Treatment options for submental fullness (more commonly known as a “double chin”) used to be pretty limited. If you were bothered by fat under your chin, you could either have liposuction surgery to remove it, or you had to learn to live with it.
But all of that changed in 2015, when the FDA approved a breakthrough drug called Kybella to non-surgically treat unwanted fat under the chin.
In the past few years, Kybella has been incredibly well received, as it offers men and women who feel insecure about their double chins a solution that doesn’t involve anesthesia, incisions or recovery downtime.
Read on as Charles S. Lee, MD, of Enhance® Medical Center explains how Kybella works.
Slims Down a Double Chin without Surgery
Kybella’s active ingredient is a substance called deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that helps break down and absorb dietary fat.
When injected into the chin, it permanently destroys the fat cells. This causes the area to look noticeably slimmer in the weeks and months following treatment. Reducing fat under the chin also helps define the jawline and the transition between the chin and the neck, giving it a more elegant contour.
What to Expect with Kybella
Kybella can be administered during a quick, in-office appointment. You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the appointment.
After cleansing the area, the injector will make multiple small injections under your chin. The amount of Kybella and number of injections needed depends on the amount of fat under the chin as well as the results you hope to achieve. The entire injection process should take no longer than 15 to 20 minutes.
Usually a series of treatments is needed to see optimal results. The number of treatments you will need depends on the amount and distribution of the fat under your chin and your treatment goals. Each treatment will be spaced about a month apart.
Kybella aftereffects can include mild swelling, bruising and numbness in the area underneath the chin. Serious side effects, such as trouble swallowing and nerve injury in the jaw, are very rare.
For more information about getting rid of a double chin with Kybella, please schedule an appointment at Enhance® Medical Center. We look forward to helping you!
