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Kybella: The Double Chin Fix You’ve Been Looking For!7 min read

neck rejuvenation is possible with liposuction, kybella, neck lift or coolsculpting
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Everyone loves a pudgy baby with a cute double chin. Those extra fat rolls make us want to pinch a baby’s cheeks and coo over their preciousness. 

But then we look in the mirror and see a similar bulge peeking out from under our chin. This time, our reaction isn’t quite so fond. 

Double chins appear due to a little fat pocket seemingly impossible to get rid of. But thanks to a fantastic treatment called Kybella, you will get rid of your double chin for good without surgery or a long recovery time!

Where Does the Double Chin Come From?

Everyone has fat cells in the body—which is a good thing! You need a certain amount of fat cells for your body to function correctly. 

But sometimes, our bodies store fat in areas we wish it wouldn’t. 

Extra fat may appear under chins for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, it’s due to weight loss or aging. Other times, it’s just genetics (thanks, Mom and Dad!).

While double chins—or submental fullness, by its fancier name—is a natural aspect of our body’s fat distribution, many find it aesthetically displeasing. 

Fortunately, innovations like Kybella provide targeted solutions to address this issue, offering a refined, more contoured chin profile!

Kybella: Your Double Chin Solution!

Kybella is a fat-reducing injection gaining popularity for defining the chin profile. This non-surgical treatment uses deoxycholic acid, which works to absorb any fat the body doesn’t need.

During a Kybella treatment, a trained medical professional injects this acid into your chin area. Once injected, the product starts dissolving and absorbing the unwanted fat. 

Kybella requires a series of treatments. However, once complete, patients typically experience a 10-20% fat reduction in the treated area!

KYBELLA Before and After Chin Sculpting

Who is the Ideal Kybella Candidate?

Does your double chin make you feel self-conscious? You don’t need to live with that! Anyone over 18 bothered by the excess fat under their chin can consider Kybella.

Many of our Aesthetica patients choose this treatment over liposuction for their double chin reduction!  

Pregnant or nursing women should avoid Kybella. And you also shouldn’t have this treatment if you’ve had facial surgery.

What is the Best Age to Get Kybella?

While anyone over 18 can opt for it, Kybella is best suited for patients with optimal skin elasticity. This ensures that the skin will adapt well after the underlying fat is reduced. Most patients in their late 20s to early 50s see optimal Kybella results!

3 Advantages of Kybella Over Surgery

  • Short Procedure Time: A typical Kybella session takes at most an hour.
  • Minimal Downtime: Many patients resume their daily activities almost immediately.
  • Administered in a Clinic: There is no need for hospital visits; Kybella can be administered in a cosmetic clinic, making the entire process more comfortable.
beautiful young woman face over blue background

Is Kybella Good for Jowls?

Regarding jowls—those saggy parts on the lower face—Kybella might help reduce the fat contributing to the sagging. 

However, jowls are also caused by factors other than just fat, like loose skin or reduced muscle tone. 

While Kybella plays a solid role in improving the jowl appearance, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The Kybella Experience: A Step-by-Step Journey From Consultation to Recovery

The Consultation

  • Understanding Your Needs: The Kybella journey begins with a comprehensive consultation, ensuring the treatment aligns with your aesthetic goals.
  • Deep Dive Into Your Medical History: Dr. Chang will ask detailed questions about your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle. This step is crucial to gauge any potential risks or contraindications.
  • Eligibility Concerns: Pregnancy, nursing, or specific medical conditions might deem you ineligible for Kybella.

Preparation

  • Face Cleansing:  Wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser to remove impurities.
  • Skin Care Routines: On the day of your treatment, it’s best to avoid applying lotions, moisturizers, or any skincare products to ensure the treatment area remains uncontaminated.
  • Avoiding Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers increase the risk of bruising. Abstaining from them at least a day before your procedure is recommended.

The Procedure

  • Setting Expectations: While receiving multiple injections might sound daunting, Kybella is tailored for patient comfort. Expect around 20-30 injections during your first session.
  • Comfort Measures: A numbing agent will be applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort. However, a slight burning sensation post-injection is a typical outcome.
  • Time Frame: From prepping your skin to post-injection care, the entire procedure is streamlined to ensure efficiency. You’ll be in and out of the clinic within an hour!

Recovery

  • Immediate Aftercare: The treatment area might appear swollen and sore after the procedure. This is a typical response indicating the active ingredients are working on the fat cells!
  • Post-Procedure Precautions: Avoid alcohol and painkillers for the first 48 hours after the procedure. Applying ice will alleviate the pain and inflammation.
  • Monitoring for Side Effects: Swelling, pain, and slight numbness are standard post-procedural side effects. You must contact your provider promptly if you experience excessive numbness, trouble swallowing, or other unusual symptoms.

How Long Does Kybella Last?

Most patients notice a 20-30% fat reduction in the treated area after their Kybella sessions. 

Results are typically long-lasting, with many of our patients enjoying them for several years. Maintenance treatments may be necessary based on individual goals.

How Many Kybella Treatment Sessions Will I Need?

The total number of Kybella treatments depends on the patient. 

Some require around 2 treatment sessions, while others require 3 or more. 

Kybella treatments are typically spaced one month apart (to give them time to work!) and are limited to 6 total treatments.

Kybella Treatment Results

You will see your Kybella injection results in 4-6 weeks after the first treatment. After the final treatment session, you’ll notice a 10-20% reduction in submental fat. 

Kybella treatments are long-lasting! As the deoxycholic acid destroys the fat, it also keeps other fat from storing. 

Once fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good! 

We recommend you exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet to maintain your results and keep new fat cells at bay.

Kybella Safety Concerns

As with any cosmetic procedure, Kybella does come with a few risks. 

Currently, it is not approved for use on any other area of the body than the chin. You must also be 18 years or older to receive the treatment. 

The injections sometimes look lumpy and affect the lower lip’s motor nerve.

Because any procedure, including Kybella, has potential side effects, receiving treatment from a trained and reputable medical professional is essential.

Ready to Say "Goodbye" to Your Double Chin?

Meet us at 19500 Sandridge Way, Suite 350, Leesburg, VA 20176, or call us at (703) 574-4342 for a complimentary consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Phillip Chang before moving forward with your procedure. If everything matches up, our team will help you navigate the entire process from beginning to end. Also, remember to check out our blog and social media for more information on cosmetic surgery trends!

References

  1. “About Submental Fullness – What Causes Double Chin?: KYBELLA®.” KYBELLA, www.mykybella.com/what-causes-submental-fullness. Accessed 6 Oct. 2023.
  2. “Drug Trials Snapshots: Kybella.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-trials-snapshots-kybella. Accessed 6 Oct. 2023.
  3. “Everything You Need to Know before Your Kybella Treatment.” Refresh Medical Spa, 7 Dec. 2022, refreshhealthspa.com/everything-you-need-to-know-before-your-kybella-treatment. Accessed 6 Oct. 2023.
  4. “FAQs: KYBELLA®.” KYBELLA, www.mykybella.com/frequently-asked-questions. Accessed 6 Oct. 2023.
  5. “Fat Dissolving Treatments in Arlington: The Definitive Guide to Kybella.” Elite Body Contouring in Northern Virginia | Ultra Body Sculpt, 16 Jan. 2023, ultrabodysculpt.com/kybella-fat-dissolving-treatments-arlington. Accessed 6 Oct. 2023.
  6. “What Age Is Best for Kybella?” Blog, 6 Feb. 2023, www.allureesthetic.com/blog/what-age-is-best-for-kybella/. Accessed 6 Oct. 2023.

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