Kybella is a deoxycholic acid injection, approved by the Food and Drug Administration to eliminate the fat cells under the chin area. This area of submental fat—frequently referred to as a “double chin”—is one of the most common complaints we hear from both male and female patients. Even slender people may be troubled by stubborn fat pockets beneath their chin that don’t respond to weight loss or facial exercises.
Kybella is so revolutionary because liposuction and other surgical procedures were previously the only options for eliminating this stubborn fat. Kybella allows us to offer our patients a non-invasive remedy that requires no anesthesia and no downtime—an excellent alternative for those who aren’t ready to consider surgery.
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally-occurring molecule in the body that works to break down fat in the digestive tract, making it a safe and effective treatment.
Kybella is best used to treat a moderately large double chin. If you have a severe amount of submental fat, your cosmetic surgeon may recommend a liposculpture procedure instead or possibly even a facelift. Your cosmetic surgeon will assess your skin tone and condition to determine if your double chin is caused by submental fat or due to your facial structure, sagging, or other causes, because Kyeblla will not be effective in these cases.
Most patients see significant improvement within just two to three sessions, but some may need as many as four to achieve their desired goals. Clinical trials have shown that 90% of patients still maintained a significant improvement in fat reduction two years post-treatment.
Although Kybella is a safe and non-invasive procedure, you will still need to choose your cosmetic or facial plastic surgeon carefully. This area of the face is filled with important structures and an inexperienced practitioner can cause a problem if it is injected incorrectly. The most common side effects are mild swelling, bruising and temporary numbness of the skin.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to your double chin, please call Southern Surgical Arts at 423-266-3331 for a complimentary personal consultation. Our award-winning, board-certified cosmetic surgeons will determine whether you are a candidate for Kybella. We’re happy to have a new treatment to offer our patients, and we know you’ll be happy when you see the results!