Although diet and exercise can help with overall weight loss, it’s not always possible to target specific areas we’d like to see reduced. One of those is the double chin. For many clients a double chin causes them to appear heavier and older than they actually are. If you’d like to remove excess fat from under your chin without having to undergo surgery we at Advanced Liposuction Center have a treatment that might be the answer for you: Kybella.
What is Kybella?
Kybella is the first and only FDA approved injectable treatment that removes excess chin fat and contours your natural features to create a younger, slimmer appearance without surgery. Kybella is a synthetic version of a molecule that is naturally occurring in the body: deoxycholic acid. This molecule assists with the breakdown of fat. Kybella is injected into the fat pouch underneath the chin. The deoxycholic acid acts as a detergent, dissolving the fat membranes and allowing the fat cells to turn into waste. Over time, the pouch is eliminated and cells are no longer able to store fat in that area. This results in a permanently smooth, sharp appearance.
Treatment Plans
Most clients require multiple injections to reach their chin appearance goal. Our expert cosmetic surgeons will meet with you to develop a treatment plan that is best for you. Generally, clients need anywhere from 1-6 treatments, spaced about 6 months apart. The injector will clean the area to be injected and apply a local anesthetic to ensure there is no discomfort. Then a series of injections of Kybella will be made underneath the skin to remove the unwanted fat cells. The process takes about an hour.
After the treatment you may be swollen or feel heavy around the treatment area. You may also experience a heated, tingling sensation right after the injection which will last about 15 minutes. These are all normal reactions to Kybella. You may also see a little bruising in the chin area. You should not exercise for 24 hours post treatment and do not massage or compress the injection area.
What Are Some Common And Uncommon Side Effects Of Kybella?
Every surgery carries risks of some side effects, they can appear if you don’t follow recovery tips properly or if your surgeon wasn’t experienced enough.
Kybella has some common and uncommon side effects, common side effects aren’t too serious and can be treated easily but uncommon side effects are serious and need medical treatment immediately.
Here are some common side effects of Kybella:
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Itching
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Bleeding
- Discomfort
- Hardening of the skin
Some serious side effects of Kybella include:
- Serious bruising
- Infection
- Uneven smile
- Weakness in muscles around the face
- Sores
- Difficulties in swallowing or eating
Swelling is dangerous if it causes you sores because these sores can lead to serious infections which are hard to treat if you don’t visit your doctor soon.
Therefore if you see any symptoms of infection like sore or pus oozing out from them then immediately seek medical treatment.
How many sessions of Kybella are typically required to see results?
The number of Kybella sessions required to see results varies based on individual factors such as the amount of submental fat (double chin) and the desired outcome. However, most people need multiple sessions for optimal results. On average, patients undergo two to four Kybella treatments, spaced about one month apart. During a consultation, a healthcare provider can assess your specific needs and recommend a personalized treatment plan tailored to achieve the best results for your situation.
Who is a suitable candidate for Kybella treatment?
Suitable candidates for Kybella treatment are generally adults with moderate to severe submental fat (double chin) who are bothered by the appearance of their chin and neck profile. Good candidates are in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure. It’s important for candidates to understand that Kybella is not a weight loss solution, but rather a treatment for localized fat under the chin.
However, individuals with infections in the treatment area, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding disorders may not be suitable candidates. Pregnant or nursing women are also advised to avoid Kybella treatments. A qualified healthcare provider or cosmetic surgeon can assess your specific situation and determine if Kybella is a suitable option for you during a consultation.
Is Kybella painful, and is anesthesia used during the procedure?
Kybella injections can cause some discomfort, such as a stinging or burning sensation, but the level of pain varies from person to person. To manage discomfort, healthcare providers often use a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, to numb the area before administering Kybella injections. This local anesthesia helps minimize pain during the procedure. Patients may still experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness after the treatment, but these side effects typically subside within a few days to a week.
Results from Kybella are permanent (assuming you maintain your current weight). If you would like to learn more about this procedure, contact our Cranberry Township or one of our other Pittsburgh area offices for a free consultation by calling: 724-683-7581.