Kybella®
Procedures
Kybella® is a prescription medicine used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called “double chin.” At Lentz Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa in Ormond Beach, Florida, Kybella® treatments are performed by our highly experienced aesthetic team that includes board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Lentz, physician assistant Bridget Kelly, and licensed medical aesthetician Jessica Kilner.
How Does Kybella® Help To Eliminate Submental Fat?
No matter how hard patients may work at implementing a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise, some small pockets of adipose (fat) tissue, such as a double chin, may stay put. This is because fat cells will only shrink as you lose weight; the body cannot completely get rid of fat cells on its own.
That’s where Kybella® comes in. Containing deoxycholic acid as its primary ingredient, Kybella® is injected into the submental fat cells, triggering apoptosis (controlled cell death). The cells are then gradually dissolved by the body for a slimmer, more toned chin.
Am I A Candidate for Kybella®?
Kybella® is an excellent non-surgical procedure for patients who have a double chin caused by one or more of the following:
- Weight fluctuations
- Genetics
- Aging
- Hormonal imbalances
Patients will need to be at or near a healthy BMI before undergoing this procedure. For more significant cases of skin laxity involving the lower face, Dr. Lentz may suggest facelift surgery. It is not known if Kybella® is effective for the treatment of fat outside of the submental area or in children under 18 years of age.
What Happens During A Kybella® Appointment?
The first step during a Kybella® procedure is typically the administration of a topical anesthetic to make sure you are comfortable. Next, your provider will make a series of injections into strategic locations below the chin, allowing the Kybella® solution to begin interacting with your submental fat. (The surrounding tissue is unaffected.) The whole process should take less than an hour.
Kybella® Aftercare
After their sessions, most patients only report temporary swelling, bruising, or numbness, but these usually clear up after about two to four weeks. We might suggest using a cold pack or warm compress as needed until these concerns subside. Most patients return to their normal routines after a few days of recovery.
When Will I See Results?
On average, patients will see an improvement in their chin’s appearance starting four weeks later (after the swelling has dissipated) and continuing over the following four to eight weeks (as the body removes those unwanted fat cells). The majority of patients will require two to four sessions for maximum results.
How Much Is Kybella®?
The price of your Kybella® treatment will depend on the degree of submental fat tissue present and the number of visits needed. Financing with CareCredit is also available to help patients budget for the cost of their care strategy.
Kybella® In Ormond Beach
If you’re interested in learning more about Kybella® therapy, we’ll be happy to discuss it with you and see if you qualify. Contact Lentz Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa today to schedule a consultation!
