For those who are looking to get rid of fat that sits stubbornly under the chin, Kybella is a non-surgical treatment that can target the fat beneath the chin, destroying them permanently. Kybella uses a series of deoxycholic acid injections to target the fat cells in this area. Unlike the conventional treatment, this comes with no incisions, and the downtime is minimal in most cases.
What Is The Role of Deoxycholic Acid in Fat Reduction?
Deoxycholic acid is a synthetic version and an active ingredient in Kybella. It naturally occurs in the liver, an organ in the body that is partially responsible for storing and breaking down nutrients. When the body recognizes that it needs these nutrients, the liver secretes deoxycholic acid.
In addition, the acid targets fat cells that carry the nutrients and reduces them into usable components. The immune system also goes into action, cleaning up the remaining pieces of the fat cell.
How Does Kybella Work?
First, the provider will mark between 20 to 50 injection sites under the chin with a marker followed by the application of a topical numbing agent or ice pack to ease any pain or discomfort. Next, a licensed medical professional will use a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid to target the fat cells during the treatment.
As indicated, deoxycholic acid helps the body naturally absorb fat. This acid is a salt found in human bile that improves fat digestion and works within the digestive tract by destroying the fat cell membrane. Once the fat is dissolved, the lymphatic and circulatory systems break down and excrete the excess.
Also, the acid will destroy the existing fat cells beneath the chin once injected. Weeks after the treatment, the body metabolizes the fat cells. In other words, the acid also tells the area it can’t store fat anymore.
Only receive the Kybella treatment from a trained healthcare professional since deoxycholic acid, if not administered properly, might kill other cells during the treatment. In addition, some patients might feel that Kybella injections are painful. So it is best to discuss it with a healthcare provider beforehand if concerned about the pain tolerance, so topical numbing cream such as lidocaine can be applied to minimize any discomfort.
What Are The Preparations For The Kybella Treatment?
Kybella treatment must be done with a licensed professional and can only be done with the right candidate. It’s also best to discuss medical history and any cosmetic procedures that are done on the face, neck, or chin. Inform the healthcare provider about any trouble swallowing or bleeding problems.
For this non-invasive treatment, there is little preparation required for Kybella. In case of a major event, it’s advisable to schedule the procedure well before. The provider may also advise washing the face properly before the appointment so the risk of infection can be reduced and avoiding ibuprofen and acetaminophen to prevent bruising after the treatment.
Who Are Good Candidates Of Kybella?
There are different variables that can cause a person to develop a double chin, such as genes, hormones, and weight gain. However, Kybella’s ideal candidates are adults with moderate to severe fat beneath their chin. These candidates often have submental fat deposits for genetic reasons, not weight-related ones.
Kybella treatment is also not for all, as some people need to avoid or tell the provider in case of:
- Who are pregnant or nursing;
- Have difficulty swallowing;
- Have previously received or plan to have facial surgery;
- Have had cosmetic treatments or plan to have surgery on the face, neck, or chin;
- Those with infection or medical condition near or in the injection area;
- Those with bleeding problems;
- Those who are taking any medications, especially blood thinners.
Also, younger patients are often more ideal for Kybella treatment because they have greater skin elasticity. These patients often don’t have saggy skin under their chin.
Is Kybella A Safe Treatment?
In general, Kybella is a safe treatment. However, it may carry a small risk of nerve damage that may result in a lopsided smile or difficulty swallowing, but this damage is temporary in most cases. Also, it has been approved to only be used in the chin area, and when used “off-label” to different body areas, there may be other risks.
What Are The Possible Side Effects After The Treatment?
Kybella treatment usually takes about 20 minutes, and a practitioner may give you up to 50 injections from the same syringe of Kybella in one treatment. The injections used are generally about 1 centimeter apart. After receiving a Kybella injection, the common side effects are:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Redness
- Temporary numbness at the site of injection
Other side effects include:
- Difficulty swallowing ( dysphagia)
- Skin ulceration
- Temporary nerve injury
- Temporary or permanent beard hair loss
The swelling usually goes away after a few days to a few weeks.
Patients can usually go back to their regular routine after the procedure. Doctors may recommend a compression garment to help with the swelling.
What Is The Recovery Time Of Kybella Treatment?
Unlike a plastic surgery treatment that requires to go under the knife, Kybella is non-surgical and patients can go on with their lives after their treatment. The patient will be asked to come in for 20 minutes and can go home or back to work.
How Many Treatments Are Needed in Kybella?
The number of treatments varies per patient since everyone’s chin profile is different. During the consultation, the provider will help determine the needed treatment sessions according to the amount and distribution of the patient’s submental fat and the treatment goals. Keep in mind that the Kybella treatment session is given at least 1 month apart, and the patient should not receive more than 6 treatments.
How Long Will Results Of Kybella Last?
Kybella permanently destroys the fat cells when injected into the submental fat. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. After reaching the desired aesthetic, further treatment is not expected.
The Bottom Line
About 70% of people bothered by their double chin are now looking for a safe and effective way to treat this condition. Integra Care offers Kybella that helps destroy the membranes of the cells that store fat, resistant to diet and exercise. Once those fat cells are destroyed, they no longer store fat, and the body’s natural healing and elimination processes take over.
