The Definitive Guide to Kybella®: Say Goodbye to Double Chin the Non-Invasive Way

Having a double chin can be a source of self-consciousness for many individuals. While weight loss has many health benefits, reducing the amount of food we eat or exercising is not always sufficient to address stubborn chin fat. This is where innovative treatments like Kybella® can help.

WHAT IS KYBELLA®?

Kybella® is a non-invasive injectable treatment approved by the FDA that provides a focused and dependable approach to reducing chin fat and helping you achieve the appearance you desire.

Choosing Kybella® means choosing a safe and proven solution. It has undergone rigorous testing and met the high standards set by the Food and Drug Administration, ensuring both its effectiveness and safety.

Kybella® improves the appearance of submental fat or “double chin” by destroying fat cells. It is a man-made form of an enzyme called deoxycholic acid, which is found in our stomach and aids in the absorption and digestion of fat.

This advanced treatment specifically targets the underlying fat cells beneath the chin, gradually eliminating them and revealing a more contoured and defined jawline. With Kybella®, you can finally say goodbye to the discomfort and insecurities associated with excess chin fat and embrace the best version of yourself.

Kybella® is a form of mesotherapy, the general term for a minimally invasive treatment that rejuvenates skin and removes excess fat.

Undergoing the treatment at House of Beauty Medical Spa means making an informed decision about your well-being, guided by medical advancements and personalized care from our trained professionals.

WHAT IS SUBMENTAL FAT OR DOUBLE CHIN?

While Kybella® is a fairly recent advancement, cosmetic concerns with submental fat have been around for a long time. If you’re not happy about having a round or double chin, you’re not alone. For many individuals, having excess fat under the chin can negatively affect your self-esteem and alter your perception of your body image.

In a 2015 survey conducted by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), 67% of participants said they were bothered by submental fat. Another survey of 1,996 respondents showed that 35% were likely to shy away from photos or avoid video calls due to a double chin.

On the other hand, numerous studies have shown that being satisfied with our appearance has just as profound an effect on our self-esteem but with positive results. High self-esteem can increase happiness, job satisfaction, and quality of life. So, if excess chin fat is a source of insecurity for you, then taking the steps to address it might be beneficial to your overall well-being.

What causes a double chin?

1. WEIGHT GAIN. Excess weight or a high body fat percentage can contribute to submental fullness, especially for those who naturally store fat around the face.
2. AGING. As we age, our body slows down its production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are the building blocks of plump, youthful-looking skin, so when our body produces less of it, our skin visibly starts to sag. This can result in the appearance of excess skin under the chin and a rounder looking jaw.
3. POOR POSTURE. Posture affects more than the way we sit or stand. It can result in the appearance of a fuller under-chin area, especially if you tend to slouch forward or lean your head too far back. Some theorize that poor posture can lead to weakened chin muscles and reduced skin elasticity, resulting in a rounder chin and jawline.
4. GENETICS. Genetics indicates where our body stores fat. This is the reason why two people can gain the same amount of weight, but are unlikely to gain them in the exact same places. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to accumulate fat cells along the chin, which can result in submental fullness, even if they are not necessarily overweight. This is also why, if your family has a double chin, you may inherit the same trait.
5. RECESSED CHIN. Those with smaller or recessed chins can appear to have more submental fatness or a rounder chin area, as this area has less muscle compared to others.

How can I remove my double chin?

Over the years, cosmetic practitioners have employed different methods to treat double chins. They typically involve making incisions under the chin to remove excess fat to achieve a tighter, more sculpted profile. Such procedures have included:

• Liposuction
• Face lift
• Neck lift
• Neck reconstruction

However, these procedures can be invasive and risky. Infections, bruising, scarring, and bleeding are just a few of the possible complications that may arise during or after surgery. Compound that with a challenging recovery period, which can take from two weeks to more than four weeks. This is why surgical procedures have become less popular with patients looking for a quick and safe treatment.

The strong demand for noninvasive alternatives has prompted experts to look for ways to address common aesthetic concerns without surgery. Kybella® makes it more than possible to achieve your desired profile while enjoying the benefits of a hassle-free treatment with little downtime.

WHY CHOOSE KYBELLA® INJECTIONS TO TREAT CHIN FAT?

At present, Kybella® is the only FDA-approved non-invasive, non-liposuction submental fat treatmen . It provides a safe, reliable, and affordable treatment for those who want to reduce the appearance of a double chin without having to undergo cosmetic surgery.

Unlike liposuction, Kybella® is an alternative to invasive treatments. The injection of a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid directly to the chin painlessly dissolves the unwanted adipose tissue over time. What’s more, Kybella® injections offer a fraction of the downtime typically required for patients of liposuction and similar surgical procedures.

BENEFITS OF KYBELLA®

1. Targeted fat reduction. Kybella® injections specifically target and eliminate chin fat, slimming down areas that cannot be targeted by weight loss alone.
2. Contoured and defined jawline Kybella® reveals a more defined chin and jawline, improving your appearance and helping you achieve your aesthetic goals without requiring invasive treatment.
3. Minimally invasive. Kybella® injections are non-surgical and minimally invasive – no incisions needed. This makes them the perfect alternative for those who don’t want to go down the surgical route.
4. Enhanced facial harmony. By toning the chin and jaw area, Kybella® injections improve the overall profile and bring out the best facial features. Our trained specialists will tailor your procedure to your desired appearance and current profile in order to achieve facial harmony.
5. Minimal downtime. Kybella® is ideal for patients who don’t want to endure a longer recovery period and wish to return to their normal activities a few days following the procedure.
6. Dramatic reduction of fat deposits. Within about four to six weeks after treatment, patients see a significant change in the appearance of their chin and jawline.
7. Improved self-confidence. Kybella® injections help you get rid of the insecurities associated with excess chin fat, instilling a renewed sense of confidence in your appearance.
8. Long-lasting results. While everyone’s physiology is different, you can rest assured that the benefits of Kybella® will last for at least 12 weeks. In many cases, the effects of Kybella® are permanent, as the destroyed fat cells will no longer be able to store excess fat.

KYBELLA® vs. DOUBLE CHIN SURGERY

Let’s take a look at the difference between Kybella® and common surgical procedures:

Kybella® vs. Chin liposuction

PROCEDURE

Chin liposuction

Chin liposuction is a surgical treatment performed by a licensed plastic surgeon. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon will create small cuts along the surgical site in order to allow the insertion of a flexible plastic tube called the cannula. The cannula will gently remove the excess fat under your chin. The cuts are closed through sutures.

Kybella® injections

In contrast, Kybella® requires no incisions, anesthesia, or surgical tools as it is a nonsurgical and noninvasive treatment.

DOWNTIME

Chin liposuction

Surgical operations typically require a long recovery period, during which the patient should minimize physical activity and attend to swelling and bruising on the site. Following a chin liposuction, it’s highly recommended to stay at home for a few days up to two weeks.

Kybella® injections

With Kybella, patients can resume their normal routine a day after the procedure. There will be minimal swelling and bruising on the injection site for about two weeks.

Kybella® vs. Neck lift

PROCEDURE

Neck lift

Also known as a lower rhytidectomy, a neck lift typically involves general anesthesia and multiple incisions behind the ear and along the hairline. The doctor will then cut, move, or shape the excess fat and tissue along the neck, often using liposuction. Afterwards, muscles are tightened and extra skin is trimmed.

Kybella® injections

With Kybella, no excess skin is removed – the injectable will melt away excess fat from the inside.

DOWNTIME

Neck lift

Full recovery from a neck lift can take as little as two weeks up to over a month. Many patients come home immediately after surgery, but others are required to stay in the hospital overnight.

You can expect common side effects such as swelling and bruising during the first two weeks. In some cases, patients are given a draining tube to remove excess blood and fluid post-op. Any additional instructions like surgical site care and medications should be strictly followed.

With neck lifts, patients also feel tightness around their necks that can last up to a month.

Kybella® injections

In comparison, Kybella® offers minimal downtime with no tightness.

How effective is Kybella®?

Although the technology is relatively new, Kybella® has been shown to have significant effects on those who have undergone treatment. One clinical trial indicates that 82.4% of participants were remarkably happier with the appearance of their profile post-treatment.

Who should get Kybella®?

Kybella® is meant for candidates who are:

• At least 18 years of age

• Want to remove excess fat under the chin

• Reluctant to treat chin fat with surgical procedures

• Uncomfortable with the longer downtime of traditional surgical procedures

• Engaged in a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a healthy diet, but are unable to lose stubborn chin fat

• Eager to achieve their aesthetic goals with long-lasting results and minimal recovery time

HOW TO PREPARE FOR KYBELLA®

Before proceeding with treatment, a Kybella®-trained specialist will examine the area underneath your chin to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Our specialists will look at the fullness of the area and determine how much fat needs to be removed in line with your aesthetic goals.

During this consultation, it’s important to disclose the following information to our healthcare providers:

1. Any surgical procedures done on your face, neck, or chin area
2. Any cosmetic treatments, surgical or nonsurgical, that you plan to take in similar areas
3. If you have difficulty swallowing
4. If you are prone to excessive bleeding
5. Any prescription and over-the-counter medications you’re currently taking, especially anticoagulants or antiplatelets as this can cause excessive bleeding
6. Any vitamins and herbal supplements you’re currently taking
7. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant*
8. If you are breastfeeding or expecting to breastfeed in the future*

* To date, the effects of Kybella® on pregnancy and breastfeeding are still unknown. To be safe, we do not administer Kybella® injections to those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A KYBELLA® PROCEDURE?

1. During the procedure, our Kybella-trained healthcare specialists will administer multiple small injections of deoxycholic acid under the chin.

2. These fat-dissolving compounds will then destroy the fat cell membranes under your chin, turning them into cellular debris.

3. This will trigger your body’s natural healing process, during which the cellular debris will be drained by the lymphatic acid circulatory systems.

4. The entire treatment takes only 15 to 20 minutes depending on the number of injections required. However, give it a few weeks for your body to fully drain the cellular debris following the injections.

Post-treatment

After treatment, our trained specialists will provide you with aftercare instructions. While you can expect minor swelling, numbness, or bruising on the treatment site for a few days, the healing period is short-lived and unlikely to interfere with your regular routine.

Depending on your treatment plan, you may need to come back for additional sessions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT KYBELLA®

How many sessions of Kybella® do I need?

Clinical studies show that 59% of patients require 6 treatment , each administered at least 1 month apart, in order to fully dissolve their submental fat. However, the number of sessions needed will vary with each patient. Our Kybella®-trained healthcare specialists will help determine the right treatment plan based on your personal goals and the amount of fat under your chin.

How much does Kybella® cost?

One session of Kybella® may cost anywhere between $1,200 and $1,800. We offer Treat Now, Pay Later options that allow you to break down the cost of payment into smaller, more manageable amounts. Our partnership with Cherry features monthly installment plans with flexible payment options and instant approval.

Is Kybella® permanent?

The effects of Kybella® injections are long-lasting, and in many cases, permanent. This can be because the fat cells destroyed during the process will no longer be able to store fat. Additionally, the majority of patients stop being able to grow new fat cells upon reaching 25 years old.

It is possible for significant weight gain to contribute to the recurrence of chin fat. This is why treatment is best done in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes, such as sticking to a balanced diet and exercising regularly.

What are the side effects of Kybella®?

The common side effects of Kybella® are pain, swelling, numbness, redness, and hardness on the treatment site. More serious side effects include trouble swallowing, hematoma, bruising, damage to an artery or vein, hair loss, ulcers, tissue cell damage, and infection. For any persisting symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH HOUSE OF BEAUTY MED SPA

House of Beauty is a premier luxury medical spa located in Swansea, MA. As a top destination for beauty services, our mission is to provide sophisticated treatments that help our clients regain their confidence and bring out their best selves.

Founded by two best friends and injection experts who share a passion for beauty, House of Beauty aims to remove the stigma surrounding cosmetic enhancements. We believe in empowering others to invest in themselves and embrace their true beauty, and we take great joy in guiding clients throughout their exciting aesthetic journey.

Start your personalized aesthetic journey with us today! Schedule a consultation with our team at House of Beauty Med Spa to learn more about which services are right for you. Call us at 508.379.6318 or send us an email here.