If you’re self-conscious about the appearance of your chin and neck area, Kybella might be for you. Kybella is the commercial name for deoxycholic acid, a product that kills fat cells. This acid actually already exists in our bodies, just in the digestive system. It breaks down fats so they’re more easily digested. It can also perform a similar function in other parts of the body; it can be used on non-cancerous tumors made of fat cells as a non-invasive way to destroy them. Kybella is used as a cosmetic treatment option for the area underneath the chin, tackling the infamous double chin.
What does Kybella Involve?
Kybella is injected into the chin and neck area, typically in two separate treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. During each treatment, the practitioner will administer up to 50 injections of Kybella spaced about a centimeter away from each other. Patients can receive up to 6 treatments, but most receive 2. Each treatment takes approximately 20 minutes, and patients can return to work directly following the office visit.
What Are the Side Effects?
While you can return to normal activity right after your Kybella treatment, patients may experience some side effects at the injection site, such as bruising, swelling, redness, and temporary numbness in the affected area. Other side effects you might experience from Kybella include difficulty swallowing, nerve injury, or temporary or permanent beard hair loss.
Why Choose Kybella?
Patients choose Kybella because it’s a non-surgical and non-invasive way to tackle excess fat under the chin. It also has a quick recovery time and minimal risks, which can be discussed with a trained medical professional. Recipients can expect to see results in 6 to 8 weeks, noticing a less-pronounced double chin and a tightening of the skin in the area. More than 79% of people from studies all across the globe stated they were happier with how their chin and neck looked after receiving Kybella.
This column is sponsored by Lakeside Dermatology, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or its advertisers.
BIO: Dr. Alex Kennon, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist who is fellowship-trained in Mohs micrographic surgery. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Florida State University and completed his dermatology residency at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Lakeside Dermatology has offices in Sebring and Winter Haven.
