Kybella® Dissolves the Double Chin
If you're not happy with the extra skin under your chin (often referred to as a "double chin" or "turkey neck"), you aren't alone. Upwards of 80% of people with a "double chin" are concerned about the condition, known in medical terms as submental fullness. Although diet and exercise can help, sometimes aging and genetics make it difficult to impossible to completely get rid of submental fullness without medical intervention. Until Kybella, the only medical solution was liposuction, a surgical procedure.
Kybella is the first and only non-surgical solution to submental fullness that is FDA-approved. Kybella is a liquid injectable composed of the active ingredient deoxycholic acid, which is a naturally-occurring molecule in the body that helps dissolve fat cells. Once destroyed, the fat cells cannot store or accumulate fat, meaning the results are permanent.
In April 2015, the FDA approved Kybella to treat submental fullness. This revolutionary treatment is now available for the first time to the public. Because there are nerves and muscles all around the injection area, it is important to go to a doctor, like Dr. Yoo, who has been formally trained to safely administer Kybella.
Want to know if you're a good candidate for Kybella? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Yoo.
For the treatment, Dr. Yoo will first apply an anesthetic gel to the injection site and let it sit for about 20 minutes. After the gel has taken affect, Dr. Yoo applies temporary ink to the injection site, marking where each injection needs to go. Injections are placed in a grid pattern to ensure the solution is placed evenly into the targeted fatty tissue. A single treatment typically involves 20-30 injections, however discomfort is minimized due to the anesthetic gel.
After each treatment, you will experience swelling around the injection site that lasts less than a week. While swollen, the area may sting, which means the treatment is working and the fat cells are dissolving.
Patients can expect to see the final results after two to four treatments spaced at least four weeks apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KYBELLA®?
KYBELLA® (deoxycholic acid) injection is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment that is used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called, “double chin.” It is not known if KYBELLA® is safe and effective in children less than 18 years of age. It is not known if KYBELLA® is safe and effective for use outside of the submental area.
How does KYBELLA® work?
The active ingredient in KYBELLA® is deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat.
When injected into the fat beneath your chin, KYBELLA® causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat.
Is KYBELLA® right for me?
Only you and your doctor can decide if KYBELLA® is right for you. If you’re bothered by submental fullness, or double chin, ask Dr. Yoo about KYBELLA®.
How many people have been treated with KYBELLA®?
KYBELLA® has been the focus of a global clinical development program involving over 20 clinical studies with more than 2,600 patients worldwide, of which over 1,600 have been treated with KYBELLA®.
Will I experience any side effects?
The safety profile of KYBELLA® is well characterized. The most common side effects are swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness and areas of hardness around the treatment area. KYBELLA® can cause serious side effects, including trouble swallowing and nerve injury in the jaw that can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness. These are not all of the possible side effects of KYBELLA®. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.
How many treatments will I need?
You and Dr. Yoo will customize your KYBELLA® treatment regimen, including how many treatments you need, based on your desired chin profile. Many patients experience visible results in 2 to 4 treatment sessions. During these sessions, Dr. Yoo will administer KYBELLA® into the fat under your chin using multiple injections. Up to 6 treatment sessions may be administered spaced no less than one month apart.
How long will the results last?
When injected into the fat under your chin, KYBELLA® causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. After the aesthetic response is achieved, retreatment with KYBELLA® is not expected.