Get Answers From a Plastic Surgeon
In an era dominated by social media, “selfies” and online meetings, many people have become more aware of their profile. Your facial appearance can be affected by fluctuations in weight, genetics, or simply aging, which decreases the skin’s elasticity and firmness. In the jawline and chin, the result can be “submental fullness,” also known as the double chin.
Kybella, an FDA-approved non-surgical aesthetic treatment is now available. Kevin Day, MD, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with Samaritan, provides answers to some common questions from people who are interested in aesthetic treatment for submental fullness.
What Is Kybella?
Kybella is FDA approved for the treatment of fullness under the chin to improve your profile. It is a permanent solution to stubborn fat. The active ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of fat.
How Does It work?
Kybella destroys fat cells when injected into the fat underneath your chin. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. Your body’s natural metabolism processes the fat cleared from the treatment area.
What Can I Expect?
Kybella injections are performed in-office, and the procedure is quick, around 30 minutes.
The pain is like what people experience with fillers, with some stinging or burning during treatment. These sensations should resolve quickly, but some people experience soreness in the area for a day or two. Swelling, bruising or numbness can also occur, which can last several days to several weeks.
Results are usually achieved within six to eight weeks after treatment.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Most people require more than one treatment, and two or three sessions is typical. It all depends on how much fat you want to get rid of. Your treatment will be tailored to the amount of fat under the chin and your aesthetic goals. Once you achieve the aesthetic effect you are looking for, no further treatment is expected.
Are There Other Options to Consider?
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for Kybella. There are other nonsurgical and surgical options, such as liposuction and a variety of products formulated to help tighten and enhance the skin around the neck, jaw and chin are available. An individual treatment plan can be created for you during a consultation with a plastic surgeon.
Call Samaritan Plastic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery at 541-768-4370 to request a Kybella consultation or submit an online request.