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Kybella is a non-surgical treatment that helps lose double chin fat, commonly called submental fat. It’s gained traction due to its ability to destroy fat cells permanently with just a few injection sessions. However, if you’re considering Kybella, there are several key points to keep in mind to ensure the best outcome. Here are seven things you should know before heading into your first treatment.
What Is Kybella and How Does It Work?
Deoxycholic acid, naturally intrinsic in your body, is used in Kybella but is synthetic. Deoxycholic acid’s primary job is breaking down dietary fat in the digestive system. When infiltrated into the fat beneath the chin, it eliminates the fat cells in that spot. Over time, the body metabolizes and removes these destroyed cells, leading to a slimmer appearance under the chin.
This isn’t an overnight process; it can take weeks to see the final results after your treatment. Once the fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good. They don’t regenerate, meaning you can expect long-term results without gaining significant weight.
You’ll Need More Than One Treatment
While Kybella is effective, don’t expect dramatic results after a single session. Most patients require two to six treatments spaced about a month apart. Each session consists of multiple small injections into the area under your chin. After the deoxycholic acid is injected, it starts breaking down the fat, but your body takes time to process and remove these cells, so multiple sessions are necessary to achieve your desired look.
You may start noticing subtle changes after the second or third treatment, but the full transformation could take several months.
There’s Minimal Downtime, but You Should Expect Swelling
One of the big draws of Kybella is that it doesn’t require any major recovery time. You can go about your day almost immediately after the treatment. However, be prepared for some swelling in the area that was treated. Swelling is not only common but expected, as it’s a sign that the deoxycholic acid is working. Swelling usually peaks and gradually subsides within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
Some patients also experience bruising, redness, and tenderness around the injection sites, but these side effects are temporary and should fade within a week. You can lessen the discomfort by applying ice packs and sleeping elevated.
Prepare Ahead by Avoiding Certain Medications
To reduce your chances of complications, you need to avoid a few things before your Kybella treatment. Blood-thinning medications and supplements like aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E can increase the bruising chances. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend stopping these at least a week before your appointment.
Additionally, while Kybella is minimally invasive, it’s essential to be transparent with your practitioner. Let them know about any medical conditions you have, particularly issues with swallowing or blood clotting. Kybella isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Kybella Isn’t for Everyone, but Most People Are Good Candidates
Kybella works best or adults with moderate to severe fat under the chin. However, it isn’t a solution for loose skin. If your concern is sagging or lax skin in addition to submental fat, other treatments, like neck lifts or skin-tightening procedures, might be better suited to your needs.
The ideal Kybella candidate has a double chin due to fat deposits rather than sagging skin. Individuals with good skin laxity tend to see the best results. An assessment with your provider will determine if you’re a good fit.
Your Results Will Be Long-Lasting
Once Kybella has destroyed the fat cells in the submental area, they’re gone for good. This means the results are essentially permanent, provided you maintain your weight. However, if you gain significant weight after treatment, it’s possible for new fat cells to form elsewhere in your body, which could affect your overall appearance.
Most people see their final results about three to six months after their last treatment. In clinical studies, nearly 60% of patients needed six sessions to achieve optimal results.
Post-Treatment Care: What to Do and Avoid
After your Kybella session, you’ll want to take a few steps to guarantee a smooth recovery and the best possible results. First, avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for 24 to 48 hours after your treatment, as both can increase swelling and bruising. Also, don’t massage or rub the treated area, as this can cause the deoxycholic acid to resettle.
Keep your head elevated when sleeping to lessen swelling, and apply cold compresses as needed. Most side effects will resolve within a few days but contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe pain, an uneven smile, or difficulty swallowing.
What To Expect During The Procedure
On the day of your Kybella treatment, the process starts with a thorough cleaning of the area under your chin. To keep you comfortable, your provider may apply numbing cream or an ice pack to lessen any discomfort from the injections. Once you’re prepped, your provider will mark the area using a grid pattern to ensure precise placement of the injections. Depending on how much fat is being targeted, you can get 20-50 injections.
The injections are quick, and while you might feel a mild stinging sensation, discomfort is usually brief. The entire procedure typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Afterward, you’ll be given aftercare instructions, and you can resume most normal activities, though you should avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for at least 24 hours. Swelling, a common reaction, may last a few days as the deoxycholic acid begins breaking down fat cells.
Takeaway
With a simple series of injections, you can permanently eliminate fat cells without the need for surgery or long recovery times. By understanding the treatment process, managing expectations, and following your provider’s aftercare instructions, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the results you’ve been hoping for. Whether you’re aiming for a more contoured jawline or want to say goodbye to your double chin, Kybella could be your appropriate prospect.
If you’re considering Kybella treatment for double chin reduction or submental fat removal, Magnetic Aesthetics is here to help. Our team creates a treatment plan that’s perfect for your needs with an assessment. Ready to take the next step? Call our experts at Kybella in Reno, NV!
