Do you have extra fat around your jaw line that gives you that not-so-attractive “double chin” look? Would you like a slimmer-looking face and defined jaw line? Excess fat in the chin area can have many causes — including weight gain, genetics or aging. At Michaels Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Dr. Joseph Michaels offers his patients Kybella, an FDA-approved injectable treatment that effectively eliminates this unsightly fat bulge on the chin and neck area, leaving a sleeker jaw line — and all without surgery!

About Kybella

kybellaKybella is a non-invasive treatment uses an injectable drug made of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule residing in the body. Upon injection, this drug targets and then painlessly destroys fat cells in the chin, so that excess fat is gone from this area permanently, creating a slender, more youthful-looking face and neck.

Procedure

A Kybella treatment involves several injection sessions (usually between two and six, depending on the patient’s needs) that are spaced four to eight weeks apart. Each session takes less than 20 minutes to finish.

The Kybella injections cause minimal discomfort, as Dr. Michaels begins the session by numbing the chin area with a topical solution. He then uses tiny syringes to inject the liquid, concentrating on the places that contain the most excess fat. The main ingredient in Kybella, deoxycholic acid, will then work to break down the fat cells in the area. Once the fat is metabolized, it is then naturally eliminated by the body. Since these fat cells are first destroyed and then removed by the body, they can no longer store fat in this area.

Recovery

There is minimal downtime after a Kybella injection session, and patients are able return to work and exercise after only one or two days. Immediately following a session, you may experience some mild burning or stinging, and some swelling, on your chin and neck. Redness typically disappears after one day, though swelling may take a few days to dissipate completely. Once the swelling has gone down, you will start to see an improvement, as your double chin will appear to have melted away. Based on your individual needs and how much fat is present, it typically takes between three and four sessions (about three months) to achieve the most optimal results. For patients with a more substantial fat pocket under the chin, it may take up to six sessions before the desired results have been achieved.

Quick Facts

Length

20-30 minutes (depending on extent of procedure)

Anesthesia

Topical, if needed

In/outpatient

Outpatient

Side effects

Skin redness, mild burning or stinging, and some swelling, on your chin and neck

Risks

Skin irritation

Recovery

Back at work same day or following day

Duration of results

It typically takes between three and four sessions (about three months) to achieve the most optimal results.

If you would like to learn more about Kybella, click here or call (301) 468-5991 in Rockville, Maryland or (703) 957-8610 in Fairfax, Virginia to schedule a consultation.