KYBELLA®
Submental fullness is a bothersome condition for many men and women. The under-chin pouch can be caused by changes in weight, genetics, or can occur as a result of aging. These days, many patients are opting for minimally invasive procedures to re-define their profile. Struggling with stubborn chin fat can be frustrating and affect your self-image. For some, even losing weight won’t get rid of a double chin or excess neck fat. Fortunately, KYBELLA® is a non-invasive fat removal option, requiring no downtime for even the most troublesome excess chin fat.
Kybella fat removal treatment is a great option for removing stubborn fat in the chin area. Kybella treatment is FDA-approved and non-invasive, so many people prefer it over an invasive surgical procedure that could take much longer to recover from. On the other hand, Kybella is performed during a simple dermatology visit. The procedure involves injecting deoxycholic acid–a substance that naturally occurs in your body–into the area of excess skin fat. This substance helps to break down fat cells, which can improve the look of your jawline and reduce fullness in the chin.
KYBELLA® FAQS
What is KYBELLA®?
Kybella® is the first and only injectable treatment designed to reduce the appearance of a double chin. The Kybella® formula is FDA-approved and works by breaking down the fat cells found under the chin. The product destroys a percentage of the fat cells beneath your chin, which are slowly swept away by your body’s natural processes, offering long-lasting results. It’s the only FDA-approved non-surgical treatment that contours and improves the appearance of moderate to severe submental fullness.
Once Kybella® is injected into your chin area, it goes to work destroying fat cells. Once fat cells are destroyed, they’re processed by your body and then excreted like any other bodily waste. Additionally, Kybella® helps tighten the overall area that is injected, helping create a cleaner, smoother profile. Treatment usually requires several Kybella® injections, spaced several weeks apart.
DOES IT HURT AND WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?
You might feel a sting at the injection site or some tingling. Afterward, you could see some temporary redness, swelling, or bruising, which should fade quickly. Beyond that, the discomfort of a Kybella® treatment is minimal. Your neck and chin area may be marked and then a topical anesthetic is applied to ensure comfort during the treatment. You will be in the treatment room for 20-30 minutes while the topical agent takes effect, but the injection part of the procedure takes only about 10-15 minutes. At each treatment, you will receive multiple small injections under your chin into the fat layer below the skin. The exact number of injections will depend on the amount of fat you have under your chin and your desired profile. After the injection is complete, the area is cleaned and a cold compress is applied to minimize swelling. Patient may continue to apply cold compresses every 2 hours for 15-20 minutes at a time during the first day.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR KYBELLA®?
In a one-on-one consultation with your provider, he or she can assess your unique needs and help you determine if KYBELLA® is right for you. Adults with firm skin and fat below their chin that can be pinched with their fingers are typically good candidates. As this product will not help saggy skin, patients with very lax skin may not be good candidates. We recommend a consultation prior to your treatment to ensure you will achieve success with KYBELLA™
HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO I NEED?
Each patient is different, but patients may receive up to 6 treatments of Kybella spaced at least one month apart. Many people will see noticeable results within 2-4 treatments. Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on your chin profile. Expect to receive multiple small injections under your chin at each appointment, which are spaced at least one month apart. Kybella treatments can be done once every month, so you will likely be able to experience the results you desire in a matter of a few months.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Once you’ve completed your full series of Kybella® injections, you should see the results in approximately four to six weeks. People tend to notice the best results from Kybella a couple of months after their first treatment. Additionally, the best results seem to appear after a person has had at least two treatments with Kybella. Many people will see noticeable results within 2-4 treatments. Each patient is different, but patients may receive up to 6 treatments of Kybella spaced at least one month apart.
IS THERE ANY DOWNTIME?
Kybella® requires no downtime or recovery period. You can go back to your normal activities immediately following your injections. You may have mild redness or swelling following treatment, but this typically fades within a few days. While you may notice results somewhat quickly, it’s important to note that you may experience swelling as the injected solution begins to work on destroying the fat cells. During this time, the skin on your chin could have a reaction to the injection, causing swelling. Most people notice swelling subsides after a few weeks. You will see results from your first treatment, but most people need several treatments to achieve optimal results.
HOW LONG IS THE TREATMENT?
The entire procedure may take as little as 30 minutes to an hour. You will be in the treatment room for 20-30 minutes while the topical agent takes effect, but the injection part of the procedure takes only about 10-15 minutes.
ARE THE RESULTS PERMANENT?
When injected into the fat under your chin, KYBELLA™ causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. Because deoxycholic acid destroys fat cells and prevents them from storing or accumulating more fat, Kybella treatments are considered extremely long-lasting if the weight of the patient remains stable. After the aesthetic response is achieved, retreatment with KYBELLA™ is not expected.
WHAT ARE THE PRE-TREATMENT AND POST-TREATMENT CARE INSTRUCTIONS
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Do NOT consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising)
- Schedule your injection at a time when minor swelling or bruising will not disrupt your social obligations. Each time you are treated, outcomes may vary. Schedule your KYBELLA appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications, if possible for a period of 2 weeks before treatment. Medications and supplements such as aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
- Discontinue Retin-A 2 days before and 2 days after treatment. Do not apply products that are potentially irritating for 2 -3 days before and after treatment (EX: Tretinoin/retin-a, Glycolic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydroquinone)
- You may take Arnica tablets 2-3 days prior to your injection to reduce the risk of bruising
- Reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore or blemish on the area.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Swelling, bruising, tenderness, numbness, and areas of firm nodules may occur.
- Mild/moderate swelling, hardness, tingling, numbness, tenderness, and slight bleeding should resolve on their own. Most swelling will begin to improve by the fifth day following your treatment.
- Do NOT manipulate the treated area for 3-5 hours following treatment. Do not massage treated areas after treament
- Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach for 24 hours post-treatment to prevent dispersing the product. We recommend you sleep elevated on your back and use pillows to stabilize yourself.
- We highly recommend sleeping with your head elevated for 2-3 days to decrease swelling.
- Do NOT perform activities involving straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for 6 hours after treatment.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours to reduce bruising. You may resume other normal activities/routines immediately
- Ice (but avoid firm pressure) for 15 minutes 3 times the day of treatment. You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness/discomfort
- Discontinue Retin-A 2 days before and 2 days after treatment. Do not apply products that are potentially irritating for 2 -3 days before and after treatment (EX: Tretinoin/retin-a, Glycolic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydroquinone)
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Most patients will need 2-3 vials of Kybella® per treatment. Each vial is priced at $700. You may pay anywhere from $700 to $2,100 per treatment session depending on your individual needs.The cost varies, based on the quantity of fat and the number of treatments needed to melt it away. Please see here for more pricing information.
KYBELLA®
HOW DOES KYBELLA® WORK?
The active ingredient in Kybella is called synthetic deoxycholic acid. The natural form of this molecule occurs naturally in the body, aiding in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected beneath the chin, deoxycholic acid attacks the excessive fat cells there. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, decreasing submental fullness in the process. Note that Kybella is only approved for use in the submental area.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR KYBELLA®?
Kybella is approved for patients who are 18 years of age or older and want to improve the appearance of moderate to severe fat below the chin. Adults with firm skin and fat below their chin that can be pinched with their fingers are typically good candidates. As this product will not help saggy skin, patients with very lax skin may not be good candidates. We recommend a consultation prior to your treatment to ensure you will achieve success with KYBELLA™
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM KYBELLA®?
People tend to notice the best results from Kybella a couple of months after their first treatment. Additionally, the best results seem to appear after a person has had at least two treatments with Kybella. Many people will see noticeable results within 2-4 treatments. Each patient is different, but patients may receive up to 6 treatments of Kybella spaced at least one month apart.
There are many benefits to receiving Kybella® treatments at Sona Dermatology, including:
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Gets rid of unwanted submental fat under the chin
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Reduces the appearance of a double chin
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Minimally invasive injectable treatment
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No cutting or scarring required
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No downtime and minimal recovery period
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