Kybella® – Non-Surgical Sub-Chin Fat Treatment in Austin
Many people have a slight double chin, or upper neck fullness, despite being a healthy weight. In the past, only surgery could remove this unwanted submental fullness, but today, a more convenient treatment is available. Dr. Malena Amato and Dr. Marie Somogyi use Kybella® injections in Austin to gently melt away submental fat, creating a leaner, more sculpted jawline.
To learn more about your options for reducing a pesky double chin, contact Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates for a consultation.
Ready to book your procedure?
If you are ready to take the next step, or simply want more information about a procedure, please contact our team! Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi look forward to speaking with you soon!
What Causes a Double Chin?
Slim people can develop a double chin for several different reasons. Inherited traits, like a weak chin or round facial structure, can predispose people to submental fullness. Aging also plays a role in double chin formation; with aging, the fat pads on the face gradually descend and, in some cases, clump together. Eventually, this fat settles below the jawline, creating jowls and a double chin.
Though weight loss can help a heavy person obtain a slimmer jawline, no amount of diet or exercise will get rid of an inherited or age-related double chin. Kybella® and other cosmetic procedures are the only way to target this problem effectively.
How Does Kybella® Work?
To melt away unwanted fat, Kybella® leverages the same natural process the body uses to break down lipids during digestion. Kybella® injections place a small amount of deoxycholic acid (a compound derived from acids found in the small intestines) into fat cells, causing them to dissolve slowly. The body then excretes the damaged fat cells harmlessly via the liver. Kybella® is currently the only injectable treatment approved by the FDA for submental fat reduction.
Are the Results of Kybella® Permanent?
Yes; the fat cells that are affected by Kybella® won’t grow back on their own. To make sure the results of your Kybella® treatment aren’t compromised, do your best to remain a healthy weight; this will prevent the formation of new facial fat.
How Many Kybella® Injections are Required?
To achieve optimal Kybella® results, most people need more than one injection session. Between two and six sessions are usually recommended, depending on how much submental fat the patient wants to resolve. During your consultation, our doctors will examine your chin and let you know how many appointments you ’ll likely need to schedule.
Are there any Side Effects Associated with Kybella®?
Kybella® rarely causes significant side effects, and treatment is usually painless. We use an anesthetic cream to numb the area below the chin before administering any injections. Some people notice slight redness, significant swelling, and tenderness below their chin, but this usually goes away after a few days.
In rare cases, patients experience numbness, tingling sensations, or trouble swallowing after having Kybella®. In the unlikely event that you experience any of these symptoms, our doctors will help you address them through follow-up care. These symptoms, while uncomfortable, generally are not serious and will go away after a few weeks.
Recovering from Kybella®
Like most injectable treatments, Kybella® doesn’t strictly require any downtime. Still, you may want to take two to three days off work purely for cosmetic reasons (as your chin might appear red or swollen). For the first 24 hours after each injection session, you will need to protect the treatment area from sun exposure. You should also avoid vigorous exercise.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Kybella®?
Kybella® works best on those who are a healthy weight, but who struggle with deposits of stubborn submental fat. If you’re still not happy with the shape of your chin after weight loss, Kybella® can be recommended to keep your aesthetic goals.
To have Kybella®, you will need to be in good overall health and not currently pregnant or breastfeeding. Kybella® is not always suitable for use on people who have recently had other facial procedures performed near the treatment area, including injectable treatments like dermal fillers. However, you’ll be able to have complementary therapies after your Kybella® injections are complete safely.
Arrange a Consultation for Submental Fat Treatment in Austin
Having a double chin can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it doesn’t respond to dietary changes. If you’re unhappy with the shape of your chin and jaw, Kybella® injections can make a positive change. To learn more about Kybella®, contact Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. Our doctors will be happy to help you explore the benefits of this innovative treatment for submental fullness.