Understanding Submental Fullness
Submental fullness, also known as a "double chin" represents excess fat tissue in the upper portion of the neck, just below the chin and jawline. Prominence of tissue in this region detracts from facial balance, and can cause an older and heavier appearance of the neck.
Submental fullness is a constant source of concern among patients, is often resistant to diet and weight loss, and has traditionally been very difficult to treat without surgery. However, we now have an exciting new nonsurgical treatment that can reduce submental fullness, and decrease or eliminate the appearance of a double chin.
In This Article:
What is Kybella?
Kybella, manufactured by Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, is the first and only FDA-approved injectable drug that contours and improves the appearance of submental fullness due to submental fat.
It is composed of deoxycholic acid, which causes fat cell breakdown, and has been shown to safely and effectively decrease the amount and appearance of submental fat in as few as 2 treatments. Safe and effective treatments were demonstrated in almost 20 studies, including 2,600 patients.
The Treatment Process
Kybella treatments are performed in the office by your provider, take about 15-20 minutes, and are performed with a local anesthetic, making the treatment itself relatively painless.
- Quick in-office treatment (15-20 minutes)
- Local anesthetic for comfort
- Results visible as soon as one month after treatment
- Follow-up treatments at 1-2 month intervals
- No surgery required
Results can be seen as soon as a month after treatment, and follow-up treatments are performed at 1-2 month intervals following the initial injections to maximize the results.
Is Kybella Right for You?
While not everyone with neck laxity or tissue excess is a candidate, many patients will benefit from these treatments, and should be very pleased with the results.
If you or someone you know is concerned by fullness under the chin, call the office and schedule your complimentary consultation with your provider, and find out if Kybella is right for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Kybella treatments will I need?
Most patients require 2-4 treatment sessions to achieve optimal results, though some may need up to 6. The number of treatments depends on the amount of submental fat and your desired results.
Is there downtime after Kybella?
You may experience swelling, bruising, or numbness in the treatment area for a few days to a couple of weeks. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment.