Kybella

With time, pockets of fat can build up under the chin and around the jawline. This area, referred to by doctors as the submental fat compartment, plays a major role in the youthfulness of the neck and adds to the overall attractiveness of the face. That said, people who have excess fat in these areas often suffer from loss of confidence. For these patients, a breakthrough product called Kybella is changing how we treat the double chin.

Before addressing solutions, it is important to explore what causes this condition. There are several factors that affect this area with regard to fat build up and aging. Some patients have excess fat under the chin even though they are not overweight. This can be hereditary, and even after weight loss, the stubborn fat can remain. It is common for some people to have diet resistant fat in areas on their hips, abdomen, cheeks and under the chin. These patients differ greatly from those with obesity related fat deposits because patients suffering from obesity can see an improvement with simple weight loss. Patients who have hereditary fat deposits will see little or no improvement from diet and exercise.

Before now, treatment of a double chin involved anesthesia and complicated, often painful techniques. Everything has changed with the recent FDA approval of Kybella. This injectable is the very first of its kind to be authorized for use in dissolving under-the-chin fat, which is a very significant step in non-surgical fat removal. Although Kybella hasn’t been approved to treat any other areas of the body, its FDA approval for under-the-chin fat shows that we are not far away from having injectable solutions at our disposal for treatment of ALL stubborn fat. 

What is Kybella?

Kybella is a non-surgical solution for reducing fat deposits below the chin, technically known as submental fat. Kybella is a formation of deoxycholic acid, which is a molecule produced naturally by the body which helps it to absorb fat. Experts at the University of Texas SouthWestern Medical Center developed Kybella. In over 20 studies they performed, patients reported improvements, both physically and mentally, after treatment. This is great news and is part of the reason why the FDA was willing to approve Kybella, so that others could experience the same positive results with very little pain or downtime, seeing immediate positive changes in their daily lives.

A series of two to three Kybella treatments is typically all that is needed for a given area because Kybella actually degenerates and destroys the cells entirely. After the treatment, these cells cannot accumulate or even store fat, which is what makes it such an effective treatment. Unlike BOTOX and other injectables, Kybella results last for years, making it a noteworthy and cost-effective solution for patients who have these unwanted fat deposits. 

Through a process called cytosis, deoxycholic acid creates an imbalance in the cells, forcing excess water into the fat cells and eventually causing their membranes to burst. After they are destroyed, they are metabolized by the body and flushed out naturally. It is important to know that Kybella, especially on the first treatment, will create significant swelling under the chin that can be sore and swollen for seven to ten days after the injection.

The improvement of facial shape and the youthfulness of your neck area aren’t the only results you’ll experience. Most patients also experience an improved self-image, more confidence, and an increase in social behavior.

Before and After Photos

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Best Candidates

According to studies, seven out of ten people are bothered by fat under the chin. This doesn’t mean every person experiencing this condition will have the results they desire from a series of Kybella injections. Doctors report that patients with moderate fat deposits under their chin area see the most significant improvements, while patients with severe fat deposits due to obesity, see only a slight improvement. In fact, patients who have a generalized excess of fat can experience an imbalanced look from Kybella treatments. Suitability for Kybella treatment should always be determined by a doctor.

Consultation

The doctor will examine the area under your chin to determine whether you are a candidate for Kybella injections. In some cases, patients with sagging neck skin think that Kybella may be a solution for them, but this is not the case. If you have skin sagging or loss of elasticity in the skin on the neck and below the chin, the doctor will recommend alternative treatments. Kybella is specifically meant for patients with fat deposits under the chin. For patients with loose or sagging skin, Kybella would not have any effect on the skin itself but in combination with other therapies the fat may be reduced and skin elasticity improved.

If you have excess chin fat, the doctor will determine whether it is a result of obesity only, in which case, he will inform you about what to expect after your treatment. Keep in mind that you may not see dramatic results if you are obese or significantly overweight. Although there will be some change, it will not be as noticeable as it is for patients who are not obese, but have stubborn fat deposits under their chin.

Procedure & Recovery

At PSS, our aim is always to provide you with the clearest path to your aesthetic goals. Not only do we use cutting edge techniques such as Kybella, but have the experience to determine which is the best option for you.

After your procedure, you may experience mild swelling near and around the injection area. This is normal and typically subsides within a few days after treatment. Slight pain may also occur but is only temporary, with most patients experiencing relief after only one day. Immediately after the injection, the area will be red and feel a bit hot. For a few days following, it may feel like there is extra fluid in the area as well. This fluid absorbs over the days following.

Alternative Treatments

Laser Lipolysis

This technique is a commonly used way to remove fatty tissue from problem areas. It was approved by the FDA in 2006 and shows decreasing adiposity, quick recovery times, and even skin tightening. The laser treatment liquefies fat tissues and causes small blood vessels to group together resulting in a tighter look and feel to the treatment area.

Coolmini

The CoolMini, developed by cosmetic company Zeltiq, was recently approved by the FDA. An expansion upon their CoolSculpting technology, CoolMini was created to accommodate smaller areas of localized fat, such as the double chin. The compact applicator freezes fat at a specific temperature so as not to damage other tissue. The melted fat is then absorbed and metabolized by the body.

Necklift

A neck lift is recommended for patients who have loose or sagging skin under the chin area which cannot be treated by Kybella. During this procedure the platysma bands (neck muscles) are tightened, resulting in a sleeker, more contoured look.

It is best to sit down with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons and discuss your goals with them to ensure you both understand the choices available given your unique condition. Together, you and your surgeon can create a treatment plan that is customized to your individual features, cosmetic goals, budget, and lifestyle. Our consultations are always complimentary.

Cost

The cost of this procedure varies from patient to patient, as some will need more injections than others. Kybella is generally priced per vial with two to three vials being used per session. A price will be determined after a consultation with your doctor. One thing to keep in mind when weighing the cost is the long-lasting effects of Kybella. The fact that you will not need to re-treat the area for a number of years makes it quite cost effective in the long term. PSS offers convenient financing options designed to fit a wide range of budgets.