Kybella® Injection Procedure
Achieving your weight loss goals is a fantastic accomplishment, but sometimes those pesky pockets of fat linger, especially under your chin. Often referred to as a “double chin,” this can be frustratingly resistant to diet and exercise.
That’s why we offer Kybella® injections, a safe and effective FDA-approved treatment specifically designed to eliminate that stubborn fat under your chin.
KYBELLA® in Reno, NV
Kybella® is a non-surgical, FDA-approved injectable treatment to help eliminate submental fat (or fat beneath your chin). Kybella® contains a substance called deoxycholic acid, which naturally occurs in your body and aids in fat breakdown. This targeted approach eliminates those stubborn fat cells for good, resulting in a more sculpted profile.
The benefit to Kybella® is that it’s an effective alternative to liposuction and you’ll see noticeable improvement over a series of treatments.
Ideal KYBELLA® Candidates
Ideal Kybella® candidates are people with moderate to severe fat beneath the chin, giving the appearance of a double chin. Diet and exercise in efforts to reduce that fat haven’t worked and you’re looking for a non-surgical option to eliminate fat.
It’s important to understand that Kybella® results develop gradually over a series of treatments. The goal is a natural-looking chin contour improvement, not complete fat eradication.
If you think you may be an ideal Kybella® candidate, book an appointment with our team today.
What to Expect Before and During Your Kybella® Injections
Your provider will assess the amount of fat under your chin, your skin elasticity, and your medical history. During your procedure, your provider will mark the injection sites and may apply a topical numbing agent for comfort. They’ll administer a series of small injections into the targeted fat cells under your chin. The entire procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Kybella® Post-Care
The benefit of Kybella® is that it’s known for its minimal downtime. However, temporary side effects are common including swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, and temporary numbness. All of these will subside within a few days, but swelling and bruising may take up to a week to fully resolve.
It’s best to avoid excessive exercise or activities within the first 24 to 48 hours, and after the initial swelling subsides, we recommend gently massaging the treated area to help promote lymphatic drainage and improve circulation. Over-the-counter pain medication can be used to manage any discomfort.
Ideal Number of Kybella® Treatments
The number of Kybella® treatments varies depending on the amount of submental fat and your desired results. Most patients require two to six treatment sessions spaced out at least one month apart. This allows time for your body to gradually process the destroyed fat cells and for side effects like swelling and bruising to subside between sessions.
Kybella® FAQs
What Is Kybella®?
Kybella® is an injectable treatment that uses deoxycholic acid to eliminate fat cells under your chin, often referred to as a double chin. It is a non-surgical and FDA-approved alternative to liposuction to help you achieve a smoother chin contour. With minimal downtime needed, this is great for people with noticeable fat under their chin seeking a non-surgical approach.
How Long Does Kybella® Last?
Kybella® treatments are long-lasting but some factors do affect longevity. Significant weight gain over time can lead to fat accumulation under your chin again, and a loss in skin elasticity—which occurs with age—can loosen skin under your chin.
What Exactly Does Kybella® Do?
Kybella® contains a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in your body. This acid plays an important role in fat digestion by helping to break down dietary fat in your intestines. Once injected, deoxycholic acid disrupts the membranes of the fat cells, which then disrupts their ability to function and store fat. The damaged fat cells are gradually destroyed and absorbed by your body’s natural waste removal process.
How Much Weight Do You Lose with Kybella®?
Kybella® isn’t designed for weight loss and is not measured in terms of pounds lost. It specifically targets and destroys fat cells in the area under your chin, reducing the appearance of a double chin.
How Painful is Kybella®?
Kybella® injections cause minimal pain, but some discomfort is possible. You might feel a prickling sensation during the procedure and experience swelling, tenderness, redness, bruising, or numbness afterward. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, and subside within a few days. Individual pain tolerance and the number of injections are important factors when gauging how much discomfort you may experience.
Does Kybella® Leave Sagging Skin?
Kybella® targets fat under your chin, but it doesn’t address loose skin. If you already have sagging skin, Kybella® might make it more obvious by removing fullness. In some cases, Kybella® may slightly tighten your skin, but it’s not a guaranteed effect.
Does Insurance Cover Kybella® Injections?
Kybella® injections are seen as a cosmetic procedure and are not covered by insurance.
get a slimmer, sleeker profile
Diet and exercise aren’t always enough to combat a double chin and sometimes, liposuction surgery isn’t a viable option. However, Kybella can rid you of that double chin with no surgery and no downtime. To find out if you’re a candidate for this remarkable treatment, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.