If you’re bothered by the fullness beneath your chin, you are not alone. Submental fullness, also referred to as double chin, is a common concern for men and women alike. Sometimes, even with diet and exercise the unwanted fullness beneath your chin may not go away, and it can make you appear older or heavier than you actually are.
How Does KYBELLA Work?
KYBELLA is the first and only FDA-approved injectable medicine used to improve the appearance of moderate to severe fat beneath the chin by physically destroying fat cells. 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 destroys fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. Fat cleared from the treatment area is processed through your body’s natural metabolism.
How is KYBELLA Administered?
KYBELLA is given during an in-office visit. The injection process takes approximately 15-20 minutes. During your visit, you will be given a series of injections into the fat under your chin at each treatment session. Dr. Nichols will help you determine how many treatment sessions you need based on the amount and distribution of your submental fat and your personal treatment goals. Up to six treatments may be administered, spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart.
What to Expect?
For most patients, swelling is more pronounced with the first treatment session. With each subsequent treatment, swelling should be less noticeable. You should be able to resume your normal daily activities, but are likely to have swelling, so keep your social plans and work commitments in mind when scheduling your procedure.
Prior to your treatment session, you will be given an ice pack to help with swelling and make you more comfortable. After the treatment, we recommend that you apply an ice or cold pack to the treatment area for ten to fifteen minutes.
The most common side effects following KYBELLA is swelling, and will usually resolve in a few weeks. Occasionally, patients have bruising, pain, redness and temporary numbness in the treatment area. The area treated may appear worse than before treatment, but swelling will usually resolve in a week to ten days.
Are You a Candidate?
- You are bothered by fat under the chin, also known as submental fullness
- You don’t want surgery
- You feel the condition makes you look older or heavier than you actually are
- You eat well and exercise, but submental fullness does not go away
If most of these statements apply to you, ask Dr. Nichols if KYBELLA is right for you. We would love to consult with you and discuss treatment options that make you feel you’re best.