Kybella: Goodbye Double Chin

Kybella is a non-surgical, injectable treatment for dissolving fat under the chin (also known as submental fat). It was developed by Allergen, the makers of Botox and Juvéderm. Since its approval by the FDA in 2015, women and men alike have been able to kiss their double chins goodbye and enjoy a more refined profile. It’s not hard to see why Kybella has created such a buzz in the few years it’s been available. It’s the first product of its kind, and in addition to treating fullness under the chin, it’s been successful at getting rid of unwanted pockets of fat in several different areas of the body.

How it works

Kybella is made from deoxycholic acid. It’s a salt found in human bile that aids in the digestion of fat. It breaks down fat cells in the digestive tract by destroying the cell membrane. Kybella is a synthetic version of this stomach acid, meant to be injected into subcutaneous fat. Once the fat cells are dissolved they are cleared into the lymphatic and circulatory systems over the course of several weeks. Kybella is metabolized, broken down, and excreted by the body as waste along with the unwanted fat. Kybella permanently eliminates the fat cells into which it is injected. Provided your weight remains stable, results should be permanent.

It’s important to be sure that the fullness under the chin is actually fat and not merely lax skin. While Kybella is great at destroying fat cells, it can’t do anything about excess or loose skin. Ashley, our nurse practitioner, can assess what is best for you and your concerns.

Generally, about three vials of Kybella are required, though it can vary depending on the amount of fat being treated. Anywhere from two to four treatments are necessary for optimal results. For the average person, a single treatment consists of around 20 injections. (Ashley will give you a local anesthetic and ice to help minimize any discomfort.)

Images courtesy of Allergan

Treatments should be spaced a month apart and all told, it can take three to four months for your final, desired profile to materialize. As fat cells are gradually metabolized by the body following treatment, new collagen also forms, helping to tighten things up a bit.

Kybella has attracted a new group of consumers to the world of aesthetic treatments, with just under half of patients so far citing their Kybella experience as their first time visiting an aesthetic practitioner. Also, many men express that they wouldn’t have otherwise had an interest in cosmetic enhancements but like the idea of being able to sharpen their jawline.

Side Effects

Some swelling is expected after a Kybella treatment and is actually a desirable side effect. The inflammation stimulates collagen which helps improve the skin. (It’s rare that there’s enough swelling for others to notice.) Some patients experience an aching sensation under the chin which can be managed with Tylenol. Usually, ice and an ACE wrap are sufficient, though.

Other common side effects include numbness, bruising, and firmness around the injection sites. All of these potential concerns should resolve within a couple of weeks.  You can resume most normal activities immediately after treatment. You should wait until the swelling goes down to exercise, though, which usually takes two or three days. It’s fine to wash the area, and men are free to resume normal shaving habits.

Call, text, or email Artistik Beauty to book your Kybella consultation today!