A double chin is a common issue that can bother both men and women due to weight gain, genetics, or aging. Known as submental fat, when excess fat accumulates under the chin, it can create the look of a double chin and detract from a once-sharp jawline and profile. If you wish to improve your chin without surgery, Kybella can permanently eliminate the fat to enhance your face and appearance, leaving you feeling more confident. Understanding how Kybella treatments work can help you achieve a more sculpted jawline is key to making an informed decision about this treatment.
What is Kybella?
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that became available to consumers in 2015. The non-surgical solution permanently eliminates fat underneath the chin, giving way to a more defined chin and jawline while improving the profile without incisions or scars.
An alternative to liposuction and other fat-reduction treatments, Kybella injections work without the need for anesthesia to kill stubborn fat cells underneath the chin. With Kybella, there’s no need to take time off from your normal schedule, so after a treatment, you can resume your normal activities.
Kybella relies upon deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the gall bladder. Deoxycholic acid is known to break down and absorb dietary fat, so injecting Kybella into a double chin allows the body to metabolize and shrink the area. A typical Kybella treatment takes 15 to 20 minutes, but repeat injections (about two to three treatment sessions, on average) are needed to achieve optimal results, which usually surface after about three months. While the treatment improves the appearance of a double chin, it can also treat bothersome jowls.
The treatment works best for those with moderate to severe amounts of pinchable fat under the chin, whether the fat is genetic or weight-related. Kybella works extremely well in younger patients since the skin is more elastic, and there’s less saggy skin under the chin and along the jawline.
At Serenity Wellness & Aesthetics, we use Kybella treatments in San Francisco, CA, and Burlingame, CA to improve the look of a double chin and the profile when bothersome fat exists. Kybella allows our patients to achieve a more chiseled jawline and neck without resorting to more invasive procedures like liposuction.
How Kybella Works
Kybella is currently only FDA-approved for treating fat under the chin. The active ingredient in Kybella is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring bile acid in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into fat beneath the chin, Kybella works to destroy fat cells in the area for reduced fullness under the chin. Once the fat cells die, your lymphatic and circulatory systems will break down and excrete what’s left. It will not regenerate or accumulate fat, helping you reach your goals. With less fat under the chin, the size of the treated area reduces, and there is a noticeable improvement in the jawline, double chin, and profile.
Target Areas with Kybella
Currently, the only FDA-approved treatment area is the area under the chin, where it is used to help give a debulking and slimming effect.
Kybella injections effectively eliminate excess fat in the chin to treat a turkey waddle or double chin. However, the skin quality under the chin should be assessed pre-treatment since fat loss can cause the skin to sag.
Multiple sessions are necessary to see the results, which typically don’t transpire for three to six months.
What to Expect During a Kybella Session
Kybella injections are fast and straightforward, making them an easy treatment to eliminate unwanted fat. Before you start a series of Kybella injections, it is essential to review your medical history with our team and be honest about any cosmetic procedures you’ve done to your face, chin, or neck.
Each injection site will be first marked using a special grid that wipes away after the injections are complete. While most people don’t require a topical numbing cream, we can apply it if needed to make the entire process more comfortable. Next, we will inject Kybella under the chin. Individual injections can be used, or one special syringe with several injection points can deliver Kybella at once under the skin. The number of treatments you need will vary depending on your goals and the amount of fat in the area.
Immediately after the injections, which take about 15 to 20 minutes, the skin will be red, swollen, and puffy. Icing the area and applying an arnica ointment immediately after the treatment will help minimize swelling and bruising. While you can resume your normal activities after the appointment, there will be a good degree of swelling and some numbness in the area, which will persist for about three to seven days.
Most patients need two to four injection sessions, but that number largely depends on your skin’s elasticity and the amount of fat in the area. As a byproduct of the fat elimination, the skin may contract slightly over time, causing a slight tightening effect.
The Results: When You’ll See Changes
Kybella does not show immediate results, and patience is key with the treatment. Since it takes time for your body to usher out the dead fat cells, it can take a few months for the full results to be noticeable. Also, temporary swelling in the treated area can make it difficult to see the changes.
Some people notice slight improvement after just one session of Kybella, but most do not see their desired results until after two to four treatments, if not more. Kybella may need to be coupled with other cosmetic procedures to create optimal results for a sculpted chin and jaw.
Kybella vs. Other Fat-Reducing Solutions
Although there are several fat-reducing devices on the market, Kybella can spot treat unwanted fat under the chin, which not all technologies are able to do. Compared to other fat-reducing treatments, Kybella does not rely on extreme cold or heat to break up fat cells, nor does it have the risk of nerve damage, damage to the skin, or the return of targeted fat cells.
FAQs
How many Kybella sessions are typically needed to see results?
Since everyone is different, the exact number of treatment sessions varies from patient to patient. During your consultation, we will discuss how many treatment sessions you need based on the amount of fat under the chin and your goals. We recommend injections every four weeks.
How long will the results last?
Kybella provides permanent results since the treated fat is destroyed and removed from the body through its natural detoxification systems. However, aging will continue, and there may be some changes to the chin and jawline over time.
Will I need to recover after Kybella?
After each treatment session, swelling, bruising, and numbness will occur under the chin and along the jawline. You won’t need to take time off from work or your daily routines, but some people take it easy and camouflage any swelling until it subsides after about one week.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with Kybella?
Like all elective procedures, there are potential risks and side effects. The most common side effects include swelling, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness in the treatment area.
Start Your Kybella Journey Today!
At Serenity Wellness & Aesthetics, you can begin transforming your profile and jawline for a more youthful appearance and embrace your newfound sense of confidence. Connect with us today to discuss your aesthetic goals and learn how our customized Kybella treatment plans can make your vision a reality.
Book your consultation now and take the first step towards lasting beauty and wellness.
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