Kybella contains a naturally occurring molecule that dissolves fat, which your body then flushes out. The medication is injected into a patient’s targeted problem area to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin, also called the “double chin.” Kybella works best on patients who have excellent skin and a distinct fat “pooch.” Kybella also:
- Permanently destroy fat cells under the chin
- Is FDA-approved for adults 18 and older
- Shows visible results in as little as two treatment sessions
- Is proven both safe and effective
- Is a procedure performed by our talented, extensively trained staff with more than 15 years of experience treating the face, chin, and neck area
How Kybella Works
The active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule found in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath your chin, Kybella causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat again. Your extra chin is essentially gone for good.
A typical Kybella treatment takes 30 minutes. There will be some swelling that increases and persists for approximately 5-7 days. There may be some bruising, numbness and soreness in the treated area. However, those side effects are generally only temporary and disappear within a week. Most patients see amazing results after two to six sessions, which are spaced about a month apart.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Kybella is not a substitute for surgery. It will not eliminate excess skin, jowls, or neck bands. In fact, those may be more noticeable after a Kybella treatment, which is why it is so important to consult with a facial plastic surgeon prior to your treatment.
The ideal candidates for Kybella have healthy, elastic skin that will “bounce” back after the injection, and a noticeable bulge in the chin area that they’d like to get rid of. Only an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Ahn, can determine if you are a candidate for a double chin treatment during your consultation at our facility.
The medical staff at Aesthetic Wellness Center will determine if you are a candidate for a Kybella treatment during your consultation.
Results
When you have your Kybella treatment, the affected fat cells will be permanently destroyed, eliminating your double chin. Your results are, in fact, permanent as long as you maintain your weight with your normal diet and exercise.
Want to learn more about Kybella? Make sure to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahn and his staff today.
Why Choose Dr. Ahn and the Aesthetic Wellness Center?
Dr. Ahn is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon. He has served the Boston area for nearly 20 years and is a specialist in surgical and non-surgical facial aesthetic rejuvenation.
Kybella FAQ
Which treatment is better for submental fat: Kybella or liposuction?
Each treatment has benefits and drawbacks. An experienced facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Ahn can help you weigh your options and find the solution that is most suitable for your needs.
If you are looking for a non-surgical solution to small pockets of submental fat, Kybella is the better choice. The injections can be completed quickly and there is limited downtime and little pain. You do not need to worry about taking a lot of time off from work or your normal routine. You also do not need to worry about visible scarring from Kybella treatment.
However, if you have moderate to extensive amounts of submental fat or loose skin under your chin, Kybella is not likely to give you the smooth and contoured results you desire. Liposuction will remove a greater amount of fat and provide more noticeable contouring (although it requires longer recovery downtime).
Do I need to do anything to prepare for Kybella treatment?
About a week prior to treatment, stop drinking alcohol and refrain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen and other vitamins or supplements (e.g., Vitamin E, gingko biloba, fish oil) that can increase the risk of excessive bleeding and bruising.
On the day of treatment, do not apply any makeup or facial creams or lotions.
Men with beards should shave the area below the chin prior to treatment.
How is Kybella administered?
Kybella is conveniently administered in our office. Some patients describe a mild burning sensation as the Kybella is injected under the chin. We can use ice and/or numbing cream to reduce any discomfort. The injections only take a few minutes to administer.
Will I have noticeable aftereffects from treatment?
It is normal to experience some tenderness, numbness and swelling in the treated area after Kybella injections. Many of our patients opt to wear turtlenecks or scarves if going out in public the first few days after treatment to cover up bruising and swelling. The worst of the swelling usually subsides within three to five days and continues to improve over the next few weeks. Taking Bromelain supplements or applying topical Arnica gel to the treated area can help bruising resolve faster.
When can I resume work and other normal activities after Kybella treatment?
You can return to work and most of your normal daily activities right after your treatment, as long as you take it easy and avoid strenuous exercise until the swelling goes down.
What happens if I gain weight after Kybella treatment?
Kybella removes many fat cells from under the chin, but it does not remove every fat cell. If you were to gain a significant amount of weight after treatment, the remaining fat cells could enlarge. However, it is not likely to cause a noticeable difference in the appearance of your chin.
How do I know if Kybella is right for my goals?
Kybella may be right for you if you are bothered by excess fat under your chin and you have relatively firm, elastic skin.
To discuss whether Kybella can help you achieve your cosmetic goals, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahn and the team at the Aesthetic Wellness Center.
