Kybella

Kybella is a nonsurgical injectable technique used to target the fat beneath the chin. The process uses a series of deoxycholic acid injections to target the fat cells in this area. No incisions are required, and the downtime is minimal in most cases.

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Learn more about kybella

The best candidate is an adult 18 or older with moderate to severe fat beneath the chin. You might not be a good candidate if you have had or are planning to have facial surgery, have trouble swallowing, are pregnant or nursing, or have an infection or medical condition in or near the designed injection site. A 2015 consumer survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) found that 67 percent of individuals are bothered by excess fat under the chin or neck. Kybella is currently the only FDA-approved injectable to treat the appearance of a double chin.

prepare for kybella

It is essential to plan the Kybella treatment with your healthcare provider and make sure you are the right candidate for the procedure. Discuss your medical history and any cosmetic procedures you had done on your face, neck, or chin. Tell your healthcare provider about any trouble swallowing or bleeding problems. The research on Kybella’s effect on a fetus or infant is ongoing, so let your healthcare provider know if you are nursing, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant soon. As a non-surgical procedure, there is little preparation required for Kybella. It’s advisable to schedule the process well before any significant events. Washing your face properly before the appointment can help reduce the risk of infection, and avoiding ibuprofen and acetaminophen can prevent post-treatment bruising.

how does it work

Deoxycholic acid is a bile acid naturally produced by your body to help absorb fat. Kybella injections use a synthetic form of this as an injection. Once injected, the acid destroys fat cells beneath the chin area, so it can’t store fat anymore. Make sure that a trained healthcare professional administers your Kybella injections since deoxycholic acid can kill other cells in the process as well. Before the procedure, your healthcare provider will mark the injection sites with a marker and may administer a topical numbing agent or ice pack to ease any pain or discomfort. Usually, 20 to 30 and up to 50 injections are used under the chin. The acid then works gradually to kill fat cells the body metabolizes over the following weeks. The number of treatment sessions necessary varies for each person. Multiple treatments might be needed to reach optimal results. You can receive up to six Kybella treatments at least one month between sessions.

risks and side-effects

Though Kybella is nonsurgical, some common side effects include pain, swelling, bruising, redness, and numbness. The recovery process associated with Kybella is minimal in most cases, and downtime varies from person to person. Minor side effects typically subside in one to two weeks.
Serious side effects have occurred, including facial muscle weakness, an uneven smile, trouble swallowing, or nerve injury in the jaw. Any post-treatment discomfort should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe side effects.

how does it work

Deoxycholic acid is a bile acid naturally produced by your body to help absorb fat. Kybella injections use a synthetic form of this as an injection. Once injected, the acid destroys fat cells beneath the chin area, so it can’t store fat anymore. Make sure that a trained healthcare professional administers your Kybella injections since deoxycholic acid can kill other cells in the process as well. Before the procedure, your healthcare provider will mark the injection sites with a marker and may administer a topical numbing agent or ice pack to ease any pain or discomfort. Usually, 20 to 30 and up to 50 injections are used under the chin. The acid then works gradually to kill fat cells the body metabolizes over the following weeks. The number of treatment sessions necessary varies for each person. Multiple treatments might be needed to reach optimal results. You can receive up to six Kybella treatments at least one month between sessions.

what to expect after treatment

Your healthcare provider should design a treatment plan according to your specific needs. Most people require more than one treatment to reach desired aesthetic goals with Kybella. In clinical studies, many people who’ve received Kybella treatment achieved visible results after two to four treatments. Six treatments were necessary in 59 percent of cases. Once the deoxycholic acid destroys fat cells in the submental area, the results should be lasting, and further treatment is not expected as the fat cells can no longer store fat.