Are you embarrassed or self-conscious about your facial profile? Do you feel that a double chin makes you look older and heavier than you really are? Do you envision yourself with a contoured jawline and slimmer looking facial profile but don’t want to undergo a surgical procedure? Then Kybella® may be the right treatment for you.
What is Kybella®?
Kybella® is an FDA approved, non-surgical treatment that targets the fat cells under the chin and around the jawline. The fat, or submental fullness, in this area is difficult to get rid of through diet and exercise. Overall weight loss doesn’t have much of an effect on these stubborn pockets of fat. Kybella® is an excellent choice for individuals who already follow a healthy lifestyle but have been unable to reduce their double chin.
Some women and men have had a double chin for most of their lives due to genetics. Others have developed one as they’ve aged or gained weight. Kybella® not only reduces a double chin but improves a chin profile that slopes down. Although most people are familiar with Kybella® as a double chin treatment, it can also be used to target and destroy small amounts of fat in other areas including bra fat, arm fat, inner knees, and the pubic area.
How Are Treatments Administered?
Kybella® uses a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which is a naturally occurring molecule in the body. The fatty area to be treated is numbed. Then multiple small injections of Kybella® are administered. The number of injections depends on the amount of fat and the patient’s desired profile. The treatment generally takes about 20 minutes. Kybella® targets the fat cells and destroys them. They are eventually disposed of through the lymphatic system.
Kybella® is an ideal treatment for busy patients to schedule, since there is no downtime or recovery period. Side effects are mild and may include numbness or tingling at the injection site, redness, swelling, a dull burning sensation, and mild bruising. This doesn’t generally interfere with the patient’s normal routine.
Results take a couple of weeks to see. Individuals may need up to six treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart to obtain their desired results. Final results are long-lasting; patients almost never need further treatment. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store fat.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Candidates should be healthy individuals with realistic expectations for their results. Kybella® is not an approved treatment for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Kybella® is not an appropriate procedure to address sagging skin that has lost its elasticity or droops.
Board Certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Cristina Keusch, is happy to answer questions and help you determine if Kybella® is right for you. Request a consultation today.
