Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment for fullness caused by submental fat, commonly known as a double chin. Unlike other treatments for submental fat, Kybella is a non-surgical, injectable treatment with little to no downtime. The injection is composed of 10 mg/mL deoxycholic acid.
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule which is used in the breaking down of dietary fat. The deoxycholic acid found in Kybella is a formulation of the acid and is not derived from human or animal sources.
At Premier Image Cosmetic Surgery, you can get Kybella treatments in Atlanta, Georgia. Just schedule your consultation by filling out the contact form on the right side of the page or calling our offices.
Why Get The Kybella Treatment?
Sixty-seven percent of consumers reported that they were bothered by their submental fat, as much as they are dissatisfied with wrinkles or lines around the eyes.
The submental fullness can be found in a range of adults and there are a variety of factors that cause it – from aging, genetics, or weight gain. Submental fullness makes the face look older and heavier, despite other facial features. It can make a profound difference in anyone’s appearance.
With Kybella, this can be modified without the need for surgery. Kybella is less invasive and may be easier than a surgical enhancement for some patients, but with similar results. It is relatively low risk and can produce noticeable changes in submental fullness.
After the Kybella treatment, nearly 80% of patients reported full satisfaction with the procedure. When asked about the psychological effects of the change in their appearance, many patients reported that they noticed both visual improvement and emotional satisfaction because of the treatment.
Kybella Treatment
Each Kybella treatment is composed of the injection of the deoxycholic acid into and around the area in question. It is administered in 0.2 mL injections, each spaced one centimeter apart. The number of injections varies, but there can be up to fifty injections in a single treatment. However, the common amount of injections for a treatment is between twelve and twenty. This averages out to about fifteen minutes per treatment, which is generally office-based.
The number of treatments necessary to see results from Kybella treatment is tailored to each patient’s goals and submental fat distribution. Once the desired improvement is achieved, retreatment is not necessary as the dissolved fat does not regrow. There are commonly between one and three treatments, often spaced six weeks apart.
It is important to note that the treatment may take a certain period of time to have an effect. There might be a period of time before results can be visible, unlike with liposuction.
Are You A Candidate?
Anyone looking to get rid of their submental fat could be a candidate, but a one-on-one consultation is recommended before beginning treatment in order to assess the patient’s situation and goals.
Kybella does have certain side effects that may disqualify patients who can suffer adverse effects because of them. Patients with dysphagia or discomfort when swallowing, may have their condition exacerbated. Kybella treatment can also cause bruising and swelling. Patients with bleeding disorders or who are receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy should approach the treatment with caution. These conditions should be discussed with Dr. DeJoseph or certified aesthetician performing the treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment takes a few months to complete, but after completion, the effects do not usually require follow up treatment, as the effects of Kybella are permanent.
There should be a small improvement after each treatment, but due to the nature of the treatment, this will take some time, and patients should expect to have to wait for the treatment to take effect.
A large percentage of patients reported bruising, swelling, hardness or redness of the skin and numbness of the treated area after the Kybella treatment, but these symptoms only lasted about a week.
The effects should be noticeable after one to two treatments, but this depends on the patient.
As mentioned before, like most injectable treatments, the most common side effects of Kybella are bruising, swelling, and numbness, though nearly all cases showed spontaneous improvement with time.
In addition to the common side effects, patients may experience more severe conditions. 4% of subjects in clinical trials experienced marginal mandibular nerve injury. This effect manifests as an asymmetrical smile or facial muscle weakness and resolved spontaneously after an average of 44 days in all cases. Dysphagia occurred in 2% of subjects but resolved spontaneously after an average of 3 days in all cases. Again, if there is a prior condition, the Kybella treatment can worsen it, and the side effects may be more intense.
In order to minimize the risk of permanent, serious damage, Kybella is administered away from the salivary glands, lymph nodes and muscles.
It is recommended to avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs for the two weeks before the treatment to ease the swelling and soreness caused by the treatment, but this is again something that should be discussed with the doctor administering the treatment.
Kybella is a relatively risk-free treatment, approved by the FDA for safe use. Most side effects only cause slight discomfort and show a very high rate of spontaneous improvement. Kybella can react badly with certain conditions, but in most cases, it does not cause any serious issues, and even side effects causing discomfort or visible damage are not long lasting.
How soon can I return to work?
Kybella may cause some discomfort, but since most cases do not produce serious side effects, patients can return to work the day after the treatment. Bruising and swelling are usually contained in the submental region, and can be covered up with a scarf. If the patient wishes to wait for bruising and swelling to decrease before returning to work, this takes approximately 3 days. If possible, patients should plan treatments for Fridays to have a few days to recover, but this is not at all necessary.
Schedule your consultation by filling out the contact form on this page or call (770)457-6303.