Are you tired of looking in the mirror at the fat underneath your chin? Does your double-chin fat (submental fat) ever make you feel self-conscious about your appearance? If you answered yes to either of these questions, Kybella, might be right for you. Most people know that trying to lose extra chin fat by dieting and exercise is almost impossible. Now with the availability of Kybella, you can easily rid yourself of that dreaded double chin with only a few treatment sessions. Our experienced physicians have been performing Kybella injections in Austin for
What is Kybella?
Kybella is an injectable medication that is used by your dermatologist to treat the stubborn fat pad under your chin. The active ingredient in Kybella, or deoxycholic acid, is a naturally occurring enzyme in the body. The injection is administered to break-down the fat cells beneath the defined part of the chin and neck area. Prior to Kybella, there were only invasive procedures such as facial neck lift surgery and liposuction to eliminate fat. A 2015 consumer survey done by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), found that 67 percent of individuals are self-conscious when it comes to the excess fat under their chin or neck.
Pros and Cons of Kybella
Pros
- Fat cells under the chin are permanently dissolved (no more double chin)
- Injections can create the appearance of a slimmer face
- Non-surgical procedure (no cutting or invasive surgery)
- Anesthesia is not required (although, there is an option of using a topical numbing medication)
Cons
- Multiple treatments are necessary; usually spaced out about 4-6 weeks apart from each other.
- Kybella is not for everyone and is recommended for people with small pockets of stubborn fat.
- There will be some degree of swelling experienced after the treatment which can last up to a month.
- Younger patients often see better results because of greater skin elasticity. Some people see tighter skin, while others see more sagging skin.
How safe is Kybella?
Kybella was approved by the FDA in 2015, the same year it received the Allure Magazine Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award. As with any medication, some patients may experience side effects. No long-term side effects of using Kybella were found by the FDA, certifying its safety.
Side effects associated with Kybella
- Numbness (can last from 3-6 weeks) sensation returns slowly over time
- Pain (Usually can be controlled with OTC medication)
- Some bruising can occur at the injection sites
- Hair loss (Can occur at injection site, preventing facial hair from growing)
- Damage to the nerve that controls the smile (Usually resolves on its own)
Having a licensed and trained dermatologist perform the treatments usually helps reduce these risks. For a complete list of other side effects associated with Kybella, talk to your dermatologist during your consultation visit.
Who can get Kybella injections?
Are you 18 and over and unsatisfied with the extra fat under your chin? If so, then Kybella might be right for you. The injections used to eliminate the fat are safe for adults who have moderate to severe submental fat under their chin.
Kybella is not recommended for everyone including:
- People ages 18 years and under
- Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
- Individuals who have difficulty swallowing
- People with a history of medical conditions near the neck area
Consultation
Find out if you are the perfect candidate for Kybella treatments by scheduling a consultation with a highly trained dermatologist, today. The dermatologist will sit and discuss what you should expect from your Kybella treatment. During the visit, the fat in your submental area will be evaluated to determine how many treatment sessions are needed. Depending on the severity of your case, you may require additional treatment sessions. Most patients receive between 20 and 30 small injections to the area under the chin at each of their sessions. Upon completion of your consultation, you can schedule a time that is convenient for you to return for your first treatment.
Preparing for Kybella Injections
There is little preparation required for your Kybella treatment sessions. It is advisable to schedule the procedure ahead of, or after any major events.
Clean your face before the appointment to help reduce the risk of infection. Avoid using acetaminophen or ibuprofen before the injection sessions to avoid bruising after treatment. If you have any problems with swallowing or bleeding, it is important to let your dermatologist know before the procedure.
Procedure/Recovery Time
The procedure is quick and less invasive than other approaches used to reduce excess fat that creates a double chin. Patients have the option to receive a topical numbing agent where the injection will be administered. The procedure itself does not take long. In most cases, the average treatment time is 15 to 20 minutes. However, in some cases treatment sessions can extend beyond that. Once the treatment is complete, patients are free to leave and go about their normal routines. It is recommended; however, that the patient avoid strenuous exercising for the first 24 hours. This is in order to minimize increased blood flow to the treatment site, which could lead to additional swelling.
Kybella Frequently Asked Questions
How soon does it take to see results?
Kybella is the first injection of its kind to help reduce double-chin fat. Many patients reported seeing results after only two to four treatments. Results vary and everyone’s experience will not be the same from Kybella.
How much does Kybella cost?
On average, the cost of the treatment is $1,400. Most doctors usually give a ballpark figure of about $600 to $800 a vial. However, it depends upon the severity of the case to how many treatment sessions will be needed.
Will my medical insurance cover the cost of Kybella?
Insurance companies do not cover the cost of Kybella, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
Take the first step toward a new you
If you are interested in learning more about Kybella, or have decided to have the procedure, contact us today to get started and to schedule your consultation.
