Submental fullness. That sure sounds better than “double chin.” But submental fullness is the clinical term for a double chin. Despite being a common condition, submental fullness is an undertreated/under-targeted aesthetic facial condition.
Until now. Thanks to a new prescription medicine called Kybella, Dr. Sobel offers treatment for double chins without any need for surgery or downtime.
What is Kybella?
Kybella is a prescription medicine and is the only FDA-approved injection treatment used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called “double chin.” Kybella is a non-surgical fat removal treatment approved by the FDA for contouring and improving the appearance of submental fullness (double chin).
Kybella effectively removes excess fat under the chin, leaving a smooth jawline without the necessary recovery time of other treatments such as a neck lift surgery. Sometimes, even with diet or exercise, the unwanted fullness beneath your chin may not go away, and it could make you appear older or heavier than you actually are.
When injected into the fat beneath your chin, Kybella destroys fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. 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. Fat cleared from the treatment area is processed through your body’s natural metabolism.
How does Kybella work?
Kybella is a non-surgical double chin removal treatment injection. Kybella is developed through a synthetic formulation of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into targeted fat pockets under the chin, Kybella causes the rapid destruction and absorption of fat cells while also preventing future fat accumulation.
After treatment, the fat that is cleared from the area is processed by the body’s natural metabolic process. Kybella only targets fat cells; all other cells and tissue remain unaffected. Kybella is indicated for improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity or fullness associated with submental fat in adults. It is geared toward people looking for an improved chin profile.
What does the Kybella treatment procedure involve?
Kybella is administered to the fat under the chin through a series of injections. Because each person is unique, a custom treatment plan is tailored for each individual patient.
The procedure is non-invasive with minimal downtime or recovery required. Most treatments last between 15 and 20 minutes. A topical numbing anesthetic can be used to minimize discomfort.
Depending on each patient characteristics and goals multiple Kybella treatment sessions may be necessary. Most patients experience visible results within two to four treatment sessions. Treatment sessions are spaced about a month apart.
Once the aesthetic response is achieved, no further treatments will be required unless submental fullness redevelops.
Am I a candidate for Kybella double chin reduction?
Kybella is limited to under chin fat removal and reduction. It does not treat excess or loose skin, nor can it be used for neck fat removal or on areas of the face. However, there are other treatment options for these issues, such as a neck lift.
Are there any side effects of Kybella treatment?
Since deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body, reactions to it are rare. Side effects are those typical to injectables: swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, and some redness in the injection sites. Swelling typically lasts three to four days, but there can be some residual swelling that may last longer.
How long does a Kybella session last?
Because the target area is so small, a Kybella session with Dr. Sobel takes less than 30 minutes, making it easy to fit in treatment over a lunch hour or similar time.
How many Kybella treatments are needed to see results?
Dr. Sobel will customize your Kybella treatment. The number of treatments will depend on the amount of fat stored below under your chin, along with your desired final profile. Most patients experience visible results in two to four treatments, but up to six treatments may be administered, spaced at least one month apart.
Because Kybella destroys the fat cells, results are permanent. However, if you gain weight, submental fat can return.
Are there any alternatives to Kybella?
While Kybella® delivers truly impressive results, there are surgical alternatives that can have even more dramatic results. This is especially true if the patient has excess skin under the chin. In this case, a facelift or neck lift is the best tool to address the double chin. Without excess skin, liposuction is a surgical option to remove submental fat.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in Kybella treatment in NYC, our staff at Sobel Skin offers honest, human, forward-looking skin care to help you be your best, most refreshed self. Call 212.288.0060 fill out a form in the right-hand column of this page to book an initial treatment consultation with Dr. Sobel.