Table of Contents
A double chin, or excess fat under the chin, is a common cosmetic concern for many people. It can affect self-confidence and make one look older or heavier than they are. Surgery, such as liposuction, was the only reliable solution to remove submental fat for years. However, with advancements in aesthetic treatments, non-invasive options like Kybella have emerged as an effective solution for addressing this issue. But can Kybella permanently eliminate a double chin? This blog explores how Kybella works, its benefits, potential risks, and what you can expect from the treatment.
What Is Kybella and How Does It Work?
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment designed to reduce fat beneath the chin, also known as submental fat. The active ingredient in Synthetic deoxycholic acid, which the body naturally produces to aid in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat, is Kybella. When injected into the desired location, Kybella breaks down fat cells, stopping them from gaining or storing fat once more.
As part of the procedure, injections are given straight into the fat under your chin. Over time, the fat cells are broken down, and your body naturally metabolizes and eliminates them, resulting in a more contoured jawline.
How Does Kybella Compare to Other Treatments?
Many patients often wonder how Kybella stacks up against other popular treatments for reducing a double chin, such as liposuction or CoolSculpting. Here’s how it compares:
- Non-Surgical: Unlike liposuction, which involves surgery and anesthesia, Kybella is non-invasive. There are no incisions, and patients can quickly return to their daily activities.
- Permanent Results: Once Kybella destroys fat cells, they cannot regenerate. However, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid gaining new fat in the area.
- Fewer Sessions Than CoolSculpting: While CoolSculpting also targets fat, it typically requires more sessions for noticeable results. Kybella, on the other hand, provides visible improvement after 2-4 treatments for most patients.
How Many Kybella Treatments Are Needed?
The number of Kybella treatments you need varies based on the amount of submental fat and your aesthetic goals. On average, most patients undergo between 2 to 6 treatments spaced about four weeks apart. Each treatment session takes 15-20 minutes and involves multiple tiny injections beneath the chin.
It’s important to remember that the destruction of fat cells is a gradual process. Results are typically seen after the second treatment, with the full effect becoming visible a few months after the final session. The number of treatments required depends on factors such as the severity of the double chin and how your body responds to the treatment.
What Can You Expect During a Kybella Treatment?
Before starting treatment, your doctor will examine the area behind your chin to decide which injections are required. To help with the injections, a grid-like design is imprinted beneath the chin.
The procedure entails making tiny, accurate injections into the layer of fat under your chin. Depending on the dimensions of the treated area, the number of injections may vary from 20 to 50. Some may feel alight burning or tingling during the infusion, although this is usually minimized by using ice packs or numbing lotion.
Is Kybella Safe?
Since the FDA approved Kybella in 2015, it has grown in popularity and trust as a non-surgical option for chin fat reduction. Like any medical operation, there are risks to take into account. Swelling, bruises, redness, or numbness in the treated area are typical adverse effects. Usually transient, these side effects go away a few days to weeks after the treatment.
Less commonly, patients may experience more severe side effects, such as difficulty swallowing and nerve injury leading to facial muscle weakness or asymmetry in the treated area. To minimize these risks, it’s crucial to have Kybella administered by a qualified medical professional.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Kybella?
Only some people are ideal candidates for Kybella. The treatment is most effective for individuals with moderate to severe submental fat but good skin elasticity. It may not be suitable for those with excessively sagging skin, as removing fat alone may not achieve the desired results.
Kybella is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with infections in the treatment area should avoid the injections until the infection is cleared. A consultation with a healthcare provider will determine whether Kybella is the right option for you.
Will Kybella Permanently Eliminate a Double Chin?
One of Kybella’s most appealing aspects is its potential to eliminate a double chin permanently. But is it genuinely permanent?
Once Kybella destroys fat cells, they are gone for good. The body naturally eliminates these cells, and they do not regenerate. However, it’s important to note that Kybella does not prevent the formation of new fat cells. Fat can accumulate in the same area if you gain weight after treatment.
Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is essential to maintain Kybella’s long-term results. This ensures that new fat cells do not form under the chin, preserving the slimmer profile you’ve achieved through the treatment.
Recovery and Aftercare
After a Kybella treatment, the injection site typically experiences some swelling, redness, and tenderness lasting a few days. This is normal as your body works to break down and eliminate the fat cells. Some patients also experience temporary numbness or hardness in the treated area.
Refraining from physically demanding activities, such as exercising, for 24 to 48 hours following treatment is advised to minimize discomfort and facilitate healing. Over-the-counter painkillers may be taken in addition to using ice packs to help reduce swelling.
How Long Does Swelling Last?
Swelling is one of the most common side effects of Kybella and can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The extent of swelling varies depending on the individual and how much fat was treated. In most cases, swelling is most noticeable in the first two to three days after treatment and gradually subsides over the following weeks.
Conclusion: Is Kybella Right for You?
Kybella offers a promising solution for those looking to eliminate their double chin without surgery. It’s a non-invasive treatment that destroys fat cells permanently, giving you a more defined and contoured jawline. While Kybella can offer long-lasting results, maintaining a healthy lifestyle prevents new fat cells from forming.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your aesthetic journey, contact Essence Med Spa today to discuss whether Kybella is the right option. Our team of professionals is here to answer your questions, assess your goals, and provide expert care.
Schedule your Kybella Treatment today in Grand Island, NE, to achieve a slimmer, more contoured look without surgery.
