What is Kybella?
Kybella is the first and only non-surgical treatment approved by the FDA for contouring and improving the appearance and profile of mild to severe fat below the chin and jawline. This is also known as submental fat or fullness; i.e. a “Double Chin”. Kybella effectively removes excess fat under the chin and neck, leaving a smooth jawline without the necessary recovery time of other treatments like liposuction or neck lift surgery.
Even Khloé Kardashian has partnered up with Allergan to bring people Kybella as an ultimate treatment for double chin!
What is Submental Fullness?
Submental fullness under the chin (often referred to as a double chin) is a common issue that bothers nearly 68% of adults in the U.S. according to a survey conducted by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. A double chin often disrupts facial symmetry and results in an unwanted older and heavier look. Submental fullness affects men and women of all ages and is caused by a variety of issues including weight gain, genetics, and natural aging. It is not limited to individuals who are overweight. Unfortunately, double chins are often extremely resistant to diet and exercise.
How does Kybella work?
Kybella is a synthetic formulation of deoxycholic acid which is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into targeted fat pockets, Kybella causes the rapid destruction of the fat cells by breaking down their cell membrane. The damaged fat cells are then removed from the area and the body by the body’s natural metabolic process. Kybella only targets fat cells; all other cells and tissue remain unaffected.
Not Weightloss Treatment
It is important to note that this process is different from losing weight. When an individual loses weight, the fat cells shrink; leading to a reduction in overall visible volume. However, Kybella permanently destroys the fat cells at the treatment site, thus achieving results that are permanent (unless there is a big change in your lifestyle and dietary habits that cause the remaining fat cells to expand significantly).
Kybella Treatment Procedure
Kybella is administered to the fat under the chin through a series of injections with an ultra-fine needle. Because each person is unique, a custom treatment plan is tailored for each individual patient. The procedure is non-invasive with minimal downtime or recovery required.
Time Duration
Most treatments last between 15 and 20 minutes. Ice can be used to minimize discomfort.
Are multiple treatments required?
Depending on each patient’s characteristics and goals multiple treatments may be necessary. Most patients experience visible results within two to four treatment sessions. Treatment sessions are spaced about a month apart.
Here are pictures of patients after getting Kybella treatment. Dr Deconti did an amazing job and all the patients were extremely satisfied.
Side Effects and Risks
The safety profile of KYBELLA® is well characterized.
Common Side Effects:
The most common side effects are:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
- Numbness
- Redness
- Hardness around the treatment area.
Rare Side Effects:
Rare side effects include:
- Trouble swallowing
- Nerve injury to the marginal mandibular nerve that can cause an uneven smile.
These side effects usually resolve within one month of the injection and are not permanent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Kybella last?
When injected into the fat under your chin, KYBELLA® causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells are gone and cannot store or accumulate fat. Thus, retreatment with KYBELLA® is not expected and the results are considered permanent.
Who is a good candidate for a Kybella treatment?
Kybella is indicated fat under the chin, jawline, and upper neck.
How many people have been treated with Kybella?
KYBELLA® has been the focus of a global clinical development program involving over 20 clinical studies with more than 2,600 patients worldwide.
Contact Us
Dr. DeConti has 24 years of experience and has performed over 100,000 facial injections. As a highly credentialed surgeon with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and training in Craniofacial Surgery, he is an expert in the intimate details of facial muscle anatomy. This knowledge allows Dr. DeConti to perform BOTOX® Cosmetic, Juvederm® XC, Voluma XC, and Kybella injections accurately and effectively for the finest and most optimum results with the least amount of risk.