Kybella: A Custom Solution for Your Double Chin & More
Kybella: A Custom Solution for Your Double Chin & More
Do you long for a defined jaw-line? Frustrated by the double chin you inherited from your grandparents? Or maybe you struggle with that under-chin fat you just can’t seem to lose despite a healthy diet and regular exercise? Just a few years ago, you might have been stuck with it, but today, there’s Kybella™.
What is Kybella™?
Manufactured by Allergan, maker of popular injections like Botox™ and Juvederm™, Kybella™ is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment that destroys fat cells in the treatment area under the chin to improve your profile. Men who want a strong, defined jaw-line to improve their profile and slim the face and neck choose Kybella™ treatments. Kybella™ can also be used to treat other areas such as the underarm fat (bat wing), the area of fat underneath the buttocks (banana roll), above the knee, back fat above and below the bra line, and that annoying little area that you can pinch between the armpit and bra strap…..what is this area even called? Chicken wing?? Either way, it is unflattering in a strapless dress and a common area of concern for women.
How does it work?
The active ingredient in Kybella™ is synthetic deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule found in our bodies that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats.
When injected under the chin or into off label areas, Kybella™ destroys fat cells so that these cells can no longer accumulate or store fat. Once a patient achieves their desired profile, no further treatment should be necessary. This is HUGE, the treatment is one of the only treatments that can guarantee a lifetime result. Pretty cool, huh? Patients typically receive two to three treatments of Kybella™, spaced two months apart. The number of treatments depends on the patient’s amount of submental fullness and their aesthetic goals.
One Patient’s Experience
Below we share one patient’s experience with Kybella™, so you can get a better feel for the procedure.
I arrived at Anderson Plastic Surgery and MedSpa at about noon on December 22. Dr. Anderson and his team of nurses greeted me and made sure I was comfortable in the treatment room. After cleaning the area under my chin with alcohol, Dr. Anderson laid a soft adhesive template over my under-chin area to apply a temporary “grid” to mark the injection sites. He then injected Kybella into 32 separate sites under my chin.
Pain from these injections was almost non-existent at first, but increased slightly to a strong stinging within a few minutes. Dr. Anderson finished with all injections in just seven minutes and then cleaned the area again and applied an ice pack, secured by a compression wrap around my head. I was surprised that it only took a few minutes and I was ready to go about my day.
In the first few days after injections, I experienced common side effects like swelling, tenderness and a feeling of fluid in my under-chin area. It was winter, so I was able to cover up with turtlenecks and scarves. To ease the tenderness and swelling, per Dr. Anderson’s recommendation, I iced the area up to four times a day and applied arnica gel morning and night. (Arnica is a wonderful post treatment option that is proven to minimize bruising and swelling.)
Though I did take Advil for the soreness, I was advised not to take too much, or drink alcohol in the first few days, as both are anti-coagulants that can increase bruising. I didn’t see much bruising at all from my injections and swelling minimized after about a week, leaving slight tenderness and numbness in the area. By two weeks, I was beginning to notice a stronger definition in my profile. At the three week mark, my profile looked much slimmer and more defined. Now, I’m thrilled with the results — the mild discomfort and swelling were worth it! I plan on having at least one more treatment, depending on my next follow-up with Dr. Anderson at the two month mark. Take a look at my results after just one treatment:
Downtime & Recovery
Kybella™ treatments should not interfere with regular activity. Strenuous activity and physical exercise should be postponed for a few days following treatment. Although downtime is minimal, there will be a few days of noticeable swelling and possible bruising. The downtime isn’t terribly uncomfortable, it can be rather annoying. Your swelling will typically peak between 20-28 hours after the procedure, but will likely go away within 48 hours or so. Since swelling can be significant (one of the many “perks” of the cost of beauty) it might be a good idea to have your treatment done on a Thursday or Friday, so you can spend the weekend recovering with Netflix. Using ice packs can also help with inflammation and ease any discomfort.
What does it cost?
Kybella™ is often purchased as a package, you will likely need more than one treatment. Most patients require two to four vials of Kybella™ per treatment session to achieve their desired look for a range in cost of $1,000 to $2,000 per session. Since Kybella™ is manufactured with Allergan, Brilliant Distinction coupons can be used for further discounts. You can also accumulate future coupons with each treatment. It’s a win-win situation, discounts and elimination of stubborn fat. Yes please!
Can I Use Kybella™ Anywhere Else?
Absolutely. Kybella™ is safe to treat stubborn areas of fat all over the body. As with most injectables, over time we establish new treatment areas and techniques for even greater results.
Contact Us
Ready to nix your double-chin and other problematic areas of fat for good? Call us at 817-870-4616 today or make an appointment online.