Kybella® is the latest treatment for chin and neck fat, eliminating a “double chin” without the need for liposuction or surgery.
Is Kybella® one of the best option for you? Make an informed decision with Dr. Preminger.
Kybella® injections
Kybella® is an exciting injectable that treats under chin and neck fat. FDA approved in April 2015, the drug was first developed and manufactured by Kythera Biopharmaceuticals in California, which is now owned by Botox® maker Allergan. According to Fierce Biotech, Kybella® is a synthetic form of “natural deoxycholic acid, which the body produces to help break down fat.” When injected into the body, Kybella® destroys local fat cells.
The total number of treatments required to see results vary from patient to patient, but in general, plastic surgeons tell WebMD they can vary from 12-20 injections per 15-minute visit, with two or three visits spaced a month apart. The FDA says that patients may receive “up to 50 injections in a single treatment, with up to six single treatments no less than a month apart.”
Before & After
Kybella® cost
For those wondering about the Kybella® price range, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) indicates that the cost is comparable to dermal fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane. Inquisitr.com states that “there will be a large market for the double chin shot since it does not require invasive surgery and it is actually cheaper than a facelift or a neck lift.”
The cost of Kybella® injections will vary with each patient depending on the size of the area being treated on how many injections you receive. Dr. Preminger offers a variety of financing options and payment plans to make Kybella® treatment affordable to her patients. Just ask to see which financing arrangement might be right for you.
Kybella® results
Prior to receiving FDA approval, Kybella® was involved in two U.S. clinical trials including over 1,000 patients. More than 80% of those receiving treatment said they saw noticeable improvements in their chin fat. Prospective candidates can view Kybella® before and after photos at the official Kybella® website and get answers to frequently asked questions.
Prior to Kybella® injections, patients are also required to meet with a health care professional for a consultation to discuss medical history and expectations to ensure they are good candidates for the procedure. Genetic fat is not always to blame for the appearance of a double chin. Medical conditions like thyromegaly (enlarged thyroid) and cervical lymphadenopathy (enlarged cervical lymph nodes) should be ruled out before Kybella® becomes the preferred treatment.
To prepare for Kybella® injections, patients are usually asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil and similar medications for a few weeks and refrain from alcohol for several days to minimize swelling. Some patients take Arnica the morning of their procedure or immediately after to help reduce bruising.
At the scheduled appointment, a numbing cream is typically applied. Then a grid of temporary ink is placed on the neck and chin area to guide the injections, which last from 15 to 20 minutes.
Best results usually require between two to six treatments, separated by 4-6 weeks, with each treatment consisting of 12 to 20 small injections.
No special care is required afterward, except for icing the area to relieve tenderness. Some women wear scarves to mask swelling or makeup to hide bruising.
“The end results of Kybella® treatment can be life-changing for people who have struggled with persistent chin fat their whole lives,” explains NYC plastic surgeon Dr. B. Aviva Preminger. “However, patience is required because the results do not happen overnight. While the fat cells die quickly, it takes some time for the body to process the fat nodules and for the inflammation and swelling of aggravated tissues to go down entirely. Keep in mind inflammation is good because it helps tighten the skin during the healing process.”
She adds, “Some patients feel anxious because they are often going in for multiple treatments before they see progress. That’s why it’s so important to find an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with a long history of experience with cosmetic injections that you have a rapport with and trust.”