What to Expect from Kybella Treatments

A double chin is a buildup of fat in the area of your neck and lower jaw. Factors that can contribute to the formation of a double chin include age, weight gain, and genetics. Sometimes all three factors may be in play at the same time.

Many people find the appearance of a double chin unsightly and would like to restore their jawline to its original contour and definition. A healthy diet and regular exercise may be effective at reducing a double chin, in addition to promoting general health. However, diet and exercise alone may not produce the results you desire, especially if your genetics are contributing to your double chin. Some people turn to surgery to restore optimal facial fullness, but invasive procedures carry a risk of complication, and the required prep and recovery time may not be convenient.

Since its FDA approval in 2015, Kybella is another treatment option available for a double chin. It is a non-invasive injectable that contains fat-dissolving compounds that destroy the current fat deposits in the area of your jawline and prevent new ones from forming.

What Is Kybella and How Does It Work?

Kybella contains a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in your body that helps absorb fat. A healthcare provider familiar with the drug and/or experienced with cosmetic surgery injects the drug in the area under the chin, where it works to destroy the fat cells that are present to not only correct the double chin but prevent future fat storage.

What Happens During the Treatment Session?

The injection procedure is non-invasive, which usually means it can be completed on an outpatient basis. You shouldn’t have to do anything to prep for it, and recovery time should be minimal. A single treatment with Kybella consists of up to 50 injections in the area under the chin, although 20 to 30 is more common. Before administering the injections, your physician will administer a topical numbing agent and mark the intended injection sites with a marker. If you need more than one session, you will need to wait a month between each.

Are There Side Effects?

There is a chance of side effects with any pharmaceutical, and Kybella is no exception. Side effects are usually mild and subside within a week or two. These include bruising, numbness, pain, redness, and swelling. It is not unheard of for serious side effects, including nerve injury or facial muscle weakness, to occur. These should be reported to your physician right away.

Where Are Kybella Treatments Available?

Kybella treatments are available at Newport Medical and Wellness Center. You can discuss with one of the practitioners whether you are a good candidate for Kybella injections. Call us at 949-631-9009 to make an appointment or fill out the form below.