Oh, the dreaded “double chin.” How does it seemingly appear out of nowhere? Why won’t it go away? Can it go away with diet and exercise? If you’ve ever asked yourself any of these questions, then listen up! There are several factors that can contribute to a man or woman’s double chin; age, genetics and weight gain are all possible causes. No matter how diligent you are in eating right and exercising, it just may not be able to do the trick. That’s where the new, FDA-approved nonsurgical treatment Kybella™ fat reduction for the chin comes into play!
According to a 2014 American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), 68% of people polled shared being bothered by their double chin (also referred to as submental fullness). As a double board certified plastic surgeon, I am always researching the latest techniques and products influencing the plastic surgery field. Typically, body contouring procedures were the only way to address fat stored below the chin, but Kybella™ has proven to be the nonsurgical alternative. Let’s go over some of the top frequently asked questions we’ve received regarding Kybella™ and its benefits:
Q: Am I a good candidate for Kybella™ fat reduction treatments?
A: Patients who are unhappy by the appearance of their double chin, feel their appearance looks aged or heavier than it actually is or may not yet be ready for surgical contouring procedures, like liposuction, are good candidates for Kybella™ treatments.
Q: Does Kybella™ fat reduction work on other parts of the body?
A: Kybella™ is only FDA approved for use on the fat below the chin. Sorry, but it’s not recommended as safe for use on any other parts of the body.
Q: How do Kybella™ fat reduction treatments work?
A: Think of Kybella™ as a combination of body contouring and cosmetic injectable treatments. The main ingredient used is a naturally-occurring substance already in our bodies, called deoxycholic acid. This molecule helps the body breakdown and absorb dietary fat; when Kybella™ treatment is administered (during a 15-20 minute series of injections into the fat below your chin), it destroys the fat cells so they can no longer accumulate fat. After treatment, Kybella™ patients see improved, younger-looking contours and a slimmer chin profile.
Q: Are there any risks and how long will my results last?
A: Downtime is fairly minimal after your first treatment. Common side effects include swelling, bruising, numbness, stiffness or redness. An ice/cold pack and over-the-counter medicine is all that is really recommended to help relieve any discomfort after treatment. As far as results, it will depend on the person and how much fat we need to get rid of. Generally we recommend 2-4 treatments but some patients may need up to six for the best results. As long as you’re diligent with doing your part to maintain your weight, the fat cells should remain permanently gone!
Instead of wishing your double chin away, why not treat it the nonsurgical way with Kybella™ fat reduction? If you’d like to learn more about Kybella™ or schedule your Kybella™ treatment, contact Southern Plastic Surgery today. Stay connected with SPS by following me, Dr. David Whiteman, on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.