Double chin is a common and often unpleasant problem to many as it acts as a hindrance in maintaining facial harmony and is a constant reminder of one’s age and weight. While some people can get rid of double chins through exercise and diet, others have double chins due to genetics. Thanks to Kybella, a popular alternative to surgical methods of getting rid of double chins, such as fat excision and liposuction.
Kybella’s injection consists of a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring substance already found in the body that breaks down dietary fat. The deoxycholic acid in the injection is derived from a non-human, non-animal source and is entirely safe. In 2015, the FDA approved the Kybella procedure, which has become popular among both men and women and is currently the only approved submental fat injectable on the market and should only be used to treat this area.
What Are The Benefits Of Kybella?
Kybella offers the following benefits below:
- Minimally-invasive procedure. It is a less invasive, non-surgical approach to reducing a double chin. In fact, patients can achieve the aesthetic appearance they are looking for with simple injections.
- Quick and easy. The number of injections and the frequency of treatment rely on the patient’s unique needs. The plastic surgeon can determine how many injections are appropriate to achieve the desired results during a consultation.
- A youthful-looking chin. A double chin can sometimes make the person look old, so with Kybella, the jawline is redefined by getting rid of it. Indeed, Kybella will make the patient’s overall appearance look natural and more youthful.
- Minimal downtime. The good thing about Kybella is it offers minimal downtime. After receiving treatment, patients can resume their daily activities. Although there may be some minor side effects, these last for a short time and eventually dissipate.
- Permanent result. Results after the treatment are already visible after a few weeks as the fat cells are broken down. Also, permanent results are promised, and future treatments will no longer be needed. This is because Kybella destroys excess fat cells, which will be gone for good.
What To Expect During The Kybella Treatment?
Before the Kybella procedure, the injection sites beneath the chin will be marked by the provider following a topical anesthetic to ease patients’ discomfort. Keep in mind that the Kybella procedure involves a series of injections. The procedure targets and destroys fat cells beneath the chin at each injection site, gradually improving the areas injected.
The results are not immediate, and it may take up to a month for patients to see complete results as it takes time for Kybella to be metabolized by the body and break down the fat cells. Since Kybella is a non-surgical procedure done during an office appointment, little preparation is needed, but scheduling the treatment well before any significant social events is recommended.
Depending on the patient, several treatment sessions may be required to reach optimal results, and patients can receive up to six treatments, with at least one month between each session.
Who Are Good Candidates For Kybella?
Just about anyone with submental fat can safely get these injections. However, a person can only be qualified as a candidate through a conversation with a trained professional. This is important because the provider who will administer the injections examines the site and understands the medical history. This will allow them to create a personalized treatment plan to produce the best results.
A candidate should be over 18 to get this treatment since the drug’s effectiveness has not been studied in people younger than 18. Of course, patients must delay getting injections if they currently have an injury or infection in the treatment area. Additionally, it would help to tell the provider about any other treatments or surgeries on the chin area to ensure the injections are placed adequately for maximum efficacy.
What Are The Risks And Side Effects Of Kybella?
Kybella’s most common side effects after the injection are the following:
- Bruising
- Numbness
- Swelling
On rare occasions, patients may also experience the following side effects:
- Contouring abnormalities
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nerve injury in your jaw
- Weakness in your facial muscles
As indicated, the patients can return to their daily activities or work after the Kybella treatment. Kybella’s side effects should only be temporary and disappear within a few days. In case they don’t, it is best to contact the cosmetic surgeon for a follow-up.
What Does The Recovery Process Look Like?
Patients describe that the actual Kybella injections don’t hurt much at all. They will only feel a slight pinch on their double chin while simultaneously giving some injections. However, patients describe some “burning” or “itching” pain right after the injection.
This indicates good news since the “double chin” fat cells are melting away. Ice, compression, and other maneuvers are great ways to have less burning and itching in that area. After the injection, patients will see redness on the treated area and may require more follow-up visits to ensure that their Kybella injection went smoothly.
How Many Treatments Are Required?
Before the Kybella procedure, the provider will create a tailored treatment plan based on the chin profile. At each treatment, patients will be given multiple small injections on their chin. Moreover, patients may need up to 6 treatment sessions, spaced at least one month apart, while patients may see visible results in 2 to 4 Kybella treatments. (SunriseEquipment)
Does Kybella Provide A Permanent Result?
In general, the result after the treatment should be permanent as Kybella injections destroy the fat cells that make up the double chin so that patients will have long-term results. However, gaining weight can cause a double chin to return, so it’s advisable to stick to a healthy lifestyle, like diet and exercise, after getting Kybella injections.
The Bottom Line
Before, surgery was the only approved method for diminishing fat cells beneath the chin. As the field evolved and new advanced techniques were discovered for treating fat cells, a new noninvasive procedure called Kybella became the go-to for reducing excessive fat cells beneath the chin. Viva Vitality offers Kybella, the first FDA-approved injectable solution that transforms the flappy chin into a slender chin.
