Kybella in Phoenix AZ
As we get older and our skin and support tissues slacken and sag, most of us accumulate some fat under our chin — the double chin. Once this happens, this fat is impervious to dietary changes or exercise. The only way to get rid of it has been with a neck lift or lower facelift, but most people aren’t ready for surgery.
But that changed in April 2015 when the FDA approved the use of a new prescription injection called Kybella®. When injected into moderate to severe double chins, Kybella® dramatically tightens and improves the profile by breaking down the fat under the chin.
We offer Kybella® at North Scottsdale Med Spa.
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“I couldn’t be happier with the service each and every time I come here. From the front desk to management, they truly take pride in making sure everyone is comfortable. I see Rori and you can tell she takes pride in all of her work and my skin has never looked better. They work with your budget to help you accomplish your goals.
You will not be disappointed leaving here!”
What is Kybella?
Kybella® is a prescription injection that was approved by the FDA for the reduction of fat that has accumulated under the chin in the jowls. Kybella® is only available at medical practices, such as North Scottsdale Med Spa. It is given in a series of injections.
How do Kybella Injections Correct Double Chins?
Kybella® is basically deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid occurs naturally in humans. Its job is to aid in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. That’s the genius of Kybella® — deoxycholic acid doesn’t differentiate between fat that you eat or fat that has accumulated under your chin.
When Kybella® is injected into the fat beneath your chin, it breaks down the fat cells, just as it does with ingested fat. Once these fat cells are destroyed, not only does your profile return to a much slimmer, tighter appearance, but the ability to store future fat in the area is diminished because the fat cells are gone. This means that your double chin is gone for good, as long as you don’t put on a bunch of weight down the road.
Would I be a candidate for Kybella?
Whether Kybella® is right for you or not is a question of what is behind your double chin. Double chins can form due to fat deposits weighing down the skin, or they can form from excess, sagging skin. If fat deposits are the cause of your double chin, Kybella® is perfect for you.
However, if your double chin is more a factor of sagging, loose skin, you’d be better off with surgery to remove the excess skin and tighten the underlying support tissue.
What areas can be treated with Kybella?
Allergan is the maker of Kybella, and the FDA approved the injection of Kybella into the area of “submental fullness” which is the area under the chin. We can inject it “off label” in many different areas for the same issues. We can reduce the jowls in the lower face and can inject in many different areas of the body. We can inject select pouchiness in the abdomen, around the c/section scar, the areas around the bras straps front/back, pouchiness on the lower buttock/upper thigh, and the pouchiness above the knees.
How many Kybella treatments are needed to correct my double chin?
The FDA has approved up to six Kybella® treatments. Each treatment involves a number of injections across the double chin area. That doesn’t mean you’ll need six treatments, however. Every patient is unique, so it’s hard to say you’ll need “x” number of Kybella® treatments. During each session, we administer numerous small injections under your chin. Many patients feel they achieve the results they seek in from two to four Kybella® treatments. In clinical studies, 59 percent of patients opted to have all six treatments. Treatments need to be spaced at least four weeks apart.
How long does a Kybella session last?
These treatments at North Scottsdale Med Spa take just 15-20 minutes. Each treatment involves multiple small injections under your chin. The number of injections depends upon the amount of fat you have under your chin.
What is recovery like for Kybella injections?
When we inject the chin’s submental fullness, the client can expect to feel the heat but not necessarily pain. We apply ice before/during/after the treatment for client comfort directly on the treated areas. The client has a fairly significant amount of liquid medication into a small area so many clients have described it feeling like a “bullfrog”. Typically most clients have symptoms for between 3 days to 2 weeks. Using the ice topically helps the heat discomfort and Tylenol can help but there is nothing that can help the feeling of the chemical reaction of having the fat “lysed” or destroyed.
How long do results from Kybella injections last?
Typically most people require at least 2 treatments to see a satisfactory reduction in fullness. Because Kybella destroys the fat cells, unless you gain more weight, the result will last for a long time…years. If you gain weight, you can grow new fat cells in the treated area and regrow the submental fullness.
What should I avoid after Kybella injections?
You will have some swelling after your Kybella® injections. This is a sign that the deoxycholic acid is attacking your unwanted fat. To avoid bruising, you should avoid alcohol consumption for at least 6 hours, and don’t take any aspirin or blood thinners for several days. Lay low and don’t do anything strenuous for 24 hours after your injections. Also, avoid rubbing, massaging, or scrubbing the injection sites for 24 hours. You can apply ice to manage any discomfort. Don’t have a facial, chemical peel, or laser treatment for 14 days after your Kybella® treatments.
Are there side effects with Kybella?
Unlike dermal fillers or Botox, there is a recovery period of sorts with Kybella®. There is some pain associated with the 15-20 tiny injections involved in a session. That can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, but don’t use aspirin.
Most patients will have swelling. The amount of swelling is related to the amount of fat the patient has under their chin, as the swelling is due to the deoxycholic acid reacting with the fat cells. This swelling usually peaks after one day and goes away within 48 hours. But in some patients, the swelling lingers for up to three weeks. The first injection session involves the most swelling.
If you’re interested in learning more about Kybella® please contact us for a consultation at (480) 419-9605 or fill out our contact us form here. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.
