smoke, and have realistic expectations
- Want permanent results that address multiple aging concerns at once
- Are prepared for 1–2 weeks of downtime and surgical recovery
- Have stable weight and aren't planning major weight changes soon
A neck lift isn't just about fat it's about restoring structure. If your concern is purely submental fat with good skin elasticity, you may be better suited for Kybella or liposuction. But if sagging skin is part of the picture, surgery becomes a more effective solution.
Age isn't a strict barrier. While most neck lift patients are 40–65, younger patients with early jowling or genetic neck laxity can benefit, and older patients in good health are often excellent candidates.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Kybella?
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that uses deoxycholic acid to permanently destroy fat cells under the chin. It's designed for patients who want to avoid surgery and are willing to undergo multiple treatment sessions for gradual improvement.
You may be a good candidate for Kybella if you:
- Have mild to moderate submental fat with good skin elasticity
- Prefer a non-surgical, needle-based approach with minimal downtime
- Are willing to commit to 2–6 treatment sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart
- Don't have significant skin laxity, jowling, or neck bands
- Are near your ideal weight and maintain a stable lifestyle
- Want permanent fat reduction without incisions or anesthesia
- Can tolerate temporary swelling and potential numbness
Kybella works best on localized pockets of fat. If your double chin is accompanied by loose, crepey skin or visible platysma bands, Kybella won't tighten what's already stretched. In those cases, you'll likely need surgical intervention for satisfactory results.
Who Should Avoid These Treatments?
Both procedures have limitations, and some patients aren't ideal candidates for either at least not yet.
You may need to delay or reconsider a neck lift or Kybella if you:
- Are a smoker (smoking dramatically increases surgical complications and delays healing)
- Have uncontrolled medical conditions like diabetes, clotting disorders, or heart disease
- Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have unrealistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve
- Are you planning significant weight loss or gain in the near future
- Have active infections or skin conditions in the treatment area
- Are not emotionally ready for recovery (neck lift) or multiple sessions (Kybella)
For Kybella specifically, patients with poor skin elasticity, excessive fat, or scarring/previous surgery in the area may see limited results. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist will clarify whether you're a candidate or whether another approach makes more sense.
Neck Lift vs. Kybella: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here's how these two treatments stack up across the factors that matter most:
Key Takeaway: A neck lift delivers comprehensive, one-time transformation for patients with complex concerns. Kybella offers a less invasive path for those with isolated fat and elastic skin, but requires patience and multiple visits.
When Surgeons Recommend a Neck Lift Over Kybella
Board-certified plastic surgeons generally steer patients toward neck lift surgery when:
- Skin laxity is present. Kybella can't lift or tighten
- Neck bands or jowling are visible and bothersome
- The patient wants dramatic, immediate improvement
- Previous non-surgical treatments (like Kybella or CoolSculpting) didn't deliver satisfying results
- The patient is already considering a facelift or other facial rejuvenation
Surgeons often describe Kybella as a "maintenance" solution or a preventive measure for younger patients, while neck lifts are the gold standard for correction and restoration.
When Surgeons Recommend Kybella Over a Neck Lift
Kybella tends to be the preferred option when:
- The patient has minimal skin laxity and primarily wants fat reduction
- Surgery isn't an option due to health, budget, or preference
- The patient is younger (late 20s to early 40s) with good skin quality
- Downtime is a dealbreaker (e.g., public-facing job, upcoming events)
- The patient wants to "test the waters" before committing to surgery
Some surgeons also use Kybella as a complement to surgery—treating residual fat after a neck lift, for example, or addressing early fat accumulation in patients who aren't ready for a full procedure.
Key Benefits of a Neck Lift
A surgical neck lift offers advantages that go beyond fat removal:
- Comprehensive correction: Addresses fat, skin, and muscle in one procedure
- Long-lasting results: When performed well, a neck lift can turn back the clock by 10–15 years
- Customizable approach: Can be combined with liposuction, facelift, or chin augmentation for balanced facial rejuvenation
- Dramatic improvement: Most patients report feeling significantly more confident and younger-looking
- One-and-done: Unlike Kybella, you only go through recovery once
Patients often describe their neck lift as life-changing, not just for how they look, but for how they feel in photos, meetings, and everyday interactions.
Key Benefits of Kybella
Kybella offers a different set of advantages for the right candidate:
- Non-surgical: No incisions, no anesthesia, no operating room
- Minimal downtime: Most people return to work within a few days
- Permanent fat destruction: Once Kybella destroys fat cells, they don't regenerate
- Natural-looking results: Gradual improvement avoids the "overdone" look
- Lower upfront cost per session: Though total cost can approach surgery if multiple treatments are needed
For patients who are needle-tolerant and patient, Kybella can be a game-changer, especially when starting early, before significant skin laxity develops.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Whether you're leaning toward a neck lift, Kybella, or aren't sure yet, a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist is essential. Here's what will happen:
Your provider will evaluate:
- The amount and distribution of submental fat
- Skin quality, elasticity, and thickness
- Presence of platysma bands, jowling, or neck creases
- Your overall facial proportions and jawline definition
- Medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors (smoking, weight stability)
Questions to ask:
- "Am I a better candidate for a neck lift or Kybella based on my anatomy?"
- "What results are realistic for me with each option?"
- "How many Kybella sessions would I likely need?"
- "Can I combine treatments for better results?"
- "What happens if I'm not satisfied with Kybella? Can I still have surgery later?"
- "What does recovery look like for each option?"
Bring inspiration photos showing the jawline and neck contour you're hoping to achieve. Be honest about your budget, timeline, and tolerance for downtime. The best surgeons will never pressure you into a procedure; they'll help you find the safest, most effective solution for your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for a neck lift vs. Kybella?
If you have good skin elasticity and your concern is isolated fat, Kybella may be sufficient. If you have loose skin, visible neck bands, or jowling, a neck lift will deliver better, longer-lasting results. A consultation is the only way to know for sure.
Can I combine a neck lift with Kybella?
Yes, though it's uncommon. Some surgeons use Kybella post-operatively to fine-tune results or address small pockets of residual fat. More often, liposuction is performed during the neck lift itself for more precise fat removal.
What happens if I'm not a candidate for either?
Your surgeon may recommend alternative treatments like neck liposuction alone, radiofrequency skin tightening (e.g., Morpheus8), or waiting until your candidacy improves (e.g., after weight stabilization or smoking cessation).
At what age is best for these treatments?
There's no "perfect" age. Kybella patients tend to be in their 30s and 40s, while neck lift patients are typically 45–65. However, candidacy depends more on anatomy than age.
What's recovery like for a neck lift compared to Kybella?
A neck lift requires 1–2 weeks off work, with swelling and bruising lasting 2–4 weeks. Kybella involves minimal downtime per session, but swelling can be significant for several days after each injection. Over the full treatment course, Kybella's cumulative downtime can add up.
How much does each option cost?
Neck lifts typically range from $5,000–$8,000+, depending on your location and surgeon's experience. Kybella costs $1,200–$2,400 per session, with most patients needing 2–6 sessions, bringing the total to $3,600–$7,200. Keep in mind that Kybella is usually not covered by insurance, and neither is a cosmetic neck lift.
Talk to a Verified Surgeon
Still unsure whether a neck lift or Kybella is the right solution for your double chin? AestheticMatch connects you with board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in facial rejuvenation and non-surgical contouring.
Get a personalized evaluation, compare your options, and make a confident, informed decision.
