In 2015, the FDA approved Kybella for non-surgically improving the appearance of unwanted fat beneath the chin. The injectable treatment contains deoxycholic acid, a compound responsible for fat metabolism found naturally within the human body. When injected, Kybella works to dissolve and destroy fat cells, and a common added benefit is a tightening effect on the surrounding skin. Today, Kybella is commonly used not only for neck contouring and eliminating a double chin, but for various body sculpting treatments as well, including the dreaded “armpit roll”!
Sometimes a double chin is the result of the aging process, while other times, it is an inherited genetic trait that we probably wish we’d never received. Unfortunately, dieting and exercise do little to contour this difficult-to-reach area.
Luckily, there are several solutions to help do away with frustrating submental fat. The first is a surgical neck lift, but this comes with certain risks and substantial downtime, not to mention scarring. The second option is treatment with Kybella, an injectable that is FDA approved to help reduce stubborn fat pockets beneath the chin.
In addition to reducing a double chin and defining the jawline, Kybella can be used to contour the following areas of the body, including the following:
Kybella injections around the breasts can safely and non-invasively slim and tone small unwanted fatty regions, such as the bra roll, which is typically unreceptive to diet and exercise. Kybella is injected into the fatty tissue, where it works to sustainably emulsify stubborn fat and leave you with a more streamlined breast contour. This treatment works in the same way for the back, inner knees, lower buttocks, and armpits.
“I was nervous venturing into the plastic surgery world with no family members or friends to give personal recommendations. After my initial consultation with Dr. Lee, I felt immediately at ease with her. Her knowledge and professionalism is clearly evident but her friendliness and sense of humor is an added bonus!”
Kybella is made from deoxycholic acid, a compound found naturally in the human body. Deoxycholic acid is responsible for fat metabolism. It destroys the cell membranes of fat cells, eradicating them and flushing them out as waste. When injected into the double chin area, Kybella accomplishes this same goal, delivering a more elegant and refined silhouette as well as a better self-image.
Each patient has a different amount of submental fat and will respond differently to Kybella, so the number of injections is tailored to your specific case. In general, it will take between one and four 30-minute sessions spaced about six weeks apart to see comprehensive improvement.
For 2-3 days, there may be some minor swelling at the injection site. This is normal and will pass quickly.
Results from Kybella are considered to be long-term. The fat will not return as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
With the rise of minimally-invasive treatments such as Kybella, there are many important things to keep in mind when it comes to sifting through all the different providers that may offer this aesthetic service. The more training a provider has, the better equipped they are to administer injectables like Kybella. Choosing a highly experienced board-certified plastic surgeon or nurse practitioner will confirm that your injector is rigorously trained in facial anatomy and well prepared to handle any complications in the unlikely event that something goes wrong!
