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
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