Fat in the neck and jowl area would certainly classify as a Type 1 LipoDissolve problem. I find that LipoDissolve injections in the neck to be a particularly effective treatment, probably the best use of an injectable fat reduction method. It works in this area for one good reason, the neck has a small surface area to it and therefore the fat problem is likewise limited. It fits in well with my concept of the ‘hand’ evaluation method to determine LipoDissolve candidacy. If the area fits into the size of my hand (size 6 ½) then it is reasonable to treat with LipoDissolve. In many necks that I have treated, the results with LipoDissolve can be close to that of liposuction…it just takes a while to get there.
The concept to grasp about LipoDissolve is that it is an inefficient method of fat treatment, albeit non-surgical. Unlike liposuction, fat injections require months of treatments to achieve its final results. So while it can be effective, it is not efficient. Liposuction surgery achieves its results in less than 30 minutes, albeit through a surgical process. Generally, the inefficiency of LipoDissolve would not be an issue if the treatment was hidden and not socially obvious. However, in the neck and jowl area, the effects of LipoDissolve treatment are for all to see and I am not just talking about the final results. After each LipoDissolve treatment session, the injected area will immediately swell and stay that way for about five days. And when I mean swell…think of doubling in size! Yes I did say double in size, you will have a bullneck. And this swelling process must be repeated each time that a treatment session is done, generally around three treatment sessions are needed to get the best result. For many patients, this neck swelling and how to explain it is enough for them to choose liposuction over LipoDissolve. For others, the importance of not having to go to surgery, and the additional expense, is worth the temporary neck swelling.
Besides the neck swelling, the other consideration is if the neck fullness is an isolated problem. LipoDissolve makes no sense if you are having other procedures anyway. The whole purpose of LipoDissolve is to avoid a surgical procedure. If you are getting on the operating room table anyway, then opt for liposuction and enjoy the benefits of the efficiency of surgery. One final consideration is how much much loose skin you have in the neck. While LipoDissolve can tighten some skin, do not think of it as an alternative to other truly neck tightening procedures such as a facelift. In older patients with more loose skin, these procedures are likely better and neck liposuction is part of every facelift (necklift) anyway.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana