Submental fat is the technical term doctors use to describe the most frustrating and stubborn type of fat: the double chin. Several factors contribute to the development of chin fat, namely weight gain, aging and even genetics. Even with a healthy diet and regular exercise, many people can still develop and retain fat under the chin.
Although many people are OK with keeping their double chin, there are those who prefer to minimize its appearance (if not, totally remove it). As mentioned above, however, exercise and a healthy diet aren’t always enough to remove the dreaded double chin.
But not all hope is lost. Procedures like Kybella are here to save the day.
Kybella is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that improves the facial profile by reducing the appearance of moderate to severe fat below your chin.
Here’s everything you need to know about Kybella: the before and after, the costs and the results.
- The Kybella Treatment
- How is Kybella Different from Other Fat Reduction Treatments?
- How Does the Kybella Procedure Work?
- Who is a Good Candidate for Kybella?
- How Much Does Kybella Cost?
- Kybella Outcome and Recovery
- Does Kybella Really Work?
- Is Kybella a Safe Procedure?
- How Long Do Kybella Results Last?
- What Can You Expect After Your Kybella Procedure?
The Kybella Treatment
Kybella is not double chin surgery.
It is a non-surgical injectable technique that targets the fat behind your chin. The treatment uses a series of deoxycholic acid injections that destroy the walls of fat cells under your skin. The injections turn the cell debris into waste, which is washed away by your blood and lymphatic system.
Once the wasted cells have been metabolized, your body eliminates them. Afterward, Kybella tightens the skin through the swelling it creates.
The body has its source of deoxycholic acid. It is the salt found in the bile, which helps you digest fat. Kybella is just the synthetic version of the natural one in your body.
If you have tried every diet, exercise or skin device designed to target the fat under your chin but have had no success in getting rid of it, Kybella is an option. It has minimal before and after requirements plus there’s no surgery, making it a more non-invasive alternative to double chin surgery.
How is Kybella Different from Other Fat Reduction Treatments?
Kybella is not as invasive as other fat-removal treatments like liposuction. Liposuction successfully removes fat from your chin using a suction cannula, which is inserted through an incision in the skin. This procedure guarantees noticeable and immediate results, but you’ll have a longer recovery period, longer downtime and a more complex aftercare routine.
There are other non-invasive treatments that compete with Kybella in the chin fat removal industry. For example, CoolSculpting or laser treatments also destroy fat cells under the chin. They also offer good results. However, these treatments come with a heavy price tag, longer recovery times and more discomfort compared to Kybella. Coolsculpting offers more permanent results than Kybella but the former lacks the skin tightening effect the latter provides.
How Does the Kybella Procedure Work?
Before anything else, make sure that you’re working with a trained healthcare professional since Kybella injections will kill other cells in the skin.
Before your treatment, your healthcare provider will mark the target areas with a marker. To ease any discomfort or pain, they may also put an ice pack or administer a topical numbing agent on the injection sites. Each treatment involves up to 50 injections under the chin. With each injection, the acid gradually kills the fat cells, which your body metabolizes over the following weeks.
Who is a Good Candidate for Kybella?
Kybella is effective and safe for most people. You’re an ideal candidate for the treatment if:
- You are 18 years old or older
- You have a moderate amount of chin fat
- You are in good health
- You’re not a big fan of invasive surgeries
- You’ve tried getting rid of chin fat with diet and exercise but both do not work
Kybella is not advisable for pregnant women, breastfeeding moms or anyone who has a history of keloids. If you’re wondering if you are a good candidate for Kybella, consult with your doctor first.
How Much Does Kybella Cost?
A session of Kybella can cost between $1,200 and $1,800 on average. Kybella’s cost is determined by the number of treatments you need, your location and your healthcare provider’s fees. Since Kybella is considered a cosmetic procedure, your medical insurance will not cover it.
Kybella Outcome and Recovery
It’s common for those who undergo Kybella to experience some mild side effects. After the injections, you’ll feel a temporary burning sensation in the injection area. This is the deoxycholic acid working its magic against your fat cells. With Kybella, swelling and redness are common side effects. This reaction is a sign that the treatment is taking effect.
For the next five to seven days, you may also experience the following:
- Numbness
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Firmness in the treatment area
Other side effects include:
- Skin ulceration
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Temporary or permanent beard hair loss
- Temporary nerve injury
After a couple of days, you’ll notice that the firmness in the injection area will subside. This indicates that your body is absorbing the fluids. As for the swelling, it can last for a week or two, depending on the intensity of the treatment. By a month, the swelling should have gone down and you’ll see the final result.
Does Kybella Really Work?
Yes! You’ll notice the changes around the sixth week after your first treatment. The Kybella before-and-after results are more evident after a month or so. You may also need more than one follow-up treatment to improve the results of the first treatment. If you opt for additional treatments, you’ll have to do them eight to 10 weeks after your first procedure.
Once you’re done, you’ll enjoy a fat-free chin that can boost up your confidence levels to a hundred percent! Many Kybella reviews back up this claim as many people share positive words about their treatment. As long as you follow a strict diet plan and exercise regimen, you can maintain a fat-free chin.
Is Kybella a Safe Procedure?
You may be wondering, “Is Kybella safe, though? Are the injections safe for my body?”
It is safe and effective. It carries a small risk of nerve damage that can cause difficulty in swallowing or a lopsided smile. If you are one of the very few who experience this, worry not. The damage is temporary.
Kybella, however, has only been approved for use in the chin area. There may be risks if the treatment is applied to other areas of the body.
Also, make sure that only trained medical professionals inject Kybella. In some states, a physician’s assistant or a nurse requires the supervision of a doctor to perform an injection.
How Long Do Kybella Results Last?
Although Kybella is a permanent way to remove unwanted fat under your chin, it’s not a miracle cosmetic injection. The fat will not return in the treated areas but fat cells that are left untreated will expand, especially if you don’t maintain a regular exercise plan and a healthy diet. If you want your results to last longer, you’ll need to practice a healthy lifestyle.
What Can You Expect After Your Kybella Procedure?
Your doctor should provide you with a treatment plan according to your needs. Most people require more than one treatment to achieve their Kybella goals. In most cases, people who have received treatment see visible results after two to four treatments.
Kybella is the ideal procedure for a person who wants to get rid of chin fat minus the surgery. If you’re hesitant about the treatment, don’t be! Kybella has plenty of proven before-and-after results. Plus, it’s safe and effective. Ask your doctor today about your Kybella treatment.
