Kybella

Kybella is a non-surgical injection technique that reduces excess fat beneath the chin. It is an in-office treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015.

Kybella uses a naturally occurring substance found in our bodies called deoxycholic acid to improve the appearance of submental fat, also known as the double chin. Kybella injections are the first and only FDA-approved injectable that targets the appearance of a double chin.

We are proud at Schweiger Dermatology Group to offer Kybella, a groundbreaking non-surgical treatment that improves the look of a double chin. We were one of the first dermatology offices in NYC to offer Kybella, and we have been extensively trained on the proper technique and form for administering this new treatment.

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, the safety of our patients is paramount.

How to Get Rid of a Double Chin

Until recently, the only way to truly remove a double chin was through plastic surgery. This is unfortunate, considering how many people consider the double chin a trouble area.

According to a 2014 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery survey, almost as many consumers were bothered by their double chin (68%) as by lines and wrinkles around the eyes (71%).

A double chin makes you look older and heavier. It is a condition called submental fullness. It can be challenging to get rid of submental fullness on your own, as other factors, such as genetics and aging, impact this condition. Sometimes, diet and exercise are not enough to address this issue.

Kybella is the only direct treatment for submental fullness that the FDA approves.

What to Expect During Your Kybella Appointment

Your dermatologist will mark the injection sites with a marker. Then, they will administer a topical numbing agent to reduce any possibilities of pain or discomfort.

Somewhere between 20-50 injections will occur under the chin. The acid will work to kill the fat cells gradually. Your body will metabolize the destroyed fat cells over time.

How Kybella Works

Kybella injections use a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid. Your body naturally produces deoxycholic acid to help absorb fat. When Kybella is injected into your chin area, the acid destroys the fat cells located beneath the chin area. The fat cells can’t store fat anymore once they are destroyed.

It is important to work with a trained dermatologist, as deoxycholic acid can also kill other cells.

Uses for Kybella

Currently, Kybella is only FDA-approved for use in the submental area, which is right under the chin. Kybella is not FDA-approved to be used anywhere else on the body.

Kybella Side Effects

This is an injection procedure, so it is common for some redness and slight bruising at the targeted treatment site. This is normal and should go away after a short time. Directly after your treatment, it is normal to experience:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Pain
• Redness
• Inflammation
• Temporary numbness at the site of the injection

Swelling and bruising go away after a few days, although it may take a few weeks to clear up for some people.

Rare side effects of Kybella include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Skin ulceration
• Temporary nerve injury
• Temporary or permanent beard hair loss

What to Expect During Kybella Recovery

We will work with you to determine how many treatments of Kybella you need. Many individuals need more than one treatment of Kybella to achieve their aesthetic goals.

Between two to six treatments of Kybella are commonly needed to achieve one’s desired aesthetic goals. Each treatment should be spaced 4-6 weeks apart for the best results.

The results are long-lasting when the deoxycholic acid in the Kybella injection destroys the fat cells in the submental area. The fat cells can no longer store fat, so your double chin will not return. Kybella destroys the fat cells. Kybella injections can improve both your appearance and your emotional well-being.

No significant downtime is required with Kybella, as you are not undergoing surgery. You can get back to your normal activities right after your treatment. You can use a compression garment to help with any swelling.

Most patients notice drastic improvements in the contouring of their chin and facial features after a few treatments. You can expect to see results in 6-8 weeks following treatment.

Once you achieve the desired effect, retreatment is generally not necessary. You will notice your skin tightening in the chin area and reducing the appearance of a double chin.

Alternatives for Submental Fat Removal

Kybella is a great way to treat submental fat removal. However, if the treatment isn’t right for you, there are other options that we can try:

• Coolsculpting
• Vanquish
• SculpSure
• Neck Contouring Surgery

We will work with you to develop the best possible treatment plan for your double-chin to eliminate the fat and improve your confidence.

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