Kybella Injections to Help Reduce Under-chin Fat
For many of us, no amount of diet or exercise can eliminate that stubborn fat under the chin. Whether it be genetics or aging, the dreaded ‘double chin’ is tough to get rid of. For a long time, the only option to reduce it was liposuction. While still a good option for some patients, it is important to remember that liposuction carries the risks associated with surgery, as well as requiring downtime for the recovery. If surgery is not for you, William Franckle, MD, FACS offers Kybella injections, a non-surgical procedure to eliminate fat that collects under the chin, which can assist in giving you a stronger profile and renewed confidence.
A Non-invasive Solution to Reduce Chin Fat
Kybella is the only injectable treatment FDA-approved to specifically target submental fullness (more commonly referred to as the “double chin”). Kybella is made of deoxycholic acid, a natural substance found in stomach bile that breaks down fat. Each Kybella treatment consists of injections at specifically selected areas underneath the chin to eliminate the fat cells. Most patients require multiple treatments, generally two to four, to see maximum results.
Is Kybella Right for You?
Kybella is suitable for most patients seeking a way to get rid of a double chin without surgery. Stubborn fat collecting under the chin can occur due to age, genetics, poor diet, or all of the above. A number of factors can impact if a patient is or is not a candidate for Kybella, such as the size of the fat deposits, overall health, and medical history. Dr. Franckle meets with each patient to determine if Kybella would be right for them, which includes a medical examination to help determine the health risks involved for the patient, as Kybella can rarely have side effects such as trouble swallowing and nerve damage. In addition, he outlines the patient’s goals to set the parameters of the overall number of injections and sessions.
What to Expect
Each Kybella session takes 15 to 20 minutes, focusing on small injections underneath the chin. The number of injections in each treatment session will depend on Dr. Franckle’s recommendations and the ultimate desires of the patient. Patients may experience numbness, jaw soreness, swelling and bruising around the injection sites for several days after the procedure. Most patients need multiple appointments to achieve their desired level of contouring, and a patient may receive up to six treatments. Most treatments are performed between four to six weeks apart. Since Kybella doesn’t involve surgery, it can usually be done with little interruption to the patient’s daily routine, and it comes with minimalized risks.
How Does Kybella Work?
The deoxycholic acid in Kybella uses digestive enzymes to break down fat. This substance occurs naturally in the body and is used to dissolve dietary fat. During a Kybella treatment, the precise injections of deoxycholic acid allow it to destroy fat cells found underneath the chin. Kybella often requires multiple treatments to eliminate a higher number of fat cells. Most Kybella recipients begin to notice results two or three weeks after each treatment. Once the fat cells underneath the chin are removed, they typically are gone for good.
Cost
The price of Kybella can vary, but each treatment generally costs $1,200 to $1,800. The number of treatments that a patient receives will depend on the extent of double chin reduction that they desire. While Kybella is generally not covered by insurance, Dr. Franckle offers several financing options, such as CreditCare and Prosper Healthcare Lending.
How to Prepare
During your consultation, Dr. Franckle will ask several questions to determine your goals and whether Kybella is your best option for reducing submental fullness. For some patients, liposuction is still the best solution for their body. During your consultation, you should mention any existing medical conditions, if you’re taking any medications, and what (if any) previous cosmetic treatments you have had.
FAQ's
Browse our list of frequently asked questions about Kybella treatment to reduce submental fullness.
Kybella is the only FDA-approved injection to help combat submental fullness, known colloquially as the “double chin.” The main factor used to eradicate fat is synthetic deoxycholic acid, which is a molecule that naturally occurs in the body. This molecule is instrumental in aiding in the breakdown of fatty cells. Once destroyed, these cells are no longer capable of absorbing and storing fat, meaning that once the timeline of injections is complete, the patient should be set for life.
Kybella is FDA-approved and considered to be safe and effective, and does not require the recovery time that surgical interventions require. However, it can result in some side effects. Patients most often experience swelling and/or bruising at the injection site, facial muscle weakness, numbness, and trouble swallowing. These symptoms usually subside after a few days to a few weeks. Rarely, patients may experience nerve damage that may cause slackened muscles along the jawline, but this condition can heal over the course of a few months.
Kybella treatment can offer permanent results. The deoxycholic acid causes the destruction of fat cells, and once those fat cells are eliminated, they almost never return.
If you have any other questions about non-surgical Kybella treatment, contact William Franckle, MD, FACS at 856.772.6500.
