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Kybella is an FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment designed to reduce the appearance of a double chin. The active ingredient in Kybella, deoxycholic acid, is a natural molecule in the body that helps break down and absorb fat. But can Kybella melt your double chin? This blog will look at Kybella and what it can do for you.
What is Kybella?
Kybella is a treatment that targets submental fullness, also known as a double chin. The treatment uses deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps break down and absorb fat. When injected into the fat in the chin, Kybella destroys fat cells, which are then eliminated naturally by the body.
The FDA approved Kybella, and it has since become a popular non-surgical option for reducing the appearance of a double chin. The treatment typically takes 15 to 20 minutes and involves multiple injections into the fat under the chin. Multiple treatment sessions may be needed to achieve the desired results depending on the amount of fat treated.
How does Kybella work?
Kybella works by destroying fat cells in the submental area. When injected, deoxycholic acid breaks down the cell membrane of fat cells, causing them to release their contents. The body’s natural metabolic processes then absorb and eliminate these contents.
One of the benefits of Kybella is that it targets fat cells specifically. The treatment does not affect surrounding tissues, nerves, or muscles. This means that the injection site remains intact and fully functional.
What are the benefits of Kybella?
Kybella offers several benefits as a non-surgical option for minimizing the appearance of a double chin. Some of these benefits include:
- Non-surgical: Kybella is a non-surgical treatment that requires no incisions or anesthesia. This means that there is no downtime or recovery period.
- Effective: Kybella is effective in reducing submental fullness. In clinical trials, more than 80% of patients saw improvement after two to four treatments.
- Targeted: Kybella targets fat cells specifically, leaving surrounding tissues and muscles unaffected.
- Long-lasting: Once Kybella destroys fat cells, they do not regenerate. This means that the results of Kybella are long-lasting.
Are there any side effects of Kybella?
Like any medical treatment, Kybella does carry some risk of side effects. The common side effects of Kybella include the following:
- Swelling: Swelling is the most common side effect of Kybella and can last several days after treatment.
- Bruising: Bruising may occur at the injection site and lasts up to two weeks.
- Numbness: Some patients may experience numbness or tingling in the treated area.
- Pain: Mild pain or discomfort may occur at the injection site.
- Redness: Redness or warmth at the injection site is common and typically resolves within a few hours.
These side effects are typically mild and resolve independently within a few days to a week. More severe side effects, such as difficulty swallowing or nerve damage, are rare but can occur.
Is Kybella right for me?
Kybella is an effective treatment for reducing the double chin, but it may not suit everyone. The best way to determine if Kybella is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
During your consultation, your healthcare provider will evaluate your skin, muscle, and fat to determine if Kybella is your best treatment option. They will also review your medical history and any medications you take to ensure that Kybella is safe.
It is important to note that Kybella is not a weight-loss treatment. It is intended for use in individuals with moderate to severe submental fullness, or a double chin, that does not go away with diet and exercise.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of bleeding disorders or difficulty swallowing, or have an active infection or inflammation in the treatment area, Kybella may not be recommended.
How much does Kybella Cost?
The cost of Kybella treatment can vary depending on the number of treatments needed and the provider’s geographic location. Kybella costs range from $1,000 to $2,400 per treatment. Since multiple treatments are usually required for optimal results, the cost can add up quickly.
What should I expect during and after Kybella’s treatment?
Before your Kybella treatment, your healthcare provider will mark the injection sites and apply a numbing cream to the treatment area. They may also use ice or a cold pack to numb the area further and reduce swelling.
During the treatment, your healthcare provider will use a small needle to inject Kybella into the fat beneath your chin. Multiple injections may be needed to achieve the desired results. The entire process typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.
After your treatment, you may experience some swelling, bruising, or numbness in the treatment area. You can apply ice packs to the site to reduce swelling and discomfort. Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the treatment.
Over the next few weeks, your body will naturally eliminate the fat cells that Kybella destroyed. You may start to see results after two to four treatments, with optimal results seen after six to eight treatments.
Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine after your Kybella treatments is essential to prevent the buildup of new fat cells in the treated area.
Realistic Expectations
While Kybella can effectively reduce submental fullness, it is wise to have realistic expectations for the results. While some individuals may see significant improvement after just one or two treatments, others may require more treatments to achieve their desired results. In addition, while Kybella can help to reduce fat in the submental area, it cannot address issues such as loose or sagging skin, which may require surgical intervention.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kybella is a safe and effective non-surgical treatment option for individuals looking to reduce submental fullness and improve the appearance of their double chin. It is necessary to consult with a qualified healthcare provider, like those at Walnut Creek Aesthetics, to determine if Kybella is the proper treatment for you. At Walnut Creek Aesthetics, our experienced professionals are committed to helping you attain your desired results in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We offer various aesthetic services, including Kybella, to help you look and feel your best. Contact us now to book a consultation and learn how we can help you accomplish your goals.
