In this age of the selfie, patients are asking for ways to improve their appearance when unflattering photos make them feel self-conscious. Often, the presence of a “double chin” is one of the biggest concerns that patients have, and that’s when a newer nonsurgical treatment called Kybella comes into play.
Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved non-invasive treatment of submental fullness, which is the stubborn area of fat beneath the chin most commonly called the double chin. Genetics can cause a double chin, or it may appear or worsen as you get older or if you gain weight.
Patients seek this nonsurgical treatment because they believe their double chin makes them look older or heavier than they actually are. Kybella is a popular treatment as patients previously had to get liposuction or have the fat under their chin removed surgically.
The active ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When Kybella is injected into the fat beneath the chin, it permanently destroys the fat cells, reduces fullness, and improves the chin profile. These fat cells can no longer store or accumulate fat once they are destroyed.
The number of Kybella treatment sessions needed is tailored to each patient. Each treatment is given about one month apart, and you should receive no more than six treatments. Once you reach your aesthetic goal, no further treatment is expected.
The injection process for each treatment takes about 15-20 minutes. The exact number of injections depends on the amount of fat you have under your chin. The procedure risks are minimal as patients experience mild tenderness and a slight temporary burn from the quick injections. After treatment, patients will have some swelling, bruising or numbness under the chin that subsides after a few weeks.
To see if Kybella is right for you and to learn about other non-invasive procedures to improve your appearance and help you achieve your aesthetic goals, call Utah Valley Dermatology at (801) 768-8800 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Myers.
