Kybella® In Paramus, NJ
There are some famous double chins in American culture — Orson Welles, Jobba the Hut, Jackie Gleason, to name a few. Truth be told, while we like to think others have a little more going on under the chin, in reality most of us have some degree of a double chin.
If you want to feel better, don’t call it a double chin. Call it submental fullness, the clinical term for a double chin.
Considering the prevalence of double chins, it’s a little surprising that more focus hasn’t been placed on remedies. The only way to address a double chin has been surgery — a facelift or neck lift, sometimes including liposuction.
But that all changed in April 2015 when the FDA approved Kybella® for the treatment of double chins. Kybella® is the prescription brand name for an injection formulated with deoxycholic acid that dramatically improves the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin, commonly known as a double chin.
Dr. Ferraro was one of the first plastic surgeons to use Kybella® in Bergen County and has now amassed extensive experience with reducing double chins with Kybella®.
Others' Experience With Kybella In Paramus NJ
Causes Of A Popular Condition
Like the neck below it, the chin is particularly at the mercy of the power of gravity and the effects of aging. There are a variety of factors at work when a person develops a double chin: gravity, intrinsic aging caused by decreasing collagen, genetics (some people simply have looser skin below their jawline), and weight gain. Together, they add up to drooping skin under the chin. And, because it is really the only place on the body that faces downward at all times, there’s no underlying bone or muscle support to hide the sagging.
Double chins are not rare. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery conducted a survey in 2015 asking participants about double chins. A whopping 67% of the people replied that they were bothered by their double chin — that’s two out of every three people — and they said their double chin bothered them just as much as their wrinkles and other signs of aging. Sound like there’s a market for a solution?
Kybella® Helps Reduce Fat
Kybella® is that solution. The concept seems so obvious. Kybella® is basically deoxycholic acid. This is important because deoxycholic acid occurs naturally in the body and its job is to aid in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. Deoxycholic acid doesn’t make a distinction between dietary fat or other fat living in pockets, so why not simply take some of that deoxycholic acid and inject it into the unwanted fat? When Kybella® is injected into the fat beneath the chin, it can reduce fat cells. Brilliant!*
The obvious question is: Why not use Kybella® in all the areas where unwanted pockets of fat exist, areas such as the thighs and lower abdomen? At this point, the FDA has approved Kybella® for use only under the chin. It works best on small areas, and research is under way on using Kybella for lipomas and eye bags.
How Does Kybella Work?
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable that is specifically designed to reduce the appearance of a double chin. When injected into the submental fat (double chin), it utilizes deoxycholic acid to dissolve excess fat. This procedure is an excellent choice for patients who are looking for a minimally invasive alternative to liposuction.
How Many Kybella® Treatments Are Needed?
The number of Kybella treatments depends on the amount of submental fat and the desired aesthetic result.
How Long Will the Results of a Kybella® Treatment Last?
Results from Kybella treatments are long-lasting. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they do not reoccur.
What Are the Side Effects of Using Kybella®?
Kybella is a safe procedure, but it is not without possible side effects. Some of the most common ones include:
- Swelling: Swelling is a very common side effect after Kybella injections. Swelling is your body’s response to treatment, so the degree of swelling will vary between patients.
- Bruising: Bruising may also occur, causing swelling and slight discoloration at the injection sites. While the severity of bruising will also vary between patients, most bruising should resolve a week or two after surgery.
- Numbness and Tingling: Some patients may also experience numbness and tingling in the area of injection.
- Difficulty Swallowing: In very rare cases, some patients may experience difficulty swallowing.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Kybella®?
Ideal candidates for Kybella are in overall good health. They have moderate-to-severe fatty deposits under their chins. They also have realistic expectations how what Kybella can and cannot accomplish.
Will I Need More Than One Kybella® Treatment?
Dr. Ferraro customizes every Kybella® treatment based on patient need. Each treatment involves a series of injections with a very small needle. Most patients need only two to four treatments, while others require six. The variables are the amount of fat stored under your chin and your desired final profile.
Like Botox, a Kybella® injection session takes 30 minutes or less. Subsequent treatments are spaced four weeks apart.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are ready to say goodbye to your chin double chin, Dr. Frank Ferraro can help. His keen eye and attention to detail can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. To learn more about Kybella or schedule an appointment, call our Paramus, NJ office at 201-664-8000 today.
*Weight loss results may vary based on individual user.
