Kybella

Melt Away Your Double Chin!

Westport | Fairfield CT

Every day, we come across people exhibiting a marked difference in the way they grow old. While some of them are successful in defying age, others succumb to the ravages of time. In keeping with the growing demand for anti-aging treatments, shop shelves are full of products all claiming to give you a magical transformation. These have gained considerable favor with the glitterati and the common folks alike.

While these products do help preserve one’s youthful looks, they only offer temporary results. Fortunately, there are procedures available today that offer longer lasting results. Kybella is one such option.

The Fat-Melting Abilities of Kybella Injections

Kybella, a prescription treatment, is a safe and effective procedure used to eliminate stubborn, undesired fat deposits under the chin without extensive surgery or recovery time. The main component of these injections, deoxycholic acid, is a molecule that occurs naturally in the body and promotes the breakdown and absorption of fat.

The treatment involves administering a series of injections in the chin area. The number of sessions required is entirely dependent on the individual needs of each patient. This can be discussed during your consultation. Once injected into the fatty deposits under your chin, Kybella disrupts these fat cells and keeps the region from storing or accumulating fat in the future.

Kybella Injections: How They Work

Kybella is the first injectable treatment that has been approved by the FDA to treat fat deposits under the chin, in the submental area. Once injected, it dissolves the fat, leaving the chin area more contoured.

The technique is similar to Botox treatments in that Kybella is injected in the treatment area through a small needle. The number of injections each individual receives varies depending on the individual and the area being treated. The process lasts for about thirty minutes, including the time it takes to mark the area where the injection will be administered and the time to numb the area.

See Dr. Mahony’s results: before and after Kybella.

ASK DR. MAHONY

What is difference between liposuction and Kybella for chin fat? I want the quickest and most permanent result possible!

As with any procedure that I embark upon with my patients, it’s important that we meet to discuss your expectations and desires and for me to see your unique physiology first hand. Kybella is usually a very simple procedure that has limited downtime and post-injection swelling. Most patients see the best results after 2-3 sessions. For those individuals with a lot of submental fat in the chin area, liposuction is a tried and true solution that is a “one and done” procedure. We can evaluate the pros and cons together when we meet in my office.

Are there side effects with Kybella that I need to be aware of?

Most of my patients have experienced very minimal side effects from Kybella treatments. These usually include a bit of soreness and swelling for a few days after your procedure. Some patients report a bit of numbness in the chin area too. That’s because under the surface of your skin GREAT stuff is going on: As the fat begins to melt away, your body’s good cells come in to clean up the “mess”, so to speak. This whole process repairs and build collagen deep beneath the surface, helping to tighten and give an overall enhanced appearance to the area.

What can I expect during my Kybella treatment?

By the time of your procedure, a Kybella treatment plan will have been determined. I’ll go over this with you beforehand. Each patient is different, so the number of injections and total number of treatments will vary. First, we’ll go over the consent form with you. Next, I’ll mark out with a pen, the area to be treated and cleanse the area with antiseptic. A numbing cream will then be massaged into the area. While that’s settling in, I’ll set up the Kybella into tiny syringes. After I remove the cream, you’ll apply some ice to the area. Finally, I’ll apply the final markings to your neck and then do the injections.

By this time, the neck area will be pretty numb and the injections go quickly. It will be done before you know it!

What is submental fat, and how does Kybella improve it?

As I’ve often said about other injectables (like Botox), early prevention is one of the most effective ways to prolong the appearance of your youth. Similarly, Kybella is the best preventive treatment you can give to your thickening neck. Through this treatment, you can look forward to an elegant neck contour into your fifties and beyond! You can expect to see results around four weeks, and may see improvement somewhere around eight months.*

Do Kybella treatments hurt?

Will I be able to go back to work without looking like I had a procedure?

How “obvious” this looks is very much dependent on the amount of fat in the area. In individuals with greater amounts of fat, the swelling and potential bruising is greater. In these cases, it may be best to do the treatment on a Friday. However, I have had a few people who had nothing particularly noticeable and returned to work that day. Once you come in for your Consultation, I’ll be able to give you more specific information!

How Long Do Results from Kybella Last?

We expect Kybella results to be very long-lasting, if not indefinite. Your body eliminates the destroyed fat cells and will not grow new cells to replace them. Because of this, you should be able to enjoy a slimmer, more sculpted jawline for a prolonged period. That said, there are a few factors that can affect the appearance of the upper neck and chin area. One is your weight and the other is your body's unique response to aging.

Kybella does not completely eliminate fat cells in the target area. This means that the cells that do remain under the chin can grow larger. Your diet and exercise habits have a significant effect on the expansion of fat cells. Kybella also works by targeting fat cells. It does not tighten the skin nor does it prevent the decline in skin firmness that occurs as your body produces less and less collagen. As you age, your chin and neck area may start to loosen and sag, degrading the effects achieved using Kybella. Dr. Mahony offers surgical and non-surgical treatments that can address tissue laxity and can help you determine which approach may be ideal for you.

When can I Expect to See Results from Kybella Injections?

Because Kybella works through the natural elimination of fatty tissue, it can take some time to see your results. Initially, the area will likely look larger. This is due to the presence of deoxycholic acid in the intercellular space and also the swelling that occurs as part of the inflammatory response to treatment. After a week or two, these side effects diminish and you may begin to see subtle changes in the appearance of your chin and upper neck.

Some studies suggest that younger patients may see results more quickly than older patients. This may be due to the efficiency of the body's lymphatic system. From this perspective, you can estimate how quickly your results may occur based on your overall cardiovascular health. If you're older but more physically fit, your lymphatic system may work just as quickly as the average thirty or forty-year-old. Also, there may be some steps you can take to support your lymphatic system in the pickup and elimination of unwanted fat.

Can I Speed Up the Process of Fat Elimination after Kybella?

If you want to accelerate the development of your Kybella results, support your lymphatic system! Some of the strategies you might consider include:

Consume hydrating foods and beverages. Drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day is imperative to efficient lymph flow. When your body is in more of an active repair or elimination process, you want to increase lymph support as much as possible. In addition to maintaining your water consumption, add high-water fruits to your diet, such as watermelon, and also broths.

Get a lymphatic massage. This special form of massage comes highly recommended by many surgeons for patients who've had surgery. Because Kybella treatment relies on a strong lymph flow for optimal results, it makes sense to seek a massage therapist who is trained to perform treatments that help move lymph fluid through the body even more efficiently.

Move your body. Exercise is another way to get lymph moving through your body. This need not be strenuous. Doing dozens of simple, gentle jumps, bringing your heels just an inch or two off the ground and keeping your toes in place, can encourage lymph flow. Walking and light jogging or jumping on a rebounder (small trampoline) is also good for this purpose.

Is there Anything I Need to Avoid After Receiving Kybella Injections?

Kybella stimulates a mild inflammatory response. You don't want to discourage this but also don't want to exacerbate it. After receiving Kybella treatment, you may be advised to avoid excessive heat and strenuous exercise for up to a week. You may also be instructed to avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. It may also be helpful to avoid or limit your consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods for at least a few days.

Take the first step now.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mahony today!

CALL US AT 203-221-0102

KYBELLA

FAQs

How do I know if I am a good candidate for Kybella?

You may be a good candidate for the treatment if:

You’re dissatisfied with excess fat under your chin
You’re not ready for a cosmetic surgery treatment
You want to enhance the appearance of your face

Is Kybella a safe treatment for a double chin?

Kybella has been approved by the Food and Drug Association for people aged 21 or above and has been cleared only for treating fat in the submental area. To determine if you’re well suited for the procedure, several factors will be evaluated during your consultation, including:

Your medical fitness and overall health
Treatments you’ve received previously
The quality of your skin and its ability to respond favorably to this procedure
Your emotional stability and your expectations for the treatment

When will I be able to see results from Kybella, and how long do they last?

Typically, most people see visible improvements in the submental region after two to four sessions.* The sessions are typically scheduled four to six weeks apart, and you may be scheduled for as many as six sessions to help you reduce fat in the chin area. As the treatment destroys fat cells, there is generally no need for retreatment after you’ve achieved desired results. However, factors such as age, genetics, significant weight gain and gravity can still have an impact on your newly contoured skin.

Are there any side effects with Kybella?