Kybella is the latest innovation in non-surgical facial contouring. This injectable treatment, that is made from a naturally occurring substance your body produces that breaks down fat, can help reduce the appearance of a double chin, giving you a more defined jawline. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about Kybella: how it works, when you should do it, and what you can expect during and after your procedure.
What is Kybella?
Kybella is a non-surgical injectable treatment that can help improve the appearance of a double chin when injected into the submentum area. Off-label we can also treat “jowls”, “bra fat”, and other small pockets of stubborn fat. The active ingredient in Kybella is made from deoxycholic acid, a molecule your body produces in your digestive system that helps break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the submental area (under the chin), Kybella destroys fat cells, resulting in a visible reduction in fullness. Kybella is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for submental fullness. This makes this treatment a great option for those who are not ready for surgery or do not want the downtime associated with surgery.
Who can get Kybella?
Kybella is FDA-approved for adults with submental fullness, which is commonly referred to as a double chin. This fat dissolving treatment can be used on both men and women who are unhappy with the appearance of their double chin. However, Kybella is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What You Can Expect at Your Appointment
During your Kybella treatment, small injections will be placed into the fatty tissue under your chin called your submentum. The active ingredient in Kybella, deoxycholic acid, will then work to break down the fat cells. Once the fat cells are broken down, they are absorbed by the body and eliminated. Kybella treatments typically last about 15-20 minutes. While these injections may sound scary, most patients report only minimal discomfort during their Kybella treatment. The Kybella injections are placed using a very thin needle after we have numbed the area using ice or topical numbing.
Is Downtime Required After Treatment?
Most patients do report swelling and redness after their Kybella treatment, so I suggest you block off some downtime in your schedule to be safe. Everyone deals with discomfort differently, so the amount of downtime depends on the individual. Just to be safe, I would recommend getting your Kybella treatment done on a week you do not have any big social plans. The swelling should resolve completely within 7-14 days, but there are a few ways to reduce and manage swelling post-treatment. Using the ice pack given to you at your appointment and taking an over-the-counter pain medication, like Tyleno, will be most helpful to combat any swelling that occurs.
Results
Results are typically seen within four to six weeks, as it takes time for the targeted fat cells to disappear. Some patients will see a noticeable difference after the first treatment, but most will require two to four treatments for optimal results. The number of Kybella treatments needed will depend on the amount of submental fullness you are starting with.
Kybella is a great option for those who are not interested in surgery or want faster results than those offered by diet and exercise alone. If you’re curious about whether Kybella could be the right solution for you, book an appointment. Our team of experts and I will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.
