Nearly 70% of Americans have the dreaded double chin.
No matter your age, a double chin can make you look older and heavier. It can appear as a slight jowl or a more obvious fat pocket surrounding your face. Regardless, having this submental fat can make you feel subconscious about how you look.
Luckily, you can ditch the unappealing double chin with Kybella injections. They are a great alternative if you don’t want to have surgery. What’s more, it’s effective since about 82.4% of patients stated that they were satisfied with their appearance after the procedure.
But is Kybella right for you? To help you figure that out, below is a comprehensive guide about this cosmetic treatment.
What is Kybella?
Kybella is an FDA-approved nonsurgical procedure used to eliminate excess fat beneath the chin. The cosmetic procedure involves the use of a series of deoxycholic acid shots to eliminate the fat cells in this area.
A suitable candidate for the procedure should be 18 years or older with moderate to severe fat beneath the chin. You may not qualify for the procedure if:
- You have had a facial surgery or planning to get one
- You have trouble swallowing
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have a medical condition or infection in or near the injection site
How Does Kybella Work?
The major ingredient in this beauty treatment is deoxycholic acid— bile acid that’s naturally produced by your body to help absorb fat. However, Kybella injections use a synthetic deoxycholic acid. Once administered, the acid gets rid fat cells beneath your chin.
Since deoxycholic acid can kill other cells in the process as well, make sure a qualified healthcare provider administers your Kybella injections. It lowers the risk of this happening.
What to Expect During a Kybella Procedure
Are you considering getting this facial injection? Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Consultation
Visit your healthcare provider for an evaluation to discuss your medical history and your cosmetic goals. Through the assessment, they’ll determine whether you are the right candidate for the procedure. If you are, the medical professional may advise you to:
- Schedule the procedure well before any major events
- Avoid taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen to prevent post-treatment bruising
- Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine to help reduce swelling
- Wash your face properly before the appointment to help reduce the risk of infection
Step 2: Marking Injection Sites
Before the procedure, the healthcare professional will use a marker to mark the injection sites. They may also administer an ice pack or topical numbing agent to relieve any pain or discomfort.
Step 3: Administering Injections
The healthcare professional will administer the Kybella injections. They may use 20 to 30, or even up to 50 injections under your chin. After the injections, they may ice the area to reduce pain and swelling.
Step 4: Follow-Up Treatments
You may need to return for follow-up visits to achieve the desired results.
Kybella Recovery
After getting Kybella, you may experience swelling and bruising at the injection site. These side effects are temporary and should subside within a few weeks.
Sometimes the swelling can peak a couple of days after the treatment but then go down on its own within a month. Here are some Kybella aftercare tips:
- Use ice or cold packs
- Apply warm compresses
- Putt on a chin strap for added compression
- Use over-the-counter pain medications to reduce swelling and pain
- Massage the treatment area
- Don’t wear makeup for 24 hours afterward
- Don’t take part in vigorous exercise for 2 days
How Many Kybella Treatment Sessions Will You Need?
Each person has a different chin profile. This means the number of treatments may vary from patient to patient. Depending on the quantity and distribution the submental fat in your chin and your cosmetic goals, your healthcare provider will determine the number of treatment sessions you need.
While most achieve visible results after two or four treatments, about six treatments are needed in 59% of cases. Each Kybella beauty treatment session is given at least 1 month apart. You shouldn’t have more than 6 treatment sessions.
How Long Does It Take to Notice Results?
While each Kybella treatment session takes between 15 and 20 minutes, the results aren’t instant. Most people report noticeable effects after 12 weeks.
You can notice maximum results after six months. This happens because it takes time for the deoxycholic acid to work on fat cells until they are damaged or entirely destroyed.
So, Are Results From Kybella Permanent?
Yes, Kybella results are considered long-lasting. When you get the injections, the deoxycholic acid destroys many of the fat cells that make up your double chin.
However, if you gain weight after the cosmetic treatment, new fat cells could develop in the same area of the chin. This then leads to a double chin. To maintain your ideal contours after Kybella injections, here’s what you can do:
- Eating more fruits and vegetables
- Enjoying a balanced diet that also includes low-fat dairy products, lean proteins, and more
- Minimize sugary snacks and processed foods
- Stay hydrated daily
- Get regular exercise
Side Effects of Kybella
Just like any other cosmetic procedure, Kybella also has side effects. Common side effects may include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Itching
- Redness
- Numbness
- Mild pain
- Bleeding
- Headache
- Nausea
- Hard skin around the injections site
While serious side effects are rare, make sure you call your doctor as soon as you start noticing them. Here are some of the serious Kybella side effects:
- Trouble eating or swallowing
- Uneven smile
- Muscle weakness in the face
- Skin tissue damage—necrosis
- Ulcers
- Nerve injury to the jaw
- Hair loss
- Severe bruising
- Infection
- Open sores, with or without drainage
- Fainting
Get Safe and Effective Kybella Treatments
Got a double chin? Kybella can help you eliminate the excess fat in your chin area. But you should let a certified aesthetician administer the injections.
At ChinUp Aesthetics, we’ll ensure you get safe and long-lasting Kybella treatments. Our nurses will ensure you’re comfortable before treatment. To get high-quality face sculpting procedures, book a free consultation.
