Across the country, many people are self-conscious about their appearance. One of the most common complaints about appearance is the presence of a double chin; in fact, a report by the Los Angeles Times suggested that as many as seven out of every 10 Americans is bothered by the appearance of a double chin. As might be expected, people with double chins may want to visit a qualified dermatologist to find a solution. Diet and exercise may be ineffective, and for these people, a non-surgical solution comes in the form of an FDA-approved product called Kybella™.
What is Kybella™?
Kybella is the very first and only injectable approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the appearance of moderate to severe fat deposits under the chin. Called “submental” fat, this is the fat that gives the appearance of double chin or a puffy, rounded look to the lower part of the face. Kybella is manufactured by Allergan, a leader in the pharmaceutical industry. The injectable contains a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid, a molecule that naturally occurs in the human body. This acid aids in the breakdown of subcutaneous fat. When Kybella is injected under the chin, it triggers the body to destroy fat cells, which are then eliminated by the body through natural processes. The result is a loss of the puffiness and excessive fullness in the chin area, reducing the unsightly appearance of a double chin.
Kybella is considered a permanent treatment option. Once the fat cells are treated and destroyed, they are done so in a permanent condition. Kybella has been evaluated carefully under numerous research programs and received FDA approval as an injectable for eliminating double chins. The results can last a lifetime.
What Causes a Double Chin?
Double chins may be caused by a number of factors. As we age, subcutaneous fat accumulates in our faces, hips, and other areas of the body. Genetics may play a role in double chins as well; many people who are otherwise slim may have an accumulation of fat under the chin. Diet and exercise also play a role in the development of double chins.
Double chins are typically resistant to changes in diet and increasing levels of exercise. In other words, eating healthier and working out more may not improve the appearance of a double chin to patient expectations. Liposuction is a common treatment method, proving effective for many patients. However, this procedure is both costly and painful for a sizeable percentage of patients. Surgery is also sometimes considered, but this should be seen as a last resort.
Kybella serves as a revolutionary step forward. It can improve the appearance of a double chin with a minimally-invasive procedure that can be done in the comfort of the dermatologist’s office.
What is the Kybella Procedure Like?
Before treatment, a dermatologist or healthcare professional with special training in the application and use of Kybella will evaluate problem areas of patients’ appearances. Then, he or she will determine the best procedure plan.
Kybella is typically administered with several small injections under the chin. The treatment may take several visits, each lasting 15-20 minutes. The exact number of visits, and the exact number of individual injections, will depend on factors like the amount of submental fat present and the desired outcome of the patient.
Although the treatment is virtually pain-free, accompanied only by light and temporary discomfort, there may be some swelling, bruising, or numbness near the injection sites after treatment. Your healthcare professional can prescribe medications to reduce these side effects. Recovery is generally quick and free of complications.
To learn more about Kybella or to determine if it is right for you, speak to your qualified dermatologist today.
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