What causes “double chin” and how can it be treated?
-Sara Klingelberg
Patients often ask what can be done about their “double chin”. This under treated aesthetic facial condition, also called submental fullness, often leaves patients feeling like they look older or heavier than they should. It may be part of the aging process or due to gaining weight or genetics. Whether you have had it your whole life or it’s something you noticed recently, 1 in 4 adults are bothered by submental fullness so you are not alone.
What treatment options are available for submental fullness?
Unfortunately, diet and exercise alone may not help. However, there is a solution that can improve your profile and strengthen your jawline. Kybella is an individually tailored injectable treatment that permanently destroys fat cells to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fullness below the chin. This first and only FDA approved injectable drug uses synthetic deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps breakdown fat. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat and you are left with a noticeable reduction in fullness.
What can I expect with Kybella treatments?
Treatment plans depend on the patient’s individual anatomy and desires. Dr. Haque can tailor a series of treatments for you based on how much fat is beneath your chin, your aesthetic goals, and your scheduling and comfort. The treatments take place in our office and usually take 15 to 20 minutes. We may use cold packs or local anesthesia to help make you more comfortable. Multiple injections are given under the chin per treatment. For most people, a significant difference is achieved after 3-4 treatments. Treatments are usually scheduled 4 – 6 weeks apart.
The most common side effects are swelling, numbness, bruising, and redness. Side effects are usually temporary and often resolve on their own within a reasonable amount of time. Results take time to develop and your body needs time to process and remove the destroyed fat, so be patient since multiple treatments are expected.
Am I a good candidate for Kybella?
Dr.Haque will examine you so that you are properly diagnosed and determine if Kybella is right for you. He will create an individualized plan to help you get the results you desire. We offer free consultations for cosmetic procedures, so call us today at 704-372-5685 to set up an appointment to discuss your concerns and personal goals. Kybella is also part of the Brilliant Distinction Rewards program, so you can easily earn savings and rewards towards future treatments or other products from Allergan.
Indication
KYBELLA® (deoxycholic acid) injection is indicated for improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity or fullness associated with submental fat in adults.
The safe and effective use of KYBELLA® for the treatment of subcutaneous fat outside the submental region has not been established and is not recommended.
Important Safety Information
Contraindications
KYBELLA® is contraindicated in the presence of infection at the injection sites.
Warnings and Precautions
Marginal Mandibular Nerve Injury
Cases of marginal mandibular nerve injury, manifested as an asymmetric smile or facial muscle weakness, were reported in 4% of subjects in the clinical trials; all cases resolved spontaneously (range 1-298 days, median 44 days). KYBELLA® should not be injected into or in close proximity to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve.
Dysphagia
Dysphagia occurred in 2% of subjects in the clinical trials in the setting of administration-site reactions, eg, pain, swelling, and induration of the submental area; all cases of dysphagia resolved spontaneously (range 1-81 days, median 3 days). Avoid use of KYBELLA® in patients with current or prior history of dysphagia as treatment may exacerbate the condition.
Injection-Site Hematoma/Bruising
In clinical trials, 72% of subjects treated with KYBELLA® experienced hematoma/bruising. KYBELLA® should be used with caution in patients with bleeding abnormalities or who are currently being treated with antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy as excessive bleeding or bruising in the treatment area may occur.
Risk of Injecting Into or in Proximity to Vulnerable Anatomic Structures
To avoid the potential of tissue damage, KYBELLA® should not be injected into or in close proximity (1 cm-1.5 cm) to salivary glands, lymph nodes, and muscles.
Adverse Reactions
The most commonly reported adverse reactions in the pivotal clinical trials were: injection site edema/swelling, hematoma/bruising, pain, numbness, erythema, and induration.