For many people, a double chin can be a source of frustration despite efforts to exercise and eat healthily. Submental fat, the excess fat beneath the chin, can often be stubborn and resistant to traditional fat-reducing methods. Kybella is an FDA-approved non-surgical solution for those not interested in neck contouring with
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Best Clinical Practices with ATX-101 for Submental Fat Reduction: Patient-related Factors and Physician Considerations
PRS Global Open
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liposuction
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How Does Kybella Work?
Kybella is an injectable treatment designed to reduce submental fat without the need for surgery. The active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid, a molecule naturally found in the body that breaks down dietary fat. When Kybella is injected into the area beneath the chin, the deoxycholic acid targets and destroys fat cells, resulting in a more refined and contoured jawline. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat. This means that the results from Kybella can be long-lasting, provided that a healthy lifestyle is maintained.
Who Can Kybella Treat?
Kybella is ideal for individuals who have mild to moderate submental fat but are not ready for invasive procedures such as liposuction or neck lift surgery. It’s a great option for those seeking a non-invasive treatment with minimal downtime.
However, it’s important to understand that the appearance of a double chin can result from a variety of factors beyond weight, including hereditary traits, anatomy, and even airway positioning. If the appearance of a double chin is due to anatomical causes—such as neck structure, submandibular glands, muscle positioning, or airway placement—Kybella will not be effective. In these cases, the issue is not excess fat but rather the natural shape of the neck and jawline.
For those whose double chin is the result of anatomical factors rather than submental fat, a surgical procedure like a neck lift or platysmaplasty (to tighten and lift the neck muscles) may provide a better solution. Consulting with a qualified provider can help determine the root cause of a double chin and whether Kybella or surgery is the right approach to meet your goals.
What to Expect from Kybella Treatments
During a Kybella treatment, the solution is injected subcutaneously in the submental region in a precise grid pattern. A typical session may involve up to 50 injections administered in this area. Each injection delivers approximately 0.2 mL of the solution, with the total volume per session reaching up to 10 mL. The injections are spaced about 1 centimeter apart using a 0.5-inch needle to ensure even distribution of the deoxycholic acid across the submental fat.
Most patients will require multiple treatment sessions to achieve their desired results. While some individuals may see improvement after just two treatments, up to six single treatments may be administered, depending on the extent of the submental fat. Sessions are typically spaced at least one month apart, allowing time for the body to break down and absorb the fat cells after each treatment. The number of treatments needed can vary based on the amount of fat being addressed, but your provider will assess your needs and customize a plan that works best for you.
Following each session, it’s common to experience temporary redness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site, but these side effects generally subside within a few days. Because Kybella is non-surgical, recovery is relatively quick, with most patients able to return to their normal activities soon after treatment.
How Long Does It Take to See Results with Kybella?
When considering Kybella, it’s important for patients to have realistic expectations about the timeline for results. Unlike more immediate injectable treatments such as neurotoxins or dermal fillers, Kybella works gradually over time. After each treatment, submental fat is slowly reduced as the body processes and eliminates the destroyed fat cells. This process, along with tissue remodeling, can take several months before the full effects are
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Reduction of Submental Fat Continues Beyond 28 Days After ATX-101 Treatment: Results From a Post hoc Analysis
Dermatological Surgery
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visible
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The pace of fat elimination and tissue remodeling can vary from patient to patient. Because results are gradual, it’s important to understand that achieving the ideal jawline contour may take time. Open communication with your provider about the expected number of treatments and the recovery process can help set realistic expectations, improving overall satisfaction with the outcome.
Kybella: A Long-Lasting Solution for Stubborn Double Chin Fat
For the right candidates, Kybella provides a safe, non-surgical option for those looking to reduce submental fat and achieve a more contoured jawline without the need for invasive
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Noninvasive Submental Fat Compartment Treatment
PRS Global Open
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procedures
. By targeting and eliminating fat cells beneath the chin, Kybella offers a customized treatment plan with lasting results, making it an appealing alternative for individuals with moderate submental fullness. If you are interested in Kybella, contact us today to determine whether Kybella or a surgical approach best suits your aesthetic goals.
Sources
1 PRS Global Open. Best Clinical Practices with ATX-101 for Submental Fat Reduction: Patient-related Factors and Physician Considerations. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8274802/. Accessed October 1, 2024.
2 Dermatological Surgery. Reduction of Submental Fat Continues Beyond 28 Days After ATX-101 Treatment: Results From a Post hoc Analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6221411/. Accessed October 1, 2024.
3 PRS Global Open. Noninvasive Submental Fat Compartment Treatment. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5172481/. Accessed October 1, 2024.