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As you get older, there will inevitably be aspects of your appearance you wish to improve, such as a little extra fat around your chin and jawline. A double chin is one factor that can impact your self-confidence, and it can be hard to hide. If you find yourself looking critically at yourself in the mirror or dreading being in photos, you now have some non-surgical options to evaluate.
At the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, Kybella is one of our most in-demand procedures for creating a slimmer and better-defined jawline without the need for invasive surgery. In this post, we will help explain how Kybella provides its results, so you can decide if it is a good fit for you, your cosmetic goals, and your lifestyle. Keep reading to learn more.
Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved prescription medication designed to address submental fat, which is the medical term for a double chin. Kybella is a unique, minimally-invasive solution that uses a naturally occurring molecule called deoxycholic acid, which helps break down foods in your digestive tract. Kybella contains a highly purified and concentrated form of this acid.
Through a series of injections, Kybella destroys the fat cells under your chin, which causes them to be unable to accumulate or store fat. Kybella can contour the appearance of your chin and neck, making the area less full and minimizing your prominent chin. You will notice results after the first two to four sessions, and provided you are willing to work to maintain stable body weight, your results will be permanent.
The best candidates for Kybella injections are people who are genetically predisposed to have a pocket of submental fat but are otherwise at or near their target body weight. Because this area of the body does not respond well to diet and toning exercises, you may find your double chin doesn’t go away, even if you are otherwise pleased with your efforts to stay at a healthy weight. Younger people with tighter, more resilient skin are also excellent candidates for Kybella injections.
Previously, your only option for getting rid of your double chin was to have liposuction in that area. However, liposuction carries potential complications, including scarring, bleeding, infection, and irregular contours. As a non-surgical, minimally-invasive procedure, Kybella does not have any of these risks.
The most common side effects are temporary bruising, numbness, and swelling at the injection site, which will quickly resolve on their own. Each treatment session with Kybella takes only about 15 to 20 minutes, and you can return to work and other regular daily activities immediately afterward with no restrictions. Your chin may initially look more pronounced after Kybella injections; that’s a sign it has gone to work breaking down your fat cells.
Ultimately, the answer to this question will depend on your aesthetic goals, your current anti-aging concerns, and whether you are willing to commit to a series of treatment sessions. The best way to decide on the treatments that will meet your specific needs and goals is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Desman at Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery to go over the benefits of both procedures and talk through your options. This will allow you to make the most informed decision about whether Kybella is a good choice for addressing your submental fat.
If you live in Northern Virginia, Maryland, or the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, please call us to schedule a consultation, or reach out online.