For many people, the existence of a double chin can be a significant aesthetic issue causing an impact on self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, advancements in cosmetic medicine have led to the development of effective non-surgical treatments to address this issue. One of these groundbreaking treatments is Kybella, a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment option for submental fullness, more commonly known as the double chin.
What is Kybella?
Kybella is a breakthrough in the field of aesthetic medicine, primarily owing to its status as an FDA-approved treatment for submental fullness, commonly referred to as a double chin. In 2015, Kybella received the green light from the FDA, making it the first injectable treatment officially approved for managing under-chin fat. This approval attests to Kybella’s safety and effectiveness, providing a viable option for individuals seeking to address this prevalent aesthetic issue without turning to invasive surgeries.
Kybella’s effectiveness can be attributed to its principal ingredient, synthetic deoxycholic acid. This compound is a lab-made version of a molecule naturally found within our bodies, particularly in the digestive system, where it plays a pivotal role in the disassembly and absorption of dietary fats. When utilized in Kybella, the synthetic form of deoxycholic acid proves to be highly effective in obliterating fat cells once administered into the area beneath the chin.
Once Kybella is administered, the synthetic deoxycholic acid starts to disrupt the fat cell’s membrane. This disruption leads to the breakdown and destruction of the cell, a process known as lysis. After the cell is destroyed, its contents are safely absorbed and eliminated by the body through its natural metabolic processes.
The key advantage of this process is that the eradicated fat cells lose their ability to store or gather fat, resulting in a significant decrease in the prominence of a double chin. This action of the synthetic deoxycholic acid makes Kybella an effective non-surgical solution for reducing a double chin.
How Does Kybella Work?
Kybella functions by employing a synthetic variant of deoxycholic acid that eliminates fat cells, a process that hinges on the body’s innate biological mechanisms. The synthetic deoxycholic acid in Kybella operates by disrupting the cell membrane of the targeted fat cells.
Deoxycholic acid, a molecule naturally present in our bodies, plays a crucial role in disassembling and absorbing dietary fats. When introduced directly into the fat cells beneath the chin, this acid causes the cell membranes to lyse or break down. This process, known as cell lysis, leads to the destruction of the fat cells.
The cellular debris and fat released from the cells are then processed by the body’s immune system and eliminated through natural metabolic processes. This treatment is effective and appealing because once these cells are destroyed, they cannot regenerate or store fat again, which provides a long-lasting reduction of the submental fullness.
The fat reduction process begins as soon as the fat cells are destroyed. The body’s immune cells, mainly macrophages, remove the fat and cellular debris released from the lysed cells. These macrophages engulf and digest the cellular debris in a process called phagocytosis.
Once the debris is processed, it enters the lymphatic system, a part of the body’s circulatory system responsible for waste removal. From there, the waste products are transported to the liver, where they are broken down further and finally excreted from the body.
However, this process doesn’t happen overnight, and the reduction in chin fullness becomes gradually noticeable over weeks or months. While damaged fat cells cannot regenerate, the remaining fat cells can grow as a result of weight gain. Hence, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for preserving the results of the Kybella treatment.
The Kybella Treatment Process
Before beginning treatment with Kybella, every patient undergoes an initial consultation with their healthcare provider. This consultation aims to evaluate the patient’s health history, assess the amount and distribution of submental fat, and discuss the patient’s aesthetic goals. The provider will also explain the Kybella treatment process and potential side effects and answer any patient questions.
A typical Kybella treatment session starts with the provider marking the injection sites on the patient’s under-chin area. These markings guide the injections to target the fat accurately. A topical anesthetic cream or a local anesthetic may be administered to mitigate any discomfort during the injections.
The provider will inject small amounts of Kybella into the marked areas using a fine needle. The number of injections per session varies, typically from 20 to 50, depending on the amount of fat being treated and the treatment plan discussed during the initial consultation.
Once the injections are complete, the session is over, and patients can return home. There’s minimal downtime associated with Kybella, and most patients can resume their daily routine immediately following the procedure.
For most patients, achieving their desired aesthetic result requires multiple treatment sessions spaced about one month apart. The exact number of sessions varies between patients, depending on the initial amount of submental fat and the patient’s specific goals. Some may see their desired results after 2 to 3 sessions, while others may require up to 6 sessions.
Benefits of Kybella
Kybella offers several key benefits as a treatment for submental fat, or a “double chin.” Here are some of the most significant advantages:
- Non-Surgical Procedure: The biggest benefit of Kybella is that it is a non-surgical solution to a common aesthetic issue. This means you can avoid the risks and complications associated with surgery, such as infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Minimal Downtime: The Kybella treatment process is quick, often taking only about 15 to 20 minutes per session, and it requires little to no downtime. Most patients can resume their regular routines immediately following a treatment session.
- Permanent Results: Kybella destroys fat cells, preventing them from storing or accumulating fat. This means the results are long-lasting, and further treatment is not expected once you achieve your desired aesthetic goal.
- Improved Aesthetic Appearance: Kybella can significantly improve the appearance of your face by reducing the fullness under the chin. This treatment helps achieve a more defined jawline and improved overall facial profile.
- Boosted Confidence: A double chin can cause some people to feel self-conscious about their appearance. By reducing submental fullness, Kybella can help boost confidence and self-esteem.
- Customizable Treatment Plan: The number of Kybella treatments required depends on the individual patient’s needs and goals. This allows for a customized treatment plan tailored specifically for each patient.
- Safety and Effectiveness: Kybella is FDA-approved and has been shown in numerous clinical trials to be a safe and effective treatment for reducing submental fat.
Potentials Side Effects of Kybella
As with any medical procedure, Kybella does come with potential side effects. Most of these are mild and temporary, occurring mainly in the treatment area. Here are some possible side effects associated with Kybella:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
- Numbness
- Redness
- Hardness in the Treatment Area
More serious, although rare, side effects can include:
- Nerve injury in the jaw.
- Causing facial muscle weakness.
- An uneven smile.
- Trouble swallowing.
These side effects are typically temporary but should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider if they occur.
Final Thoughts
Kybella presents an exciting, non-surgical alternative for reducing submental fullness or a double chin. At SkinFX, we specialize in providing non-invasive Kybella injections, an exceptionally effective method for eliminating under-chin fat. Furthermore, we strive to empower our clients by employing Kybella’s potent fat cell-destroying capabilities to enhance their appearance, restoring their confidence in their image.
