Kybella is a popular treatment offered at MedSpas for reducing double chins. We use kybella as a non-surgical option to help people achieve a slimmer, more defined jawline. But what exactly is Kybella, and how does it work?
What is Kybella?
Kybella is an injectable treatment that uses a special acid to break down fat cells. The main ingredient in Kybella is called deoxycholic acid. This acid is actually something your body makes naturally to help digest fat. In Kybella, it targets and destroys fat cells under the chin.
When we inject Kybella into the fat under your chin, the deoxycholic acid goes to work breaking down the fat cell membranes. This process is called lipolysis. Once it breaks down fat cells, they can’t store fat anymore. Your body then removes these dead cells naturally over a few weeks. As the fat cells are cleared away, the area under your chin becomes slimmer and more contoured.
The Treatment Process
Before getting Kybella, you’ll have a consultation with a medical professional at the MedSpa. They’ll examine the area under your chin and decide if Kybella is right for you. During the treatment, the practitioner will mark the injection sites on your chin and neck. You’ll receive multiple small injections of Kybella in these marked areas. The number of injections depends on how much fat you have under your chin and your desired results.
The entire treatment usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Most people need more than one session to achieve the best results. Sessions are typically spaced about a month apart. Many people need between two and six treatments.
What to Expect After Treatment
After a Kybella treatment, it’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising, or numbness under your chin. These side effects are usually temporary and should go away within a few days to a week. As your body breaks down and removes the fat cells, you’ll start to see a reduction in the fullness under your chin. It can take a few weeks to see the full results of each treatment session.
Who is a Good Candidate for Kybella?
Kybella is ideal for adults with moderate to severe fat under the chin, also known as submental fat. It’s important that you’re in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results. Kybella isn’t a weight-loss solution, so it’s best for people who are already close to their ideal weight but want to target specific areas of fat.
The Science Behind Deoxycholic Acid
Deoxycholic acid, the active ingredient in Kybella, is a bile acid. Your liver produces bile acids and stores them in your gallbladder. They help your body digest dietary fats by breaking them down into smaller molecules that your intestines can absorb. When used in Kybella, deoxycholic acid targets and breaks down the fat cells in the treated area. This is a very controlled and precise process. It also is important for a trained professional to administer Kybella.
Safety and Side Effects
For safety, you need a professional to give Kybella. However, like any medical treatment, it does come with some risks. The most common side effects are swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness around the treatment area. In rare cases, Kybella can also cause more serious side effects, such as trouble swallowing or nerve injury in the jaw, which can cause an uneven smile.