Signs of aging are not limited to lines and wrinkles on the face. Some men and women also have a small pocket of fat forming underneath the jawline, giving the appearance of a double chin. Known as submental fat, this development often has nothing to do with weight gain, although it might make you look as though you have gained a few extra pounds.
Sometimes, no matter how much you diet or exercise, that stubborn double chin just won’t go away. In the past, surgery was the only option, but not anymore! At Dermacare Medical Aesthetics, we offer a special injectable treatment that helps reduce fat under the chin and gives your lower face a smoother, more youthful look.
Men and women who are struggling with submental fat beneath the chin may be good candidates for KYBELLA® injections. This fat is resistant to diet and exercise and stays even if you have otherwise reached a healthy weight. The KYBELLA® treatment works on submental fat, so you have to be sure it’s not loose skin you’re dealing with.
Patients who request KYBELLA® typically have relatively healthy skin tone and elasticity. Most patients are interested in eliminating the fat pocket that has formed as part of the aging process. You should be at a relatively healthy and stable weight, as changes can affect the results of the KYBELLA® treatment.
Candidates are not looking for a more invasive surgical procedure that would involve incisions, anesthesia, and a recovery period. Fortunately, KYBELLA® can offer excellent results to the right patient without the need for surgery.
This treatment might not be right for everyone. If you have very loose skin or an infection around your neck or jaw, it may not be the best choice. It’s also important to be careful if you have trouble swallowing or a bleeding disorder. Our providers will talk with you and help decide if KYBELLA® is the right fit for your needs.
KYBELLA® works by using a special ingredient called deoxycholic acid, which is already made by your body to help break down fat. When we inject it under your chin, it helps destroy the fat cells in that area. Once those fat cells are gone, they can’t store fat anymore, and your body naturally clears them out over the next few weeks.
The procedure typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and many of our patients go back to work or other obligations as soon as their treatment is over. Once the excess fat has been removed, it won’t come back, unless you gain weight again.
The treatment begins by numbing the area underneath the chin to ensure your comfort during the procedure. A grid pattern will be drawn on the treatment area to indicate where the injections need to be placed. Dr. Birchall or a Physician Assistant will then make a series of injections to administer the medication. Most patients will receive between 30 and 50 injections before the procedure is over to produce an even, natural result.
Recovery from KYBELLA® is generally straightforward and often comes with little to no downtime. Most of the discomfort should go away within the first few days, but some symptoms can linger for as long as four weeks.
Patients usually experience redness, tenderness, and swelling in the treatment area after KYBELLA® injections, which may last for a few days. Long-term symptoms could also include mild tenderness and firmness, which is a natural response to your body pushing out fat. Over-the-counter pain medication and ice can ease discomfort while you are recovering.
A few patients opt to take the rest of the day off work after their procedure to recuperate before getting back to their regular schedules. However, the side effects from KYBELLA® should not be severe enough to prohibit you from any activities you would like to participate in, even right after your appointment. For smooth recovery, you can use ice packs to minimize the swelling and avoid intensive exercise.
Many patients start to see results between four and 12 weeks following the treatment. The complete outcome usually becomes apparent within about six months.
Patients commonly require two to four treatment sessions to achieve their full results. A second appointment is scheduled approximately one month after the first, while subsequent sessions may be spaced out a bit longer to determine whether those additional injections will be needed.
Because KYBELLA® destroys fat cells so they can be eliminated from the body, the results of the procedure are considered permanent (individual results may vary). However, signs of aging can creep in once again over time, which might require another type of treatment to maintain the smoother contour of your jawline.
If you start noticing skin laxity or other concerns in this area, Dermacare Medical Aesthetics has numerous treatments available to keep you looking and feeling your best through every stage of life.
To make the most of the results, try maintaining a stable weight by sticking to good nutrition and regular exercise. Follow our aftercare instructions and be consistent with your treatments. If you gain weight, schedule maintenance treatments to improve your facial contour.
To learn more about KYBELLA® at Dermacare Medical Aesthetics, please call or text us at any of our four locations:
Rancho Bernardo (858) 943-2443 | Carlsbad (760) 472-5088 | San Juan Capistrano (949) 658-2080 | Encinitas (760) 487-2520
The FDA has approved KYBELLA® to treat submental fat underneath the chin. This means the procedure is relatively safe if it is performed by an experienced injector like Dr. Birchall or our Physician Assistant. However, no medical treatment is entirely without risk.
KYBELLA® is well-tolerated by most people, although this depends on your sensitivity. Most people just feel a quick pinch and a mild stinging or burning sensation. Our providers can use ice or a numbing cream to ease the discomfort.
KYBELLA® is only approved for submental fat by the FDA. That said, many providers use it “off-label” for areas such as bra bulge, jowls, and underarm pooch. These approaches require extreme precision, which is why a consultation is essential.
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*Disclaimer - Individual results may vary.