Kybella is an injectable treatment used to destroy fat cells accumulated under the chin. Technically known as submental fullness, this condition is commonly called a double chin. Kybella is the only injectable approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe fat beneath the chin.
Once the fat cells are destroyed, they do not rejuvenate. Kybella’s active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, occurs naturally in the body, aiding it in the breakdown and absorption of fat. This helps the body process fat from the treatment area via its natural metabolism. Patients may require up to six separate treatments, but once complete, no further treatments are expected.
Procedure Walk-Through
- Preparation: Two weeks prior to treatment, cease all blood thinning medications and supplements to reduce risk of bleeding and bruising. These include over-the-counter medications like aspirin and Ibuprofen, as well as supplements such as vitamin E and Gingko biloba. Patients who smoke should cease during the two weeks before and after treatment. If you are over 45 years of age, please obtain medical clearance from your primary physician.
- Anesthesia: Anesthesia is not required for this procedure.
- Preoperative Consultation: During your consultation with Dr. Vallecillos, he will evaluate your area of complaint and advise you of your treatment options. Come prepared with a list of all questions you’d like answered. Additionally, share your complete medical history, as some conditions, such as infection at the treatment site, prohibit Kybella injection treatments. Dr. Vallecillos will instruct you in both pre- and post-procedure care, and inform you of any risks or side effects to your procedure. Frontal, lateral, and oblique photos are also taken at this time.
Kybella Injection
If Dr. Vallecillos marks the treatment area, indicating where to inject the Kybella treatment. He then applies a series of injections. The process typically lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. Patients usually require multiple treatments, though no more than six. A minimum of one month separates subsequent treatments.