What Is KYBELLA® Treatment for Double Chin?

KYBELLA® (deoxycholic acid) injection is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment that contours and improves the appearance of submental kybella product imagefullness, sometimes referred to as “double chin”. The active ingredient in KYBELLA® is deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath your chin, KYBELLA® causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat.

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How Many People Have Been Treated With KYBELLA®?

KYBELLA® has been the focus of a global clinical development program involving over 20 clinical studies with more than 2,600 patients worldwide, of which over 1,600 have been treated with KYBELLA®.

Who Is Not A Candidate For KYBELLA®?

You should not receive KYBELLA® if you have an infection in the treatment area. Before receiving KYBELLA®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • Have had or plan to have surgery on your face, neck, or chin
  • Have had cosmetic treatments on your face, neck, or chin
  • Have had or have medical conditions in or near the neck area
  • Have had or have trouble swallowing; have bleeding problems
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (it is not known if KYBELLA® will harm your unborn baby)
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed (it is not known if KYBELLA® passes into your breast milk)
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Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive KYBELLA®). Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take a medicine that prevents the clotting of your blood (antiplatelet or anticoagulant medicine).

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of KYBELLA®?

The most common side effects of KYBELLA® include:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Numbness
  • Redness
  • Areas of hardness in the treatment area

KYBELLA® can cause rare serious side effects, including trouble swallowing and nerve injury in the jaw that can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness.

How Many KYBELLA® Treatments Will I Need?

You and your doctor will customize your KYBELLA® treatment regimen, including how many treatments you need, based on your desired chin profile. Many patients experience visible results in 2 to 4 treatment sessions. During these sessions, your HCP will administer KYBELLA® into the fat under your chin using multiple injections. Up to 6 treatment sessions may be administered spaced no less than one month apart.

How Long Will My KYBELLA® Results Last?

When injected into the fat under your chin, KYBELLA® causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. After the aesthetic response is achieved, retreatment with KYBELLA® is not expected.2

How Can I Prepare for KYBELLA Treatment?

Preparing ahead of time for your KYBELLA treatment can help optimize your results and reduce complications during your procedure. Before your first KYBELLA appointment, we recommend you do the following:

  • Consult with your primary doctor to ensure you can be treated with KYBELLA
  • Ask your doctor if you need to stop any medications, such as Accutane, before beginning your KYBELLA treatment
  • Avoid blood thinning medications like Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, and Aleve at least a week before your treatment.
  • Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinols, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, and Alpha Hydroxy Acid at least a week before your treatment
  • Do not wax, bleach, tweeze, or use hair removal cream on the area where KYBELLA will be injected.
  • Plan to take off at least four full days of work to recover from your KYBELLA injections.
  • Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages 24 hours before and after your treatment.
  • Stick to a balanced, nutritious diet.
  • Establish an exercise routine that will help you maintain a stable weight.

Can KYBELLA Be Used in Areas of the Body Besides Under the Chin?

Yes. As an FDA-approved injectable treatment, KYBELLA is known to work effectively to reduce the appearance of a double chin. However, KYBELLA may also be used to treat fat in other areas of the body, such as the armpits, thighs, knees, bra line, and elbows.

What Is Recovery Like After Receiving KYBELLA?

Common side effects after receiving KYBELLA include swelling at the injection site, redness, tenderness, and bruising. However, these should subside on their own after a few weeks. Most patients are usually able to return to their normal routines immediately after receiving KYBELLA injections, although swelling may persist for several days.

During recovery, we recommend you avoid the following:

  • Steroids
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Carbohydrates
  • Foods high in sugar and salt
  • Chemical peels
  • Harsh skincare
  • Touching or massaging the treated area

Are There Any Risks with KYBELLA?

Although KYBELLA is a safe and effective double chin treatment, it can still carry several potential risks. These risks may include the following:

  • Infection at the injection site
  • Uneven smile
  • Trouble eating or swallowing
  • Muscle weakness in the face
  • Skin tissue damage
  • Hair loss at the injection site
  • Ulcers
  • Open sores
  • Severe bruising
  • Difficulty Swallowing

Dr. Shondra Smith, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist who is dedicated to prioritizing patient comfort and safety with each procedure. Despite these KYBELLA risks, you can feel confident knowing that she will ensure complications and risks are minimized as much as possible during your KYBELLA treatment.

When Can I Expect Results from KYBELLA?

With a shorter recovery time than most other double chin treatments, KYBELLA results can be seen within a month. The key to seeing optimal results with KYBELLA is to be consistent with treatment. Most patients will receive between two and four injections of KYBELLA at least one month apart. After at least two sessions, you will notice results after 12 weeks. Optimal results can be seen within six months.

How Can I Maintain My Results from Kybella?

Results from KYBELLA are meant to be long-lasting. However, an essential part of maintaining your results from KYBELLA is also maintaining a stable weight. Sudden weight gain may affect the appearance of your KYBELLA results. In other words, new fat may grow in treated areas due to weight gain. However, staying active and eating a balanced diet can help you avoid gaining excess weight. With a healthy lifestyle, you’ll be able to enjoy your KYBELLA results and your new profile for a lifetime.

Schedule A Consultation With Dr. Smith Today

Call our office to learn more about our KYBELLA® treatments or fill out our contact form  to schedule a consultation. KYBELLA® is available for those located in Lake Charles, Sulphur, Moss Bluff, and Jennings, LA, Orange, TX, and surrounding areas.

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