How long does Kybella last?
When it comes to seeing the appearance of aging on the skin, many patients immediately think about their “double chin,” or submental fullness along the jawline. In the past, the only way for patients to deal with excess fat under the chin was either through liposuction, or through a neck-lift or facelift, invasive surgical procedures that were done exclusively by plastic surgeons. Thanks to innovations in the world of dermatology, patients are now able to remove chin fat and other excess pockets of fat through technologies such as CoolSculpting and Kybella.
Kybella is an exciting injectable cosmetic treatment that is able to target excess fat near the injection site. It’s an exciting injectable treatment that uses the active ingredient of deoxycholic acid. This synthetic version of deoxycholic acid is able to target and eliminate fat cells near the injection site, allowing for an improved chin profile and sharpened jawline without the need for any downtime.
Before and after – Kybella for chin area
If you’re frustrated by the appearance of a double chin, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green is here to help. Dr. Green was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to perfect Kybella injections. An international cosmetic dermatology expert, Dr. Green is at the forefront of cosmetic injectables, dermal fillers, Botox, and laser treatments. With accolades such as Best Doctors in NY Magazine, Castle Connolly, and the New York Times, Dr. Green combines the artistry of cosmetic dermatology with the science behind these innovations.
What is Kybella Treatment?
Kybella treatment is a unique, FDA-approved injectable cosmetic procedure designed to dissolve unwanted submental fat. It’s produced by Allergan, the makers of other successful injectables such as Botox and the dermal filler Juvederm. Kybella injections rely on the active ingredient deoxycholic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance that assists the lymphatic system with the breakdown of dietary fat in the body. By using a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, Kybella is able to not only eliminate fat cells, but also help prevent those cells from accumulating fat within the treatment area The destroyed fat cells are naturally removed through the body’s metabolic processes, and patients experience full results without any need for recovery time.
Kybella is FDA-approved to remove chin fat or submental fat, and has also recently been studied for the removal of excess fat elsewhere along the body. Dr. Green has had success with patients looking to remove excess fat in the knee area, as well as with removing unwanted bra fat. “Brabella,” as it’s been popularized, can be very useful for patients who have a small amount of unwanted fat accumulation near the underarms and along the upper back. Additionally, Kybella can be used in combination with other treatments for body and facial rejuvenation, such as CoolSculpting, Thermage FLX for skin tightening, microneedling, or other injectables like Botox.
An effective, permanent treatment for double chin
When you work with Dr. Green, she will carefully examine your submental fullness and discuss your aesthetic needs. The majority of our patients are interested in simple and effective body rejuvenation without the need for invasive procedures, and Kybella is an excellent option for many. During your appointment, Dr. Green will learn more about your medical history (including any medications and herbal supplements you commonly take), as well as history of weight fluctuation, to determine if Kybella is right for you. From there, she will work with you to develop a simple treatment plan where you can discuss how many treatment sessions will be needed to effectively contour the jaw.
During your appointment, a topical numbing cream (anesthetic) will be applied to the treatment area, and Dr. Green will mark the predetermined injection sites on the surface of the skin. After the procedure, ice packs are immediately applied to the treatment area, and Dr. Green recommends that patients try to keep their head elevated overnight to prevent swelling at the injection site. Swelling is normal, and typically lasts about five days or less, at the site of Kybella injection.
How Many Treatment Sessions are needed?
A typical patient will require around three to four total treatment sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, in order to achieve the desired final result. Though submental fat is targeted through each Kybella treatment session, most patients start to see visible desired results after the second treatment session, as the breakdown and elimination of fat cells is a gradual process. Some patients with large amounts of submental fat may require additional treatment sessions. However, once patients achieve their ideal chin profile, there are no touch-up treatments necessary; once the fat cells go away, they will be unable to accumulate further fat, unless a patient undergoes weight gain.
Kybella: does it last forever?
Many patients wonder. is Kybella Treatment permanent? One of the most exciting things that we can tell our patients is that yes, in fact, Kybella does last! It’s designed to create permanent jawline contouring, as the destroyed fat cells are unable to accumulate fat once they are metabolized by the body. The only caveat is that if you gain more weight, you can accumulate fat again in the submental area. As long as you are at the same weight, this rejuvenation is permanent.
Does Kybella last a long time?
Kybella is permanent for patients who continue to live a healthy lifestyle and remain within a similar weight range to when they received their initial treatment sessions. The only instance in which Kybella is not incredibly long-lasting is in the case that a patient undergoes rapid or drastic changes in weight, which can effect fat distribution within the body, thus returning the accumulation of fat to a specific region of the body. However, as long as patients continue to live a healthy lifestyle, this should not be a concern.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for Kybella?
A good candidate for Kybella will have to have excess fat under the chin that is soft and pliable. If you’re frustrated by submental fat, you may very well be an excellent candidate for Kybella. If there is a great deal of skin laxity, Thermage for skin tightening, or even plastic surgery may be needed to get the desired cosmetic results. Kybella injections are an excellent treatment option for all genders, and is in fact just as popular among both men and women.
Are there any treatments that can be combined with Kybella?
Kybella is an exciting injectable cosmetic procedure in part because it can be used in combination with other body contouring and facial rejuvenation techniques. A common combination treatment is that of CoolSculpting and Kybella injections. CoolSculpting is a unique fat-removal procedure that essentially “freezes” fat cells in order to eliminate fat on the body. For many treatment areas on the body, such as submental fat or bra fat, CoolSculpting can be an excellent initial treatment for removing a larger area of excess fat, followed by Kybella injections in order to target smaller pockets of fat.
Kybella is often accompanied by Thermage FLX skin tightening treatment in order to create optimal rejuvenation in the neck and jawline. Thermage FLX skin tightening is a unique treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production within the layers of the dermis, which in turn can firm and tighten skin. Through a combination of Thermage FLX, Coolsculpting, and Kybella, patients can both eliminate excess fat and firm up any loose skin, creating total rejuvenation along the jawline. Additionally, Kybella can be combined with Botox injections in order to create optimal facial contouring and rejuvenation.
Kybella with Fraxel, Botox – 3 months
Are there any side effects to Kybella?
Some common side effects from Kybella treatment include localized swelling, pain, redness, or numbness, as well as occasional areas of hardness (in the shape of nodules or lumps) within the treatment area. The most common side effect is that of swelling, which can be lessened through the use of ice packs and elevation in the 24 hours following a treatment session.
Another possible side effect of Kybella is that of bruising near the injection site, though this risk can be reduced by avoiding blood thinners, ibuprofen, fish oil, and other supplements leading up to a Kybella injection.
Though rare, Kybella can have more severe side-effects, such as facial muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, or nerve injury to the jaw. However, these risks are more common with inexperienced injectors who may inject too close to the marginal mandibular nerve, causing uncomfortable nerve irritation. For this reason, it is vital that you work with an expert, board-certified dermatologist as your Kybella injector. Inexperienced injectors are more common when receiving treatment from a medical spa, where a board-certified professional is not necessarily present for your treatment. Dr. Green, on the other hand, is a skilled and knowledgeable injector that has been working with injectable cosmetics since their inception. The safety and satisfaction of her patients is Dr. Green’s top priority.
How long does swelling from Kybella last?
For patients who do experience mild side effects from Kybella, the question of how long does pain/soreness/swelling last after Kybella is a common concern. Dr. Green always recommends that patients treat the area near the injection site with ice throughout the day after treatment in order to minimize swelling. Additionally, it’s best to keep your head elevated overnight (ideally with two pillows). Lastly, Dr. Green recommends that patients refrain from intensive exercise or heat exposure (saunas or steam rooms) for at least 48 hours post-treatment.
For most patients, any swelling, or soreness should fully subside after a few weeks. In general, patients find that any lingering swelling subsides around the fourth week after a treatment session occurs. However, if any swelling or pain subsists, this could be a sign of infection. In the case of prolonged swelling (beyond five weeks), patients should contact Dr. Green right away.
If you’re frustrated by the appearance of double chin, there are finally non-invasive solutions like Kybella and CoolSculpting which can help. With over 25 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Green is an expert in Botox, dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane, lasers, skin care, and overall cosmetic rejuvenation. Contact our office today or call 212 535 3088 to develop your customized treatment plan with Dr. Michele Green.