KYBELLA® Double Chin Reduction
What is Kybella?
An elegant, sleek neckline is considered desirable for women. For men, it’s a chiseled profile with a strong chin. For many people, however, fat accumulates and creates a frustrating double chin that can undermine a refined look. Enter KYBELLA, a non-surgical treatment nicknamed the “double chin shot,” which Naples, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers residents can now get at Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa. Dr. Patrick Flaharty’s practice is the first in Southwest Florida to begin offering KYBELLA.
This 55-year-old woman is shown before and after 5 treatment sessions with KYBELLA.
Photos courtesy of Kythera
How Kybella Works
KYBELLA is approved by the FDA to reduce “submental fat,” which accumulates just below the chin and creates the double chin look. KYBELLA’s active ingredient is deoxycholic acid, a chemical that occurs naturally in the body to help break down and absorb dietary fat.
When this chemical is injected into the treatment area, it destroys fat cells. Once fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat. The body then naturally flushes away the dead cells, leaving a contoured, slimmer neck behind.
What To Expect During Kybella Injections
Dr. Flaharty customizes each KYBELLA treatment based on his assessment of a patient’s unique, personal needs. More than 1 treatment session is necessary, with most patients seeing the desired results after 2 to 4 treatments.
Your procedure begins with a thorough cleaning of your neck. You receive a local anesthetic in the treatment area to help you remain comfortable during the injections. Because multiple injections are needed during each treatment, Dr. Flaharty clearly marks a precise grid pattern below the chin to guide the injections.
A treatment session typically lasts only 15 to 20 minutes. Once it’s completed, you can return to work, run errands, or complete your other daily activities. Most patients experience some swelling, bruising, and redness following the treatment, but those signs typically resolve in a couple of days. Some patients simply opt to wear a scarf during that time.
The Brilliant Distinctions program makes it easy for you to save money on your favorite treatments. Each time you purchase an Allergan product — whether it’s BOTOX Cosmetic, CoolSculpting, or LATISSE — you earn points that you can use to save on future treatments. It’s easy and free to join Brilliant Distinctions.
Kybella Results
The results following KYBELLA treatments won’t be noticeable right away because of swelling. Even as the swelling diminishes after the first treatment, you may not notice significant changes, because it takes a few weeks for the body to flush away destroyed fat cells. But as you undergo additional treatments, the results gradually become more dramatic.
How Many Kybella injections Will I Need?
The specific number of treatment sessions a patient needs depends on the amount of submental fat and the patient’s personal cosmetic goals. Some patients see the desired results after 2 treatments; other individuals may need as many as 6 sessions. Treatment sessions are scheduled at least 30 days apart.
Side Effects of Kybella
As mentioned above, swelling, bruising, and redness are typical side effects following each session. Additionally, you may notice some discomfort and hardness in the treatment area. Numbness is also possible. All of these conditions are temporary and gradually resolve by themselves.
Alternatives to Kybella for Removing Double Chin
Until recently, neck liposuction was really the only effective way to get rid of the fat that causes a double chin, but many people would rather avoid a surgical procedure. KYBELLA is a minimally invasive option that requires only a local anesthetic, no incisions, and no downtime. Patients who may not want injections can opt for noninvasive CoolSculpting designed for the neck. If you have loose neck skin, however, Ultherapy is a non-surgical procedure that lifts the neck, and Dr. Flaharty also is highly experienced at face and neck lift surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
Men and women who are interested in learning more about KYBELLA and why it’s considered a groundbreaking treatment can request a consultation using the online form or call our Naples-Fort Myers practice at {tel}.