Injectables
A double chin is not always related to weight. It can be genetic and may not go away, even with weight loss. Our Kybella treatments at Austin Skin & Wellness offer a solution for submental fat that does not involve surgery. Kybella can give you a sharper and more defined jawline in just a few sessions.
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Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable that permanently destroys fat cells beneath the chin. Its active ingredient is deoxycholic acid, a molecule your body already produces to break down dietary fat. The synthetic version used in Kybella is purified and concentrated for cosmetic injection, and Kybella is the only injectable cleared by the FDA for treating submental fullness.
When injected into fat under the chin, deoxycholic acid disrupts the membrane of each fat cell. The destroyed cells release their contents, which your body then clears through normal metabolic processes over several weeks. Once gone, those fat cells cannot store fat again or return. Because the area is small and the molecule specifically targets fat, the surrounding muscle and skin are unaffected.
Good candidates are adults over 18 in stable health with moderate submental fat and reasonably elastic skin. Pregnant or nursing patients should wait, as should anyone with an active infection at the injection site or a history of facial surgery in that area. Patients with bleeding disorders, difficulty swallowing or significant loose skin under the chin may not be suitable. A consultation at Austin Skin & Wellness includes a physical exam to confirm that the fullness is fatty tissue rather than an enlarged thyroid or salivary gland.
Your consultation includes a review of your medical history, medications and supplements. The skin can be prone to bruising after Kybella, so we recommend avoiding unnecessary blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E for one week to reduce this chance. Your skin should be clean and free of lotion or makeup when you arrive for your appointment, and you should eat a light meal beforehand and keep your schedule fairly light afterward.
Your provider will mark a grid of injection points along the area of fat beneath the chin to guide the treatment. They will also apply a topical numbing cream for comfort. Using a fine needle, your provider delivers 20 to 50 small injections of Kybella into the fat layer. You may feel a stinging or warm sensation that fades within a few minutes after the injections finish.
You can apply a cold compress in 10-minute intervals during the first day to limit swelling. Make sure to sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights and avoid strenuous exercise, hot showers, hot tubs and saunas for 48 hours. Do not massage or apply pressure to the treated area. Stay hydrated and limit salt to help your body process the released fat. You can return to work the same day if some visible swelling is acceptable to you.
Most patients need between two and six sessions to reach their goal, with treatments spaced about one month apart. The exact number depends on the volume of fat present and how defined you want the result. Patients with a small pocket of fat may finish in two or three sessions, while those with more submental fullness often need four to six.
You will feel stinging and warmth during the injections, which most patients rate as moderate discomfort. Topical numbing cream and ice reduce the sensation. After the session, the area feels sore and swollen for several days but rarely requires pain medication beyond acetaminophen.
Results are permanent. Once the fat cells are destroyed and cleared by your body, they cannot return. While the treated cells are gone for good, weight gain can cause remaining fat cells in the area to enlarge.
Kybella targets fat, not skin. Patients with significant skin laxity may benefit from pairing Kybella with a skin-tightening treatment like radiofrequency or ultrasound therapy.
Kybella works at the level of fat cells below the skin, so it is suitable across all skin tones and types. It is still important to check with your provider to make sure it is right for you.
We’re here to help you nurture both your skin and soul, and answer any questions you may have.
Ready to address your double chin without surgery? Schedule a consultation at Austin Skin & Wellness to find out if Kybella fits your goals. We will build a personalized plan based on the amount of fat in your chin area and the contour you want. Call us at 512-551-8551 or book online today.
