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Whether it’s the result of genetics, age, or weight gain, a double chin can be one of the most frustrating facial flaws to have. A double chin can contribute to you looking older or heavier than you really are, and you can develop one even if you are within your target body weight.
A double chin, also called submental fullness, can make your jawline and neck contour look less sharply defined than you’d like them to be. And if you have skin laxity, you may even develop the dreaded jowls or “turkey neck” on top of everything else. Luckily, there is now a revolutionary way to significantly improve the look of submental fullness without surgery. A prescription medication called Kybella is the key.
Since Kybella is a relatively new solution, many of our patients ask us a series of questions about how it works and what they can expect when they get their treatment.
A: Kybella is an FDA-approved treatment for improving the look of a double chin in adults. When you get your treatment, a skilled surgeon such as Dr. Eric Desman administers Kybella through tiny needles. Kybella is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical procedures such as liposuction or a facelift. Kybella creates permanent results with no anesthesia, stitches, or healing time.
A: The active ingredient that makes Kybella so effective is a naturally occurring substance called deoxycholic acid. In your body, deoxycholic acid plays an integral role in breaking down the dietary fat you consume. As an injectable product, it does something very similar, gradually destroying the fat cells under your chin so they will not be able to store or accumulate fat in the future.
A: The best candidates for Kybella are within their ideal weight range, yet are self-conscious about the appearance of a double chin.
A: The FDA approved Kybella for cosmetic use in early 2015, after the product completed a rigorous series of clinical trials to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Currently, Kybella is only federally approved to treat the chin, jawline and neck area.
At Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, we take every precaution to ensure our patients’ maximum comfort and safety throughout the procedure. The most common side effects of Kybella treatment include tenderness, swelling, bruising, and numbness, though these typically subside within a week. You can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication, and we recommend ice packs for swelling.
A: Kybella injections are in-office treatments that typically take 15 to 20 minutes to perform. Since there is no need for downtime after the procedure, you can go back to work immediately afterward if you like. In fact, many of our patients come in for Kybella treatments on their lunch break, since it is so quick.
A: The total number of treatments you will need depends on factors such as your degree of submental fullness and the results you would like to achieve. After we evaluate you, we will recommend a customized treatment plan for you. On average, most of our patients get a series of two to four treatments, spaced about a month apart.
A: The results of Kybella occur gradually as your body flushes out the dead fat cells. You will see continual improvement over the course of several weeks after each treatment. Since the improvements are subtle, Kybella is also an excellent solution for people who want to keep their cosmetic treatments discreet.
A: The results of Kybella are long-term, and your submental fat will not return if you commit to maintaining a stable weight. However, Kybella injections will not prevent the formation of new fat deposits if you gain weight.
If you’re ready to explore more about what Kybella can do for you, reach out to us to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Desman at our state-of-the-art office in Alexandria. We’re looking forward to hearing from you soon!