KYBELLA (DOUBLE CHIN REMOVAL) By Joshua Zuckerman, MD, FACS in New York City

Kybella permanently addresses a double chin (submental fullness) by destroying fat cells. This is an Allergan patient before and after. Individual results may vary.

Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment for permanently eliminating submental fullness, known as “double chin”, which affects a significant percentage of the population. Fat in this area may appear over time due to weight gain or simply age and may be difficult to address via traditional diet and exercise. Approved in 2015, Kybella’s active ingredient is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which is a naturally-occurring substance that assists in the body’s process of breaking down and absorbing fats from our diet. Kybella injections are most commonly performed in the fat beneath the chin in a precise grid pattern. When injected, Kybella destroys targeted fat cells near the injection site, thereby reducing submental fullness (double chin) permanently. This treatment can improve the perception of weight gain due to age-related concentration of fat under the chin without undergoing a surgical procedure such as liposuction. Kybella is a newer injectable released from Allergan, the makers of injectable treatment Botox and injectable dermal filler Juvederm, and its popularity has grown in Dr. Zuckerman’s practice in Manhattan and nationwide. Dr. Zuckerman is an experienced injector and board-certified plastic surgeon, who trained at some of the world’s most elite medical institutions including Brown University and New York University. He has performed thousands of non-surgical treatments, and he and his staff will do their utmost to ensure you a safe, comfortable treatment customized to your anatomy and desired outcome.

Kybella versus Liposuction

Treatment with Kybella is good option for those not ready to undergo liposuction. However, liposuction is still the gold standard for targeted removal of fat, including for a double chin. Dr. Zuckerman has the ability to create contours and perform very targeted removal of fat with liposuction, while Kybella works better for some people than others and may create slightly unpredictable contours. In addition, Kybella is not no downtime due to the mild swelling afterwards (see below) and requires multiple treatments which in more severe cases, may ultimately lead to a total cost near that of liposuction itself. Dr. Zuckerman still recommends Kybella for those averse to undergoing liposuction or with milder submental fullness. He finds that the best way to have a successful, satisfying treatment is to ensure sufficient amount of Kybella product is used. If underdosed or too few treatments performed, a patient may not be able to see enough of a reduction of their double chin.

Kybella with Dr. Zuckerman for Media Professionals or Executives

As with all injectables, Dr. Zuckerman customizes the treatment regimen and targeted areas to the particular needs of each patient. As noted above, Kybella can involve some submental swelling for up to one week after treatment. If this is not desirable given your profession in front of an audience of a camera, Dr. Zuckerman can stretch your Kybella treatment out longer and use smaller doses over time to minimize swelling. Please discuss with him at your treatment appointment if this minimal-dosing technique might be well-suited for you.

Other Areas for Kybella Injection: Axillary Rolls (Bra Rolls or Armpit), Inner Thighs, Upper or Lower Back

Dr. Zuckerman may be able to address fat in other areas of the body with Kybella including the bra rolls (armpit), inner thighs, outer thighs, and others. These are advanced injection techniques, and it is recommended to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Zuckerman for treatment in these areas.

Kybella is only currently FDA-approved for use under the chin to reduce submental fullness (double chin). However, physicians have significant latitude as to their ability to use the product, and it is increasingly used in other areas of the body as well. Dr. Zuckerman may recommend Kybella for a small, targeted area of fat reduction elsewhere on the body. For example, Kybella may work well for the axillary rolls (or “bra” rolls), the inner thighs, the outer thighs, or even the lower back. The key to a satisfactory result is targeting a small enough area. The abdomen or flanks (love handles) are difficult to address using Kybella and are best suited for surgical liposuction or even a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) if excess skin is present. The total amount of belly fat is generally too great for Kybella to make a noticeable change. Dr. Zuckerman does recommend that you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for any off-label treatments with Kybella. It is key to undergo treatment with someone who has detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the area. Incorrect injections create risk for skin necrosis, numbness, and other complications.

Important Aspects of Treatment

Kybella for submental fullness (double chin) fat elimination is an injected product made by Allergan. Source: Allergan. Please see the manufacturer’s Indications and Important Safety Information for further information.

Kybella (Double Chin Removal) Treatment Longevity

Results appear gradually over the treatment regime, which is at least two to three treatments over the course of six to nine months. Many patients do more than three treatments though, and Dr. Zuckerman will often recommend continued treatment until the patient sees the results they desire. Results from Kybella are permanent in that fat cells are destroyed, but if a patient gains subsequent weight, remaining fat cells in the submental (double chin) area may increase in size and lower the quality of the overall result.

Kybella (Double Chin Removal) Recovery (Downtime)

Kybella involves little to no downtime, and patients often return to work immediately after treatment. However, there can be bruising for 1-2 days post treatment, and there is often temporary swelling for up to one week as the body’s immune response targets destroyed fat cells.

Kybella (Double Chin Removal) Pretreatment Guidelines

To minimize post-treatment bruising, Dr. Zuckerman recommends patients avoid ibuprofen or aspirin for a few days around treatment. In addition, he advises patients not to drink alcohol to excess within 24-36 hours before treatment. Finally, he advises patients to skip intensive physical activity after the procedure on the day of treatment if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kybella (Double Chin Removal)

Should I visit a doctor for Kybella injectable treatments in New York City?

Dr. Zuckerman recommends that for Kybella you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon, especially if you seek off-label treatments in areas described above. For Kybella, it is key for the injector to be familiar with anatomy of the treatment area given the potential risks of improperly placed injections. In general, Kybella requires judgement on behalf of the injector as to what amount of product and treatment will best suit the patient.

Who should not receive Kybella injections?

You should not receive Kybella if you have an infection in the treatment area. It is not known how Kybella may affect an unborn child or infant, so it is generally recommended that those who are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid this treatment. If you have undergone, or plan to undergo, cosmetic surgery of the face or neck, inform your plastic surgeon, as this may affect your eligibility for treatment.

What are the possible side effects of Kybella?

Similar to other injectable treatments, side effects from Kybella are generally relatively minor but may including swelling or bruising near the injection site. In rare instances, Kybella can cause injury to nerves of the jaw or difficulty swallowing. Kybella may be injected in off-label areas, which must be done with caution and by a board-certified physician to avoid other unintended side effects.

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