Submental fullness—more commonly known as double chin—can be the result of genetics, weight gain or aging. Whatever the cause, it is, fundamentally, unsightly excess fat deposits under the chin. While diet is often effective for reducing or eliminating fat in other areas of the body, and exercise can help tone and firm, they are routinely ineffective in eliminating the fat that causes a double chin.
For many years, invasive surgical procedures or liposuction were the only remedy for this condition. Kybella is the first and only non-surgical treatment for eliminating those fat cells and reducing double chin that has been approved by the FDA.
How Does Kybella Work?
The primary ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid. Kybella is a synthetic formulation of deoxycholic acid, a substance found naturally occurring in the body, which is synthesized and then used to break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the site, it targets and destroys fat cell membranes. This will cause the fat to be released into the body and processed naturally. Once the fat cells are destroyed, the body’s own immune system takes over to clean out the dead cells.
There is a caveat, however. Over time, the body’s ability to produce collagen decreases, which decreases the skin’s elasticity. The result is the sagging skin associated with the aging process. Kybella was designed to destroy the fact cells in a double chin, not to enhance collagen production or elasticity – Dr. Kaado offers several skin tightening treatments for this issue. It is imperative that you see an experienced injector, otherwise Kybella can cause sagging skin in the neck.
Once the body’s immune system clears the dead fat cells, sagging skin in the neck may look more pronounced, since there is nothing left to “fill it out.” This, of course, can be remedied with other types of treatments and procedures. However, it is important to understand exactly what Kybella can and cannot do so you are fully informed prior to treatment.
If you have good skin elasticity, Kybella can provide great results. Dr. Kaado will perform a thorough examination to ensure Kybella is right for you.
Dr. Kaado has the experience to estimate the potential for this situation to occur and will discuss your options for handling it, when your treatment program is developed.
What is the course of treatment?
Kybella is delivered in a series of treatments, the number of which depends on the amount of fat in the chin and the desired profile. The entire course of treatment may be as few as two sessions to a maximum of six, given at least a month apart. This gives the body time to thoroughly destroy and remove the dead fat cells from a given treatment. A small majority of patients—59%--received six treatments.
Once the existing fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat so, unless there is weight gain,only one series of treatments would be required.
How long does each treatment take?
The procedure is not terribly painful. However, to increase your comfort, Dr. Kaado will begin by icing and slightly numbing the area, or you can opt to use Pro-Nox. He will then place a grid provided by Kybella over the treatment area to mark it off.
The injections themselves will take less than 5 minutes, but you can expect to be in the office for approximately an hour.
It typically requires 1-2 vials per session, and about 2-4 sessions. This is all dependent on the amount of fat in this area. One month to 6 weeks is the recommended period between treatments. The procedure takes about 15 minutes. Swelling occurs for the first 3 days, but most of the swelling is gone in a week. All swelling is gone by about 3-4 weeks and results are seen at this time.
Why Dr. Kaado?
Dr. Kaado has a preference for cannulas in performing facial enhancements instead of the use of needles. A cannula is a blunt-tipped, thin tube that is used to deliver or remove fluid from the body.
The use of cannulas over needles has positives where:
- You are less likely to accidentally have an artery or vein pierced. As the surgeon inserts the cannula, it will either push these aside or the surgeon will feel resistance, which allows him/her to adjust the direction in which it is moving. Therefore, the use of cannulas is safer than needles.
- You have a faster recovery due to less disturbance caused to the tissue.
- Cannulas release the filler in a fan-like pattern and are generally longer than needles, therefore you have a faster and less painful experience and treatment. You will also have fewer insertions in order to enhance the targeted area, which also means less tissue is disturbed with less swelling and less bruising.
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Is there any downtime after a Kybella treatment?
There is usually some swelling at the injection site that typically lasts about 48 hours but may take as long as several weeks to subside. It is not major, however, and it may not be noticeable to others, even if it does take longer to reduce. That being said, it is wise to schedule treatments before a weekend or other time off, so that you can remain at home in the early stages.
Because the severity of the swelling is frequently proportional to the amount of fat cells to be destroyed, swelling should be less with each subsequent treatment.
Seeing Results
In the first weeks following treatment, you will begin to feel a tightening sensation under the chin—this is the beginning of the body breaking down and removing unwanted fat cells. After approximately one month, the effects of treatment will become visible, with full results evident after approximately three months.
The greater the presence of fat cells at the site, the more KYBELLA® is needed, and often clients come for two or three sessions before they reach optimal results. After each injection, the fat cells that have been exposed to the chemical are gently dissolved and metabolized normally by the body. Over time, you can expect to have a visible and noticeable reduction in your double chin.
Once your KYBELLA® treatments have destroyed the fat cells in the submental area, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat because they are completely gone. Though the effects of KYBELLA® treatments are typically long lasting, you will still want to maintain a healthy, stable weight after the procedure to prevent weight gain in other areas. After reaching your desired aesthetic, further treatment is not expected. If you wish to learn more, contact us today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaado.
What other procedures can be combined with KYBELLA® for the best outcome?
Combining any of our non-invasive treatments with KYBELLA® is a great idea, as KYBELLA® treats a very specific area of the face. Some clients choose BOTOX®, which inhibits muscle movement, meaning less crinkling at the forehead and eye areas. You may also want to consider SculpSure® to reduce fat cells on areas other than your chin and neck. Combining KYBELLA® with SculpSure® will give you a more toned and youthful look overall.
Will I need check-ups and repeated treatments?
Dr. Kaado invites all his patients to schedule check-ups after their treatments to review results and discuss any questions or concerns. For clients receiving KYBELLA® treatments, repeated visits may be necessary to achieve the desired long-term results.
Most common side effects:
After KYBELLA® treatment, you will may experience some swelling, bruising, redness, pain or numbness under your chin. Side effects are usually temporary and often resolve on their own. Be sure to inform Dr. Kaado if you develop an uneven smile, facial muscle weakness, or difficulty swallowing.
Can Kybella be injected in other parts of the body?
Kybella is FDA-approved only for the submental fat, however, Dr. Kaado had used it successfully to contour elbows, knees, and the abdomen. Additionally, he has treated lipomas all over the body, bra fat, buffalo’s hump, thigh fat, armpit fat, chest wall, calves, and ankles.
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* $75 consultation fees for butt augmentation.
If patient decides to go ahead with the treatment, that $75 will be credited towards the procedure. The $75 consultation fee is non-refundable.