Are you dissatisfied with the way your neck looks because of a stubborn double chin? Do you find that you can’t reduce the size or appearance of your double chin, even when you exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet? A double chin was once one of the most difficult areas of the body to target without surgery, but a revolutionary treatment called Kybella offers non-invasive, permanent results in just a few easy appointments. This treatment is proudly offered by Burt and Will Plastic Surgery and Dermatology in Burr Ridge, IL.
What Is Kybella?
Kybella is FDA-approved and is the only proven injectable substance that can permanently destroy fat cells and reduce submental fullness, commonly called a double chin. It’s typically administered over the course of a few sessions to achieve your ideal results. It uses a naturally produced substance found in your body called deoxycholic acid to target and break down fat cells, leaving you with a trimmer neck and no double chin in as little as 4 weeks.
What Is Deoxycholic Acid?
As the main ingredient in the treatment formula, deoxycholic acid has an important role to play in reducing your double chin. This acid is found in your body and helps it absorb fats during its day-to-day functions. When injected into your skin, deoxycholic acid breaks down the fat cells found in your double chin.
This process typically takes a few weeks, but because the acid completely destroys the cells, the results are permanent. The dead cells are safely expelled and metabolized by your body, leaving your neck noticeably transformed at the end of the process.
How Does Kybella Differ From Surgery?
As a cosmetic concern, double chins are extremely common. They can change your entire profile and are a source of insecurity for many adults, even those who are at a healthy weight and live a healthy lifestyle. A double chin can make you appear older or heavier than you really are and can affect your confidence in social settings.
Traditionally, invasive surgery with a long recovery time was the only effective way to address a double chin due to the area’s inability to be reduced by diet or exercise. That changed once Kybella became available. As a non-invasive, injectable treatment offering permanent results, this treatment is able to offer a viable alternative to surgery.
While surgical, invasive procedures are the only way to achieve instant results, they come with inherent risks and significant downtime. Kybella works over a longer period of time, usually a few months, to effectively reduce your double chin with little preparation, zero downtime, and a quick return to your normal routine.
Benefits
Today, Kybella is the perfect option for double chin reduction thanks to its quality ingredients, easy injection, and permanent results. Most patients receive 2-4 treatments, but some see total reduction in just one appointment. There is almost zero preparation necessary and no downtime required, making it easy to fit an appointment into your normal schedule. Finally, it can leave you looking and feeling your best by finally ridding you of your stubborn double chin, allowing you to stop worrying about your appearance and focus on the important things in life.
How Does It Work?
This treatment is able to deliver excellent, long-lasting results comparable to those achievable by surgery, yet without the downtime and with far fewer risks. However, it’s still a medical treatment that requires your doctor’s expertise, so it’s important to consult your doctor as the first step on your journey to a slimmer neck and boosted confidence.
Consultation
During your initial consultation, your doctor will examine your neck and double chin. You’ll be able to ask any questions you may have about the treatment and expected results. You should prepare to disclose any known medical conditions affecting your neck area, any past or planned surgeries or cosmetic treatments on your face, neck, or chin, if you have ever had difficulty swallowing, or if you have bleeding issues. In addition, you should also disclose any current medications you’re taking.
Your doctor will evaluate your candidacy for this treatment. If they determine that it may not be right for you, they’ll offer you alternative options to address your cosmetic concerns. If this treatment is right for you, your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare for your appointment. They’ll also propose a flexible treatment plan which can change depending on the results of each injection.
Preparation
Once your doctor has approved you for treatment, it’s time to begin preparing. You should drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, which is a key factor in its recovery from any treatment or procedure, large or small. In addition, one week before treatment you should stop taking blood-thinning painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen as well as a variety of essential fatty acids and herbal remedies which contribute to increased risk for bleeding and bruising. You should also avoid alcohol for at least 2 days before your appointment.
If you develop a cold or experience a blemish or wound near the treatment site before your appointment, you should consult your doctor to determine whether you need to reschedule your appointment. Keep in mind that some minor swelling and tenderness is normal after treatment, so you may want to schedule your treatment 2-3 weeks before any major events to ensure that you look your best. Finally, your doctor may provide you with additional instructions before treatment, which you should follow carefully to ensure the best results.
Treatment
On the day of your appointment, cleanse your neck area well and avoid putting products or makeup on your neck. Your doctor will ensure that your neck is clean, then draw on your neck to guide the injections. They’ll also administer a topical or injected anesthetic to keep you completely comfortable during treatment. Once you’re completely numb, your doctor will begin injecting. Your doctor uses tiny needles to make multiple injections. The exact number will depend on the amount and distribution of fat in your double chin.
A typical appointment takes between 15-20 minutes. Your doctor will clean the injection sites and give you post-treatment instructions, which often include icing the area and taking a mild pain reliever. After this, you’re free to return to your daily activities immediately.
Recovery
Your neck may be mildly swollen and tender after treatment. These symptoms are completely normal and can be addressed by holding an ice pack to your neck for short periods of time and taking mild pain relievers. Your doctor may also recommend an over-the-counter gel or cream to provide topical pain relief. Over the next few days, hold a warm compress to your neck. Keep drinking a good amount of water and plan to continue avoiding blood-thinning substances until your doctor approves them.
You should notice the swelling completely disappear within the first month after treatment as the deoxycholic acid gradually breaks down your fat cells and your body expels them. If your doctor determines that you only need one treatment, you should be able to see your final results between 4-6 weeks after your appointment.
Treatment Plan
If your doctor recommends a treatment plan, you’ll typically wait about 1 month before returning for another injection. By the time of your next injection, the swelling from your previous appointment should be gone. If it’s still present, consult with your doctor, who may recommend waiting a little longer to allow your neck more time to heal.
Most patients see their ideal results after about 4 treatments. However, every patient is different. Your doctor will work with you to decide on a treatment plan based on your unique situation, needs, and cosmetic goals.
Results
Your final results typically appear 4-6 weeks after your final treatment. You should see a noticeable reduction in the size of your double chin. Any excess fat under your chin should be gone, and your chin and neck should have a more attractive, smooth line. Your profile should appear younger and slimmer. Best of all, you should feel more satisfied with your appearance from every angle.
How Long Do Results Last?
Once your final results are visible, your treatment plan is complete and you are able to continue living life with the added confidence of a thinner, younger-looking neck. While the fat-destroying properties of deoxycholic acid are permanent once your double chin is removed, unhealthy life choices in the future could result in the return of a double chin, along with other health issues. You should do your best to maintain a healthy weight and avoid excessive weight gain by eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly.
Beyond improving your overall health, these choices help you keep your neck slim. Your doctor may also be able to provide you with further information on how to maintain your treatment results. As long as you continue to live a healthy lifestyle, your results should be permanent.
Am I an Ideal Candidate?
Kybella is an excellent treatment option for men and women of all ages. It’s able to deliver results similar to those of surgical procedures, minus the downtime and many risks. This treatment is generally recommended for those over 18 who wish to noticeably reduce the appearance of a double chin and achieve a more attractive neck and profile. To be a candidate for this treatment, you should be healthy and have no conditions or injuries in your neck area which could interact negatively with treatment.
In addition, this treatment may not be ideal for those with a significant amount of fat under the chin. It also cannot address loose skin under the chin, which is often a side effect of weight loss. Your doctor may recommend a different option to address these specific concerns. If you want instant results, you may benefit more from a different treatment option, as this treatment requires several weeks to several months to deliver final results, depending on your treatment plan. Finally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, this treatment may not be right for you at this time.
Conclusion
Don’t let your double chin keep you from enjoying life to the fullest. Pose for pictures without a second thought and feel at home in your own skin by saying goodbye to your double chin for good. Kybella offers you the only FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment available to reduce stubborn fat under your chin and achieve a thinner, more attractive neck. Over the course of your treatment plan, you can see your neck transformed as fat cells are broken down, leaving you with a more youthful appearance that perfectly reflects the person you are.
If you’re ready to learn more about this treatment, contact the professionals at Burt and Will Plastic Surgery and Dermatology in Burr Ridge, IL to schedule your initial consultation today! We look forward to helping you meet your cosmetic goals!