A double chin is a cosmetic concern for many adults today, almost as much as those fine lines and facial wrinkles that begin to make an appearance all too soon. Now, there is an injectable treatment that effectively melts away fat that accumulates under the chin, giving you a more defined, youthful jawline. Kybella has been approved by the FDA for treating submental fat under the chin and is now available at Ocean Plastic Surgery.

What You Need to Know about Submental Fat

Submental fat develops underneath the chin and impacts the contour of the jawline. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) found that more than two-thirds of men and women are concerned about this type of fat. In fact, adults tend to be just as troubled by submental fat as they are about facial lines. There are many factors that might contribute to the formation of submental fat, including:

  • Age
  • Genetics
  • Skin laxity
  • Weight gain

No matter what the cause might be of the submental fat, it is not usually responsive to diet and exercise efforts. Even if you shed excess pounds, submental fat may remain, making you look heavier and older than you are. The only way to get rid of this double chin appearance is with cosmetic procedures that pinpoint the submental fat and get rid of it for good.

The Kybella Solution

Kybella is one of the newest ways to eliminate submental fat with minimally-invasive injectable treatments. The active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid, a synthetic version of a substance that is naturally produced by the body. Naturally-occurring deoxycholic acid aids in the breakdown of fat for easier absorption by the intestines. The synthetic version works in a similar manner, destroying fat cells underneath the chin so they can be eliminated by natural body processes.

The Kybella Difference

Clinical trials for Kybella have shown promising results. According to the product website, Phase III clinical trials showed 68.2 percent of patients treated with Kybella saw a significant improvement in their double chin. Nearly 80 percent reported satisfaction in the appearance of their chin and jawline after undergoing Kybella treatments. The trials found that most patients required multiple treatment sessions of Kybella to achieve full results, which were spaced approximately one month apart during these studies.

Candidates for Kybella

The best candidates for Kybella are men and women that are unhappy with the appearance of a double chin. Kybella is not approved for use on isolated fat deposits anywhere else on the body. The procedure may not be recommended for patients that smoke, take steroids or are pregnant. Poor skin quality is another consideration prior to undergoing the procedure.

Kybella injections do not address skin laxity, so if loose skin is a concern for you, a surgical lift procedure may be a better option. Dr. Small will take a complete medical history and talk to you about your aesthetic goals prior to your Kybella treatments to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Procedure Details

Kybella injections are performed in our office on an outpatient basis and typically take 15-20 minutes to complete. Multiple injections will be administered at each treatment session to ensure an even result. Patients may request a topical numbing cream prior to the procedure to ensure comfort during treatment.

After the Kybella injections are completed, you may return to your regular activities right away. You may experience some bruising, swelling or redness in the treatment area, which usually subsides on its own within a couple of days. There is little, if any, discomfort to expect after your Kybella treatment.

Results for Keeps

The results of Kybella will not be seen right away. Most patients will begin to see changes in the weeks following the procedure as the treated fat cells are eliminated by the body. The jawline will have enhanced definition and the appearance of the double chin will slowly improve.

Patients may need up to six Kybella treatment sessions to reach full results. Once those results are achieved, they will be long-lasting since the fat cells that are treated are completely destroyed and eliminated. However, over time you may notice the double chin reforming. This is often due to skin laxity rather than fat accumulation. A surgical procedure can remove the excess skin and help you maintain the positive results of your Kybella treatment.

Not Just for Women

Like other popular cosmetic procedures today, Kybella treatments are not limited to female patients. In fact, a report in the New York Post last year found that men may make up as many as 40 percent of the Kybella patients in some plastic surgery offices. In addition to the cosmetic benefits of Kybella, some men are finding that the elimination of the double chin allows them to wear shirts and ties more comfortably.

Other Options in Double Chin Treatment

While Kybella is quickly becoming one of the top treatments for a double chin, it is not the only option available at Ocean Plastic Surgery. Some patients may find that liposuction is a better choice, because this procedure can treat the neck as well as the jawline to create a smoother contour and transition between the neck and face. Others with significant skin loosening may determine a surgical lift that removes excess skin and firms up the jawline might be a better choice.

Because there are many options for treating a double chin, it is important to see an experienced plastic surgeon that can help you determine the procedure that will meet your needs best. While Kybella is a relatively safe procedure, it does carry some serious risks that underscore the importance of choosing a physician that is experienced in the Kybella procedure as well. While the medication is effective, the proper administration of the medication will make all the difference in the specific results you enjoy.

Kybella is taking the cosmetic world by storm and it is now available for our New Jersey patients at Ocean Plastic Surgery. To learn more about the treatment or find out if Kybella is the right choice for you, contact Ocean Plastic Surgery at (732) 255-7155.