Kybella
Submental fullness is the medical name for having excess fat under the chin. It can affect people of both genders and often times has nothing to do with body weight. Most people recognize this condition as a double chin. While weight gain is one of the main reasons for this problem, normal aging and genetic factors contribute to it as well. Even when people diet and exercise to lose body fat, they may still feel dissatisfied with the appearance of a double chin that does not respond to these efforts.
Kybella was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015 to treat submental fullness. It is appropriate for people whose chin fat is in the moderate to severe range. This is good news for people who feel hesitant to smile because they feel embarrassed by their double chin. Most patients see dramatic results after two to four injections with Kybella, although some may require up to six sessions to eliminate most of the fat under the chin. For the best results, each injection should take place at least four weeks apart.
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12502 Willowbrook Road, Suite 460
Cumberland, MD 21502
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23789 Garrett Highway
McHenry, Maryland 21541
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How Kybella Injections Work
Before the day of the first appointment, the patient meets with a plastic surgeon to plan how she would like the chin to look after treatment with Kybella. The injections consist of a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which is a chemical that the body normally produces on its own. However, weight gain, aging, and genetics cause it to decrease in supply and lead to the condition of submental fullness. Using a synthetic form of this natural body chemical means that the patient is able to absorb it without any problems.
The surgeon injects Kybella directly into the submental fat to destroy cell membranes and fat cells in this area. Anesthesia is not necessary because the injection is quick and relatively painless for most people, even though it requires multiple injections. The number of injections vary depending on the amount of chin fat the patient has and his or her goals for treatment. Numbing alternatives are available to alleviate any discomfort from the Kybella injections. People who have had previous surgery to remove chin fat or who are recovering from any type of infection are not good candidates for the procedure.
The fat cells in the chin do not come back once they have been destroyed. That means they are unable to store fat in the future. The body eliminates these cells naturally as it heals from the Kybella injections. Within four to six weeks of the last injection, the fat cells under the chin should be gone for good.
What to Expect After Receiving Kybella Injections
Most patients experience a moderate amount of swelling, bruising, numbness, and general mild discomfort after undergoing treatment with Kybella for submental fullness. This normally subsides within three days. Some things that help to relieve these issues include placing an ice pack under the chin, sleeping in a reclining position, and taking non-prescription pain relievers. For those who prefer to sleep lying down, it is important to try to avoid turning the head a lot during the night since frequent bumps to the chin can increase discomfort.
The major benefits of treatment with Kybella are that it eliminates facial fat without surgery and requires minimal any down time. Patients typically return to work and resume all other regular activities after a few days. They have greater self-confidence due to a chin profile that is more proportionate to their other facial features. It also makes them look younger and leaner. Once the desired look of the chin has been achieved, additional treatments are no longer necessary.
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CONTACT US
Western Maryland Medical Arts Center
12052 Willowbrook Road, Suite 460
Cumberland, MD 21502
Hours of Operation:
Monday and Wednesday 8 am – 5 pm
Tuesday and Thursday 8 am – 5:30 pm
Friday 8 am – 12 pm
UPMC Western Maryland Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery With A Personal Touch
Western Maryland Medical Arts Center
12502 Willowbrook Road, Suite 460
Cumberland, MD 21502
UPMC Outpatient Center
23789 Garrett Highway
McHenry, Maryland 21541