Kybella®
Overview
Kybella® is a new injectable that was just approved by the FDA in 2015. It is the first FDA-approved injectable medication for “submental fullness” – excessive fatty tissue under the chin that causes mild sagging of the neck.
Kybella works by destroying the excess fat cells under the chin. It is made of deoxycholic acid, which is naturally produced in the body to absorb fat cells. While this is a new product, more than 20 studies have shown its safety and effectiveness. Certain medications are contraindicated, however. If you take anticoagulants or antiplatelets, you are not a candidate for Kybella.
While Kybella is ideal for some patients with a double chin, it is not appropriate for all patients looking for a double chin reduction.
There are three issues that can cause you to dislike the appearance of your neck:
- Submental fullness of the tissue. In this case, the skin and muscle tissue are in good condition, and the double chin is due to excess fatty tissue, which makes the patient a good candidate for Kybella injections.
- Sagging skin. If this is the case, Kybella will not have an effect because it does not treat the skin. If the sagging of the skin is mild, this condition can be treated with non-surgical Ultherapy. If the sagging is moderate to severe, a neck lift will be necessary.
- Loose muscles. Patients with loose neck muscles will see typical “bands” showing vertically. Kybella will have no effect on this condition. If the muscles have loosened as part of the aging process, the only way to correct the condition is with a surgical neck lift.
At Summit Health, our plastic surgeons administer Kybella injections. Only a plastic surgeon has intimate knowledge of the anatomy of the face and neck, based on years of surgical treatment and close experience with surgery on this intricate anatomic area. This allows us to determine whether you are a good candidate, as well as the proper amount of Kybella to inject for an excellent and natural-looking result.
Kybella® Treatment
When you meet with us for your Kybella® consultation, we will have an honest discussion about your desires, expectations, and concerns, as well as the limits and risks of Kybella. We will review your medical history and recommend options that can best help you achieve your goals. We will give you thorough written instructions to prepare for your treatment and will answer any questions you have.
At our Plastic Surgery Center, the patient experience is of primary importance to us. We customize every single procedure we do so that it is tailored to what is best for you and you alone. If Kybella will not provide the result you want, we might recommend Ultherapy or a neck lift.
When you make an appointment for a Kybella consultation, we will discuss non-surgical double chin treatment with you. If you think you might need or be interested in plastic surgery, please let us know when you call so that we can schedule a longer consultation with you to fill you in on all possible options to help you reach your goals for your appearance.
Our plastic surgeons provide Kybella® injections in our office as an outpatient procedure. The needle used is very fine. For this reason, most patients suggest the treatment itself is almost painless. We generally use ice to numb the area a bit prior to the injections, and the treatment takes no more than 30 minutes.
We may inject 1 or 2 vials per sitting depending on the amount of fat to be reduced.
After the injection(s), it takes 6 weeks for the effects to show. We then evaluate you at that 6-week point to determine if you need more injections for the results you want. Most patients receive 2 to 3 treatments, each spaced 6 weeks apart. Each time, 1 or 2 vials of Kybella will typically be used.
There are no restrictions after Kybella. You can go back to work or resume any activities immediately after your treatment.
Expect some swelling and bruising (5 out of 6 patients) during the first week, however, so we advise patients not to plan major work or social activities during that first week. Many patients will hide this side effect by wearing a turtleneck or scarf. Most patients experience soreness for about 2 weeks, although they report that it is tolerable. You can take over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol or Motrin, if you wish, to manage any discomfort.
The fat loss from Kybella injections is permanent. Sagging and aging of skin can continue over time, but the fat destroyed by Kybella is not expected to return. If you gain weight, new fat can develop under the chin. The best way to maintain your results is to keep your weight steady and stay healthy.
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Our Plastic Surgery Specialists
Peter Hyans, MD, FACS
Plastic Surgery
Jain Joseph, MD
Plastic Surgery
Reza Momeni, MD
Plastic Surgery
Daniel Pyo, MD, FACS
Plastic Surgery