A “Double chin” is the not-so-endearing name given to a neck with extra “fullness.” This fullness, more professionally classified as submental fullness, affects both men and women of all ages. Submental fullness can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, weight gain and aging.
Unfortunately once it develops, it’s very difficult to get rid of with diet and exercise. Historically, the only option was liposuction surgery, which of course is invasive with possible complications. We now have a non-surgical injectable option, Kybella®.
Kybella is a prescription medicine and is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment to reduce the appearance of submental fat. Deoxycholic acid is the active ingredient in Kybella and is also a molecule found in the body. This molecule helps the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When Kybella is injected into fat under the chin, it disrupts the fat cell’s membrane. The contents of the fat cell are then absorbed back into the body naturally. As with other fat-removal or fat-destroying treatments, once the cells are gone, they can no longer accumulate fat. Once a patient completes treatment, they are not expected to need any more treatments in the future.
Depending on the amount of submental fat someone has, their treatment plan will consists of up to six treatment sessions, spaced at least one month apart. During each treatment, the area under the chin will be carefully marked to ensure the injections are spaced out evenly. Kybella will then be injected at each mark. Marking the area takes up most of the time, while the injections take approximately five minutes. Once completed, the patient can go home immediately without the need for bandages. There is some post-procedure swelling which patients should factor in when deciding the timing of their treatments.
When getting Kybella treatments, it’s important to make sure the dermatologist or plastic surgeon is well-practiced with using Kybella as there is a possibility for side effects. The board-certified dermatologists at Skin Associates of South Florida conducted the FDA approval trials for Kybella alongside Dr. Brandt in our research institute. Therefore we have hands on experience with the product since 2011, and can ensure its safe and effective delivery. Similar to other injectables, the most common side effects are swelling, redness, pain, bruising, numbness and firm areas on the treatment site. Most patients recover from these side effects within just a few days to a week.
If submental fat is something that bothers you, Kybella is definitely worth considering.
For more information and to find out if Kybella is right for you, call us at (305) 443-6606 to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists.
