Kybella: What It Is, How It Works

Kybella By Sheperd Integrative Dermatology in Mt. Plesant, SC

Dealing with a double chin can be incredibly frustrating for many individuals. Whether it’s caused by genetics, weight changes, or aging, submental fullness often remains stubbornly resistant to diet and exercise. Kybella provides a non-surgical remedy for this issue. This FDA-approved injectable treatment specifically targets and reduces fat beneath the chin, enhancing your profile and boosting self-confidence. The procedure involves multiple injections that disrupt fat cells, which are subsequently naturally expelled by the body. This modern approach delivers significant results without the need for invasive surgery or prolonged recovery time, making it an appealing option for those seeking to improve their appearance.

What is Kybella?

A novel injectable therapy called Kybella is designed to minimize submental fullness, commonly referred to as a double chin. The condition can be brought on by a number of things, including aging, heredity, and weight increase. It frequently persists despite diet and exercise efforts. Kybella serves as a non-surgical alternative to more invasive methods like liposuction.

A series of injections into the fat under the chin are required for the treatment. Synthetic deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring product in the body that aids in the disitegration and absorption of dietary fat, is the major ingredient in Kybella. Kybella successfully targets and removes fat cells in the treated area by utilizing this chemical, which also prevents the fat cells from storing or accumulating fat in the future.

For submental fullness, Kybella is the very first and only injectable therapy approved by the FDA, demonstrating its efficacy and safety. Many individuals choose Kybella because it significantly improves their chin profile without the need for surgery or extensive recovery time.

How Kybella Works

When injected into the submental fat beneath the chin, Kybella disrupts the membrane of fat cells. This process, known as cytolysis, causes the fat cells to burst and release their fatty contents.

Once these fat cells are destroyed, the body processes and eliminates the cellular debris and fatty contents through natural metabolic pathways. The fat-clearing process is gradual, taking place over several weeks, during which time the treated area becomes slimmer and more contoured.

The treatment involves multiple small injections, administered in a grid-like pattern to ensure even distribution of the deoxycholic acid. Each treatment session is customized to fit the patient’s unique anatomy and the extent of submental fat. Generally, patients may need several sessions, typically spaced about a month apart, to achieve the best possible results.

The Kybella Treatment Procedure

The Kybella treatment procedure begins with a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider, who will assess the patient’s chin profile and discuss their aesthetic goals. During this consultation, the provider will determine if Kybella is the appropriate treatment and outline a personalized treatment plan, which typically includes multiple sessions.

On the day of the procedure, the treatment area under the chin is cleansed, and a grid-like pattern is marked on the skin to guide the precise injection of Kybella. This marking ensures an even distribution of the deoxycholic acid across the submental fat area.

Before the injections begin, a local anesthetic or ice pack is often applied to minimize discomfort. The provider then uses a fine needle to administer the Kybella injections into the marked areas. The number of injections can vary based on the amount of fat and the desired outcome, but each session usually involves 20 to 50 injections. The entire injection process typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Post-Treatment and Results

Post-treatment, patients can expect some swelling, redness, and possible bruising at the injection sites, which are common and temporary side effects. These symptoms generally subside within a few days to a week. Some patients may also experience numbness or firmness in the treated area, gradually diminishing over time.

The procedure does not require significant downtime, and patients can usually return to normal activities immediately after treatment. However, avoiding strenuous activities for a few days is recommended to reduce the risk of exacerbating any swelling or bruising.

Most patients begin to see visible improvements in their chin profile after two to four treatment sessions spaced at least one month apart. The number of sessions required can vary depending on the individual’s response to the treatment and their aesthetic goals. Each subsequent session typically involves less swelling and discomfort as the treatment progresses.

Benefits of Kybella

  1. Permanent Results: Once the targeted fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat. This means that Kybella’s results are long-lasting, provided the patient maintains a stable weight​.
  2. Improved Self-Confidence: By effectively reducing submental fullness, Kybella can enhance the appearance of the chin and neck, improving self-esteem and confidence in one’s appearance.
  3. Customizable Treatment: The number of injections and treatment sessions can be tailored to each individual’s specific needs and goals, allowing for personalized care and optimal results​.
  4. Minimal Discomfort: The procedure involves minimal discomfort, with local anesthetics or ice packs used to manage pain during the injections. Most side effects, such as swelling and bruising, are temporary and subside quickly​​.
  5. No Scarring: Since Kybella is an injectable treatment, there are no incisions involved, which means there is no risk of scarring, a common concern with surgical procedures.
  6. FDA-Approved: Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment for reducing submental fullness, ensuring its safety and efficacy have been rigorously tested and validated​.

Who is a Good Candidate for Kybella?

Adults over 18 with unresolved fat under the chin that is unresponsive to diet and exercise are the best candidates.

It is also appropriate for people who are in generally good health and do not have any serious medical disorders that would interfere with their ability to move their neck. Patients should be realistic about their expectations and aware that it can take more than one treatment session to get the desired effects.

Kybella is not recommended for individuals with infections in the treatment area, those with significant skin laxity, or those who have had previous surgical or cosmetic procedures in the neck area that could interfere with the treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid Kybella, as its effects on these conditions have not been studied​.

Takeaway

Ready to say goodbye to your double chin and embrace a more defined jawline? At Sheperd Integrative Dermatology, we specialize in personalized, non-surgical treatments like Kybella to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Together, you and our team will create a treatment plan that is specifically suited to your requirements.

Don’t wait any longer to boost your confidence and enhance your profile. Request an appointment with Sheperd Integrative Dermatology today to discover Kybella’s benefits. Transform your look with the expertise and care you deserve. 

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