Kybella

Physical attractiveness is measured by taking into consideration a number of characteristics, including the sharpness and angle of the jawline. This characteristic doesn’t just apply to women either. Both men and women who posses this feature are considered the most aesthetically pleasing.

Many people struggle with excess fat deposits under their chin that aren’t related to age or obesity. These fat deposits are called submental fat, and they exist just below the skin’s surface in the ‘double chin’ area. This can be especially frustrating, and prior to now, may have required an invasive procedure such as chin liposuction.

Just recently, however, a revolutionary treatment was approved by the FDA to dissolve submental fat. The good news is that it’s non-invasive, and the even better news is that it lasts for up to six years! While this technology isn’t new, the approval from the FDA takes the industry one step closer in its goal of providing the safest, most effective, and least invasive treatments for stubborn fat removal.

What is Kybella?

To better understand what Kybella is, it is helpful to examine deoxycholic acid and its function within the human body. Deoxycholic Acid or deoxycholate is one of the byproducts of metabolized stomach acid found in the intestines. Its primary function within the human body is to metabolize fat. It has been used in the past as a fat emulsifier in foods, and is also used to dissolve gall bladder stones.

Kybella is the trade name for ATX-101, which is a synthetic formulation of Deoxycholic Acid. When injected into submental fat, Kybella destroys the cell membrane, thus destroying the fat cell. Dead fat cells are then metabolized, and flushed out by the body.

Kybella is the first FDA-approved injectable in the US, but the formula has existed in countries outside of the US for a number of years. The concept was pioneered in France, where some people created their own injectables. Naturally, this wasn’t a successful approach, which is why in order for the FDA to have approved such a procedure, it had to be carefully tried and tested through a series of clinical trials.

The results of the clinical trials were outstanding, showing a nearly 80% patient satisfaction rate for those treated. For some patients, only two treatments were needed, and that increased depending on the severity of the fat deposits under the chin. Not only did the patients experience an improved jawline, they also reported surges in self-confidence, and a decrease in feelings of depression or negative emotions that occurred prior to treatment.

Candidates

In deciphering who makes a good candidate for Kybella, it is also helpful to mention what patients may not be good candidates for the procedure. In some cases, patients suffering from saggy or drooping skin under the chin may think that Kybella will help to tighten the area. In fact, Kybella will have little or no effect on sagging skin, as its function is to destroy fat cells under the chin. For patients with sagging skin under the chin, a Neck Lift procedure, not offered by Skin Specifics, or an alternate treatment may work better. This can be decided with the doctor, as a thorough examination is required before Kybella is recommended to patients.

Kybella can be used on obese patients, but the results will not be as dramatic as on patients with submental fat deposits, who do not suffer from obesity. In other words, Kybella is not a weight loss solution. In some cases, obese patients who receive Kybella treatments may experience an imbalanced result, as the only area where the fat will be reduced is under the chin. The only real way to treat obesity is through diet and exercise.

Anusha Dahanayake will give each patient a comprehensive analysis of the chin area and carefully examine the fat deposit to make sure it isn’t the result of another condition, such as a thyroid enlargement. She will also discuss the results that can be expected from a series of Kybella treatments, focusing carefully on each patient’s desired results.

Consultation

During the consultation Anusha will examine the chin area to determine if the problem is actually caused by submental fat buildup, or just sagging skin. In the case of sagging skin, an alternate treatment approach may be suggested, as Kybella will not treat sagging skin. She will also examine the patient to determine if the excess fat under the chin is a result of excess weight. If this is the case, the patient will be advised that the results of their Kybella treatment may only be a subtle improvement.

For patients who have submental fat that is not affected by diet and exercise, Anusha will surely recommend Kybella. The next step will be to decipher how many treatments are recommended to achieve the desired aesthetic. This will also vary depending on the amount of fat in the area. Once a plan is discussed, the patient can book their first appointment. Anusha Dahanayake and her amazing staff are available for any questions or concerns that patients may have leading up to the day of their treatment.

Procedure & Recovery

After Anusha customizes a treatment plan, appointments can be arranged, but must be scheduled no less than one month apart. During the actual treatment, which will take 15-20 minutes, injections will be administered directly into the fat under the chin. A patient can receive up to 50 injections per treatment, and up to six treatments.

After a Kybella treatment, the most common side effects are swelling, redness, mild bruising, and some pain. All of these side effects are only temporary and will subside after a short period. For the most part, the treatment is quick and easy. Most patients have a treatment and return to their normal activities immediately following.

So far, Kybella has only been approved for the treatment of submental or chin fat. It is never to be used on other areas of the body. In addition, it is not to be used if the area has already been treated with another method, as that may cause complications.

Alternatives

The following alternatives to Kybella are not offered by Skin Specifics, but are here to provide a comprehensive overview.

Coolmini

Necklift

Aqualipo

Laser Lypolysis

Vela Shape III

Cost

When estimating the price of Kybella, it is necessary to first have a consultation with Anusha. This is due to the fact that every individual case varies. Some patients may need multiple Kybella treatments, and others may only need one. Also, every patient has different desires for their final look. Some may want a subtle change, and others may want a more drastic change. One thing can be said; Kybella is a lot more affordable than liposuction and some of the other more invasive procedures offered for the treatment of a double chin.

Another factor to consider when pricing Kybella treatments, is the years of education and experience Anusha has in her field. Her goal is to give you the youthful jawline you may have previously had, or always wanted, and a result you can be excited about.

To learn more about Kybella, or to set up a private consultation with Anusha Dahanayake, call Skin Specifics at (818) 952-5414 or (310) 481-0058