Kybella
Improve Your Neck Without Surgery
One of the most prominent, and desirable, hallmarks of youth, is a tight jawline and upper neck. This youthful tight jawline and chin is lost when fat, called submental fullness, accumulates under the chin in the upper neck. Submental fullness, also called a "double chin" occurs in both men and women because of aging, genetics, or weight gain and is often resistant to diet and exercise alone. This causes a thick, heavy appearance, often most noticeable on profile. In the past, the options to improve this area have been limited to surgery and liposuction.
Effective Treatment Reduces Under Chin Fat
But now, the FDA has approved Kybella, an injectable treatment to dissolve neck fat and get rid of the double chin, improving your appearance both from the front and from your profile. A series of small injections destroy the fat cells, giving significant improvement for a double chin without surgery. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat, so after the initial series gives you the desired results, improvement is long-lasting, and typically does not need to be repeated.
How does Kybella work?
Kybella, deoxycholic acid, is identical to a naturally-occurring compound that your body makes to help break down and absorb fat from your food. When injected into the fat under the chin, it dissolves and destroys the fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. The destroyed fat cells and fat are removed through the body's normal processes.
How many treatments do I need?
During each treatment session, multiple small injections are given to allow smooth and even coverage to the entire treatment area. The number of treatment sessions is customized for each patient depending on the amount of fat present and desired results; and varies from one to six, with an average patient receiving 3-5 sessions, 6 weeks apart. Each treatment session takes about 30 minutes.
Does it hurt?
A surface anesthetic may be used (numbing cream applied in our office) prior to treatment to reduce discomfort from the tiny needle stick and slight stinging or pinching sensation from the medication.
What results can I expect with Kybella?
You can expect a better neck contour and profile with a less "heavy" appearance of the area under the chin and upper neck.
How long does it take to see results?
Kybella results are noticeable at four to six weeks. As for side effects, expect swelling and bruising that start to fade within three days of treatment.
How long do results last?
When injected into the fat under your chin, Kybella causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. After the results you want are achieved, retreatment with Kybella is not expected. Since Kybella results last for years, touch-ups shouldn't be needed.
Are there any side effects or downtime?
The most common side effects are temporary swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and small, firm areas around the injection sites. Uncommonly, difficulty swallowing because of swelling can occur. In less than 4% of patients in the FDA studies, injury to a nerve in the jaw caused an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness that eventually resolved in all affected patients.
Who is a good candidate for Kybella injections?
The best candidates are those who have relatively localized deposits of fat under the chin and on the upper neck, but who have good skin elasticity and modest thickening of the muscle "bands" in the neck. Kybella treatment is not meant to treat sagging skin or thickened muscle bands, although with treatment of the fat, minimal to modest improvement in the sagging may be noted in some patients. Dr. Elaine can help you decide if Kybella is right for you.
Anyone who should not have treatments?
You should not have treatment with Kybella if you have an infection in the treatment area, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding. If you have bleeding problems or are taking certain medications that make bleeding more likely, discuss treatment with Dr. Elaine.
What to do before Kybella treatment?
To reduce bruising after Kybella treatment:
- For one week before, and two days after: avoid aspirin, NSAID's (Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, etc.), St. John's Wort, Vitamin E, Multivitamins (if they contain Vitamin E), Fish Oils, Flaxseed Oils, Omega-3 Oils, Gingko, Ginseng, Garlic and Glucosamine to minimize bruising.
- Apply cold compresses as needed for the first 2-3 hours to reduce swelling.
- Bruising may be covered with makeup. The most complete coverage is Dermablend Cover Cream.
What to do after Kybella treatment?
Cool compresses on and off for the first two hours after treatment will reduce swelling and bruising. Sleeping on a couple of pillows for the first 2-3 nights after treatment will reduce swelling.
What to expect during a Kybella treatment?
Treatment takes about 30 minutes for a complete session, including time to numb the skin.
To provide additional comfort, topical numbing cream may be applied to your neck prior to treatment. An inked grid will be applied to the treatment area. Multiple small injections will be performed with a very small needle. You may feel a pinch or stinging sensation during the injection, and some numbness for several hours afterwards. The numbness should slowly resolve.
Non-Invasively Sculpt Your Upper Neck
Safe, effective and non-invasive, Kybella gives you visible results. Call us today at 806-358-1117 or 800-417-SKIN to see how you can improve the appearance of your upper neck and double chin, without surgery.