Actual Halcyon Patient
A 2015 survey conducted by the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery found that 67% of the people polled were bothered by the appearance of their submental fullness (commonly referred to as “double chin”). Both men and women can develop a double chin, due to a combination of genetics, age, and other factors. A healthy diet and exercise program can help to eliminate fat throughout your body, but this particular bulge can be resistant to your best efforts to improve it through traditional methods. Your only option for getting rid of persistent chin fat is the physical removal of the problem fat cells. Kybella is the first and only FDA approved prescription medicine for the treatment of submental fat in adults.
What is Kybella?
Kybella contains a naturally occurring molecule called deoxycholic acid. In the body it aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat during the process of digestion. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, Kybella permanently destroys fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction in submental fullness.
Am I a good candidate for Kybella?
Kybella is best suited to patients who are at or near their appropriate goal weight, without excessive skin laxity, who are looking for non-surgical treatment options to improve the appearance of their double chin. You may not be treated if you are pregnant or nursing, have difficulty swallowing, nerve injury of the lower face, or an infection in the area. Inform us if you have had any surgical procedures of the neck or lower face.
How many treatments will I need?
Typically, patients will start to see the results they expect after 3 to 4 treatment sessions, spaced approximately two months apart from each other. The number of treatment sessions varies from patient, depending on their chin profile before treatment, individual response to the product, and the overall results they would like to achieve.
What are the common side effects of Kybella?
After your treatment session you will likely have temporary swelling, bruising, and tenderness over the area which can last about 2 weeks. You may also experience mild redness and firmness (due to swelling). These common side effects are most noticeable three days to one week after your procedure and tend to lessen on subsequent treatments. Rare side effects are possible and can be discussed further at your consultation.
Are the results permanent?
Yes, the cells destroyed by Kybella can no longer store fat. However, this does not stop existing cells from accumulating more with changes in diet and exercise. Also, the natural aging process leads to increased laxity of our skin over time, which may cause the double chin to recur. Maintenance treatments for skin tightening with the Exilis, or resurfacing with Microneedling, or the Deka Fractional CO2 laser may help maintain your Kybella results. Additional Kybella treatments may provide added benefits over time for some people.
How do I prepare for my treatment?
Avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), fish oil, vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, and ginkgo-biloba, for one week prior to your appointment may reduce your risk of bruising and swelling. Ask your doctor if you have been prescribed one of these medications. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken one hour before your procedure to help with post- treatment discomfort and swelling if instructed by your provider.
What can I expect during my Kybella treatment?
We ask our patients to arrive for their appointment wearing no makeup. The treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed, marked, and numbed with a topical numbing cream and injections to minimize discomfort. The Kybella injections will be efficiently administered, followed by the application of cold packs. The Kybella will begin working immediately, and you will notice the submental fat start to recede over the next several weeks.
What do I need do after my treatment?
After your treatment, you should expect swelling and redness. You may also experience bruising, discomfort, numbness, and firmness over the treated area. This will normally last less than 5 days, but for some patients may last up to 2 weeks. Though not necessary, you may apply a cold compress to the area for 20 minutes per hour, and you may do this hourly for up to 3 days. Do not participate in strenuous activity for 3 days following treatment. Sleep with your head elevated on at least 2 pillows nightly as needed for swelling. Do not massage or manipulate the treated areas. You may apply your normal skin care regimen starting immediately after each session.
What other areas can be treated?
Jowls and other localized small fat deposits on the face, neck, and body may also be treated with Kybella.
Other treatment options to improve the appearance of the jawline and neck:
Juvederm Voluma can help lift from the cheek bone area to decrease the appearance of jowls. Microneedling, Fraxel, and the DEKA fractional CO2, can also help improve the appearance of the neckline.
Neck tightening topical products such as the Neck Restorative Neck Complex with TriHex Technology can help improve the firmness of the neck area.