Chin fat, or submental fullness, can disrupt the natural contours of your face and draw unwanted attention. Kybella is an option that reduces chin fat without invasive procedures. At Worcester Dermatology Associates in Worcester, MA, you can receive treatment from a skilled dermatologist who is experienced in administering Kybella to help reshape your facial silhouette.
What Causes Chin Fat?
Genetics often determine how your body stores fat across your body. Some people may find that fat collects on the abdomen, thighs, or arms, while others notice excess fat collecting under the chin. Submental fat can also come with age. Fat deposits in the face can shift and submental fat can become more prominent, resulting in the appearance of a double chin. Weight fluctuations also commonly lead to the accumulation of fat in this area.
Who Can Have Excess Chin Fat?
Excess chin fat is not exclusive to individuals who are overweight. While weight gain can certainly contribute to submental fullness, many people who are thin still experience this issue due to genetic factors or aging. It’s important to understand that submental fat can affect anyone, regardless of their overall body weight.
How to Get Rid of a Double Chin
Reducing chin fat through diet and exercise alone can be particularly challenging. This area of the body tends to be resistant to typical fat-loss methods, which is why even with a healthy lifestyle, the double chin may persist. Kybella offers a solution by directly targeting and breaking down the fat cells under the chin, providing a non-surgical way to address this stubborn area.
What Is Kybella?
Kybella is an injectable treatment created to reduce fat under the chin. The active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, naturally occurs in the body. Its purpose in the body is to break down dietary fat, but this product has harnessed these capabilities to break down unwanted fat from the chin. It diminishes the appearance of a double chin over the course of several treatments.
How Kybella Works on Chin Fat
When Kybella is injected into the submental area, it starts destroying the fat cells only in that area. The body then naturally processes and eliminates these cells through the lymphatic system, leaving the area leaner. Each time you come in for more injections, more of the fat cells are destroyed.
Why Choose Kybella?
Kybella is the only FDA-approved injectable specifically for treating submental fat. The treatment offers gradual results over several weeks so you won’t have dramatic transformations that look like you had work done. Kybella also features biocompatible ingredients which makes it suitable for most patients. If you are bothered by submental fullness but you are not willing to take several weeks away from your regular life for surgery, this non-invasive option can be a good alternative.
What to Expect During Your Treatment
Consultation
One of the most important parts of our Kybella treatments is the consultation where we discuss your goals and assess the area under your chin. We’ll review your medical history and determine if Kybella is the right option for you. You can also ask us any questions you have about the treatment or its aftereffects.
Preparing the Area for Injection
Before administering the Kybella injections, we prepare the treatment area. A temporary grid may be applied to your chin which helps guide the precise placement of the injections. This grid is made up of washable marks that are gently applied to your skin. After the treatment, the grid marks can be easily removed, leaving no lasting impressions on your skin.
Injecting Kybella
During the injection process, you may feel a slight pinch or pressure as the Kybella is administered. Some patients describe a mild burning sensation, but most patients tolerate this well. To keep you comfortable, we often apply a numbing cream to the area before starting the injections, which helps to minimize any pain.
Immediate After Effects
After your Kybella injections, you may have some swelling. You can return to your normal activities right after your appointment, though some patients prefer to take it easy for the rest of the day. You should avoid hot temperatures for a day after your treatment such as hot tubs or saunas. Minimize alcohol consumption and stick to gentle rather than strenuous exercise. You will also want to avoid any facial massages and try to keep from touching or manipulating the area.
Managing Swelling
Swelling is a common and expected part of Kybella recovery, particularly after your first set of injections. This swelling indicates that the medication is actively working on breaking down the fat cells under your chin. Many of our patients manage this swelling by gently applying ice packs to the area for short periods. Some also choose to wear scarves or high-neck clothing for a few days to feel more comfortable while the swelling subsides.
How Many Kybella Treatments Will I Need?
The appropriate number of treatments for you could be anywhere from one to six treatments. Most patients need at least two treatments to see satisfactory results. These treatments will be scheduled at least one month apart to give your body time to heal and eliminate fat cells. During each session, we’ll evaluate your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
How Long Do Kybella Results Last?
Once Kybella breaks down the fat cells under your chin, those cells are gone for good. The results are long-lasting because the treated fat cells don’t regenerate. However, it’s important to maintain a stable weight after your treatment, since significant weight gain can affect the contours of your face.
Get a Defined Chin and Jawline With Kybella in Worcester
Kybella offers a non-surgical way to reduce submental fat and achieve the sculpted chin and jawline that you want. At Worcester Dermatology Associates, we work closely with each patient to treat the concerns that they have for their health and appearance. If you are near Worcester, MA, and want to address stubborn chin fat with minimal downtime, schedule a consultation through our online form or call (508) 754-3823.