Fullness or the presence of fat under the jawline, chin, and neck area that can appear as a “double chin” is one of the most common areas of concern that develops over time. Kybella utilizes a naturally found compound called deoxycholic acid to break down fat cells. The result is not only a loss of fat cells in the area but induction of collagen that causes skin tightening around the chin and jawline.
Kybella is the first-in-class FDA-Approved injectable jawline contouring agent to reduce what is referred to as submental fat, which commonly presents as a double chin. Kybella is injected into the fat under the chin with a very thin needle in a series of treatments spaced about 1 month apart. The treatment is simple, comfortable, requiring no numbing or sedation, and completed in minutes. In clinical trials, 4-6 sessions were used for moderate to severe “double chins”, and fat reduction in treated areas occurred gradually over weeks to months.
Treatment with Kybella is done through a thin-needle injection similar to Botox and is typically without significant discomfort. At Ageless Expressions MedSpa, to maximize patient comfort, lidocaine and ice can be used on the area prior to treatment. Temporary burning, redness, pain, or swelling can occur for 3-4 days.
The targeted destruction of fat by Kybella induces a natural healing response that may result in new collagen formation or neocollagenesis in the treated area. This often results in tightening or retraction of the skin for a more sculpted and defined jawline.
FDA-Approval of Kybella is only for the jawline, or submental area, which is typically what causes the look of a “double chin”. However, expert injectors at Ageless Expressions MedSpa will likely use this product in other focused areas for fat elimination, such as the jowls or armpit areas.
Treatment with Kybella is non-surgical. It is meant for the reduction of excess fat under the jawline. If there is significant skin laxity in an individual, it is likely surgical or other skin tightening procedures such as radiofrequency tightening, will produce either complimentary or more dramatic results. However, unlike surgery, Kybella will be considered a non-invasive procedure, with minimal downtime.
Kybella is an injectable formulation of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorptions of fat. When injected into areas of unwanted fat, Kybella causes the destruction of fat cells.
Kybella is most commonly used for the removal of fat underneath the chin and along the jawline and jowls.
If you have a double chin or other small area of stubborn fat where you want more contour and definition, then consider Kybella a safe alternative to liposuction and surgery.
Typically, Kybella treatment requires 2-4 sessions. Liposuction typically requires 1-2 sessions, but some patients do not like to undergo surgery, or have scars from liposuction. The Kybella treatment does not leave any scars as it is injected through a very small needle.
There is some swelling right after Kybella treatment, which typically is most prominent in the first week and is typically completely resolved in a week. After day 3, most swelling is not noticeable to others, although a scarf or a mock turtleneck can help camouflage. Over the following month, you may feel (but not see) some bump under the skin of the treated area. This firmness signifies Kybella is working to dissolve the fat. Once the fat is dissolved, your body will naturally absorb the fat cells.
The results gained with Kybella are considered long term and the fat will not return once dissolved if the weight of the patient remains stable. FDA studies show maintenance of improvement at 5 years after treatment when patients maintained a stable weight.
Because double chin fat, or any area treated with Kybella is composed of fat cells, with significant weight gain, the fat area can possibly but not always return.
There is little pain during the Kybella procedure. There is a slight burning sensation when the product is administered, we use lidocaine and ice to ensure comfort for our patients. Two to four sessions are recommended with a follow up of 6 – 8 weeks between each treatment.
Kybella is an incredibly quick and easy procedure. Most patients are in and out within 30 minutes.
Every patient is different. We will help you evaluate what areas are bothersome. Most patients need 2-4 sessions spaced 6-8 weeks or more apart.