Call it a double chin, a wattle, or submental fullness – by any name, extra skin and fatty tissue under your chin can make you feel self-conscious. There are a few ways to reduce the appearance of a double chin. Some people get good results from chin and neck exercises. Others may look to surgical procedures for relief. But one of the best, least invasive, and most effective ways to address a double chin is with Kybella®.
What Is Kybella?
Kybella is an injectable treatment that was specifically developed to address submental fullness, commonly known as the double chin. These injections can be given at a med spa or in your dermatologist’s office. The active ingredient in Kybella is a substance called deoxycholic acid. When injected into fatty tissue, deoxycholic acid basically destroys your fat cells. That’s a good thing in this case; most double chins are caused by an excess of fat cells and fat in this area.
Once the extra fat cells under your chin are destroyed, your body slowly gets rid of them. With fewer fat cells left under your chin, you’re less likely to develop a double chin again.
Kybella is not an experimental treatment. It was FDA-approved in 2015, and it has a long track record of success with a low risk of serious side effects. As such, it is one of the first treatments to consider when seeking to reduce a double chin.
How Do You Prepare for Your Appointment?
Having Kybella injections is so much easier than having surgery or liposuction. You’ll need to avoid using harsh skin treatments, such as retinoids, for a week or so before your appointment. You’ll also want to avoid drinking alcohol for a day before your injections. If you take any prescription medications, make sure you tell your doctor about them. They may ask you to stop taking certain medications for a short time in preparation for your Kybella treatment.
If possible, you should avoid applying any makeup or moisturizers to your skin before your appointment. But if you do arrive wearing these products, there’s no reason to worry. Your practitioner will remove them before treatment.
What Does The Treatment Process Involve?
It should only take your practitioner a few minutes to administer Kybella. Most estheticians and dermatologists will apply a numbing cream to your chin. Once it kicks in, they’ll give you the injections. Each injection is tiny, and you should barely feel them. After the injections are complete, your practitioner may gently massage your chin and neck. This helps distribute the Kybella so that you get smooth, even results.
Recovery
There’s no need to take time off after Kybella. You can go right back to work or school, or carry on with your day as planned. If your chin is a bit sore, it’s generally safe to take some over-the-counter pain relievers – but run this by your doctor first, just in case. Remember to limit sun exposure, or wear sunscreen on the treated area if you go outside. This will help prevent excessive redness and irritation.
Some people do experience bruising and swelling at the injection sites. This should dissipate within two weeks of treatment.
Results
The one downside to Kybella – and it’s a tiny one – is that the results don’t develop immediately. It takes some time for the deoxycholic acid to kill your fat cells. Then, it takes a little more time for your body to get rid of those damaged fat cells. People usually start to notice a reduction in their excess chin tissue within a few weeks, and the full results should be present within two months.
If one Kybella treatment does not reduce your double chin as much as desired, you can have a second treatment a few months later. Most patients need between two and six treatments to get the results they desire.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Kybella?
Kybella is safe and effective for most people who have excess fat under their chins. However, your practitioner will still want to do a brief consultation before approving you for this treatment. They’ll look over your health history to ensure Kybella will be safe for you. They’ll also examine your skin to ensure it’s healthy enough for treatment. Kybella is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you’re tired of seeing a double chin in the mirror, contact Balance Med Spa to schedule a consultation. Our experienced dermatologist will evaluate your skin and health and tell you whether Kybella is an option for you.
