Kybella: What it is & How it Can Get Rid of Double-Chins

Where did I get this double chin from and how do I get rid of it? I thought it was only me that had a bread roll under my chin, but this seems to be a very common complaint.

Submental fullness or a double chin can be present because of weight gain, genetic and ugh...aging.

Generally, the reason for a double chin can be attributed to extra adipose tissue (fatty deposit) or skin laxity. The preferred treatment would be different depending on the primary reason for the double chin.

If the reason is skin laxity; perhaps due to aging changes or a large weight loss, skin tightening would be the recommended treatment of choice. This is usually accomplished through radiofrequency for skin tightening or perhaps plastic surgery is the answer.

If the reason is because of excess fat accumulation, then a treatment protocol of Kybella injections would benefit you.

What is Kybella?

Kybella or Belkyra are brand names for Deoxycholic Acid. Deoxycholic Acid is a bile acid which, when injected subcutaneously (under the skin), disrupts the cell membrane of fat cells which therefore destroys the fat cells in the area injected.

The most common area for deoxycholic acid to be injected is the submental or double chin area, however, other small fatty areas such as bra bulges can also be safely treated. Deoxycholic Acid has not been FDA approved for larger areas.

What Does The Kybella Treatment Protocol Involve?

Upon consultation with the Physician describing your area of concern, the care provider will determine if the deoxycholic acid injection is the treatment of choice and if there are any contraindications for the procedure such as bleeding disorders, medical conditions in the area of the neck, trouble swallowing, pregnancy/breastfeeding. Upon the decision to move forward with the treatment, you will sign a consent form. The Physician will begin with outlining the treatment area and then will proceed to make multiple injections of the deoxycholic acid evenly over the marked treatment area. The procedure is very quick, however, that does not make it painless. On the contrary, over the course of the injections, a burning pain will start to build. This pain will continue for the next few hours. Taking Tylenol or Advil and applying ice will help with the discomfort. You will also develop swelling and bruising that can last up for 2 weeks, as well as some numbness and skin sensitivity in the area that will eventually resolve. The number of treatments required varies by individual and can be anywhere between 1-6 treatments, done approximately every 4-6 weeks.

What are the Benefits of Kybella?

The biggest benefit of using deoxycholic acid is it is a minimally invasive procedure that will permanently reduce fat cells in the treated area. Remember, however, that remaining fat cells will expand and contract along with weight changes. An added benefit is that the inflammatory response that occurs with the treatment induces collagen and elastin production. This will help with skin elasticity over time. Sometimes the small areas that are wanting to be treated are difficult to treat with other fat destroying technologies, making this injection treatment an excellent and extremely effective choice.

What Does Kybella Cost?

The cost varies significantly based on a few factors. Is your treatment provider using the brand name Kybella or the generic deoxycholic acid? This will be what drives the largest cost variance. The cost can be anywhere between $500-$1500. There is no difference in the actual product, just what it is called...and we know brand names always cost more.

How many treatments you may require will obviously affect the total cost and can be difficult to estimate. However, you will find the results definitely worth the effort.

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