One of the most common conditions for people of all ages, genders, races and body types is the dreaded “double chin.” The medical term is “submental fat”–and that is exactly what it is–an isolated fat pocket. Because it is almost impossible to address with diet or exercise, it is all the more frustrating.
Until now the closest antidote was surgical liposuction. Dr. Stephen Finical of Charlotte Plastic Surgery in North Carolina is excited about Kybella® a brand new injectable that is FDA approved for non-surgical correction of a moderate to severe “double chin.”
There are three reasons that cause fat under the chin: genetics, obesity (and/or) aging. Kybella is made of a natural substance we already have in our bodies. If you inject it into the submental region, it permanently dissolves the fat. – Stephan Finical, MD
by Isabel Bolt
and Stephan Finical, MD
An in office procedure, the Kybella treatment takes 15-20 minutes and requires only local anesthetic. “There’s minimal downtime, people go right back to work,” says Dr. Finical. “It’s a safe, effective treatment you can have done over a lunch hour and really no recovery.”
Although the procedure is non-invasive, patients may develop minor complications such as bruising, swelling, tenderness and temporary firmness in the area treated. Finical advises patients that results become more noticeable over a period of a month. “I have my patients come back in 6 weeks,” says Finical. “That way you see the results from the first injections and we can go from there. It can take 2-4 sessions or more until the patient gets the final result they desire.” Once the excess fat cells have broken down, they are gradually filtered from the body through a natural metabolic process.
Who does this work best for? Younger or older patients?
Finical says that Kybella is particularly effective for young people with good skin tone because once the fat is dissolved, the skin bounces back into a more aesthetic contour. However, older patients with less skin elasticity can still realize some noticeable benefits. Most men experience a little too much fat under their chin as they get older.
According to Finical, men are great candidates since many men avoid surgery but would embrace the idea of a non-surgical solution that requires no time off work. What won’t Kybella do? Finical stresses that Kybella is FDA approved for the submental area only. “It really doesn’t do anything for skin laxity,” he says. “It won’t tighten (or lift) skin…or correct banding in the neck.” This is why a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is so important so the proper evaluation and recommendations can be made.
Kybella is exciting, but remember to receive treatment from an expert
As with any aesthetic procedure, Finical warns it is important to choose an expert injector. “You have to be careful where Kybella is injected and who you go to. We want to avoid nerves and different zones in the neck where you don’t want a fat melting agent.” In fact, physicians are required to go to special training sessions. Finical is one of a few plastic surgeons selected to train other doctors on a national basis. “Doctors come and learn proper markings and injection techniques in order to do it safely,” he explains. “It’s very safe when done properly.”
Non-invasive, no downtime, little discomfort and great results are just part of the buzz and enthusiasm surrounding the debut of Kybella. The other distinction is, contrary to other injectables on the market, Kybella is permanent. Chin up!