KYBELLA® is a safe, in-office injectable treatment that permanently removes fat under the chin. It is composed of deoxycholic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in your body. During a 30-minute appointment, targeted KYBELLA® injections are performed in areas with unwanted fat and fullness. It is a procedure that has mild, tolerable discomfort, which typically lasts ten minutes after treatment. Downtime is related to swelling, and patients can resume most activities the day after treatment.
Treatments are performed once every 4 to 6 weeks. The number of treatments varies based on each patient’s needs and goals.
Who is a good candidate for KYBELLA®?
- “Double-chin” due to fat under the chin
- Heavy neck or loss of jawline definition due to fat under the chin
- Good skin elasticity (KYBELLA® does not remove excess skin)
- 18 years or older
KYBELLA® vs. Neck Lift Surgery
It is important to note that KYBELLA® may be an ideal option for patients who are experiencing signs of a double chin due to excess fat, but it will not be effective if the concern is due to excess skin. During the consultation, the area will be thoroughly examined to determine the primary source of the aesthetic concern. If an accumulation of excess fat cells is identified as what’s causing the issue, KYBELLA® may be recommended as a suitable treatment option, depending on the severity of the condition.
How Is the KYBELLA® Procedure Performed?
KYBELLA® treatment is performed in-office and can be customized based on the patient’s specific needs and cosmetic goals. During the procedure, KYBELLA® is carefully administered via injections into targeted fat underneath the chin. To minimize discomfort, we use a device that blows cold air on the area. This makes the procedure very tolerable. The entire treatment takes 10 minutes to complete, depending on how many injections are needed. KYBELLA® treatments are spaced at least one month apart and multiple treatments may be required to achieve optimal outcomes, though retreatment is not typically expected once desired results have been attained.
KYBELLA® has several advantages over other methods of fat removal under the chin. These include: 1) does not require anesthesia; 2) no activity restrictions the day after treatment; 3) fat is permanently and evenly removed; 4) results are gradual, allowing patients to control the degree of fat reduction.
What can I expect during recovery from KYBELLA® treatment?
Immediately following KYBELLA® treatment, patients report 10 minutes of mild burning discomfort. This quickly subsides and patients report fullness in the area for the next several days. Swelling always occurs (see next section), but it does not require patients to stay home or miss school or work.
Are there side effects from KYBELLA®?
Patients report swelling as the number one side effect following KYBELLA® injection. Swelling depends on how much KYBELLA® is injected during the treatment, but is typically most noticeable for one week after injection. The first treatment creates the most swelling, and each subsequent treatment generates less swelling. Many patients can camouflage swelling with clothing. While annoying, swelling does not typically deter patients from completing the treatment course of KYBELLA®. Bruising sometimes occurs and can be camouflaged with makeup.
How long do KYBELLA® results last?
KYBELLA® permanently dissolves fat. However, no fat reduction technique removes 100% of fatty tissue. The results of KYBELLA® injections can last decades into the future as long as patients are able to minimize weight fluctuations and maintain a healthy diet over time.
If you are interested in KYBELLA® and would like to schedule a virtual consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We will be happy to answer all of your questions and help you determine if this is the right treatment for your unique needs and goals.p