A chiseled and sharp chin has always been considered one of the best features of a classical face. In the past, the only way to achieve this ideal chin was through surgery with anesthesia. Everything changed when Kybella® was introduced into the market. This was the first FDA-approved, injectable substance for the treatment of submental fat. This type of fat is located beneath the chin, and is commonly referred to as a double chin. The Kybella® treatment was created to dissolve this fat. Eliminating a double chin through a healthy diet and a consistent exercise routine is extremely difficult. Numerous individuals have tried and failed with traditional methods, but then found success with this treatment. The majority of people who have had this procedure have stated they were satisfied with the results.

The product contains a substance capable of absorbing fat called deoxycholic acid. This substance is naturally found in your body. Once the substance has been injected, the fat cells beneath your chin are destroyed. This helps contour your jawline, leaves your skin a lot tighter and eliminates your double chin. In excess of twenty studies have already been conducted with thousands of participants. Not only did the results reveal the treatment worked, they showed a nearly seventy percent improvement in both the emotional and physical states of the participants after completing the treatment.

Deoxycholic acid is a type of salt contained in human bile. This substance is what helps your body digest fat. This results in the destruction of your fat cells. The process begins in your digestive tract. Your fat is broken down by the deoxycholic acid and this destroys the cell membrane. When the solution is injected directly into your subcutaneous fat, the same process occurs in the areas that were targeted. Your fat dissolves and becomes cellular debris. Special immunologic cells clear away this debris in your circulatory and lymphatic systems. The process is gradual and requires several weeks to reach completion. The pathway followed by the deoxycholic acid is the same. The acid is metabolized so it can be broken down by your body prior to being excreted as common waste.

The History of Kybella®

The process of using chemicals to dissolve stubborn fat can be traced back to France during the 1950’s. A compound known as phosphatidylcholine started being used by European scientists during the 1960’s for medical purposes. This compound successfully broke down fat. When an individual has experienced trauma such as an accident or a fracture, extremely small fat globs are able to enter into the circulation. When this fat enters the lungs, the result is often respiratory issues. This was the reason the scientists were searching for a way to disrupt the fat to find a treatment. Phosphatidylcholine was the potential substance they chose in an attempt to dissolve this fat. This compound caught the interest of the cosmetic researchers in Europe during the 1980’s.

The researchers believed if it was possible to dissolve fat located in the vessels, it may be possible to dissolve fat in a different location. This was when a combination of deoxycholic acid and phosphatidylcholine was first injected by bodybuilders to remove pockets of fat prior to a competition. UCLA researchers made the next discovery towards the beginning of the 2000’s. They discovered what was actually breaking down the fat was the deoxycholic acid. This is the same active ingredient Kybella® uses. More recently, market studies and research have revealed an interesting trend pertaining to the product. Approximately 45 percent of all individuals receiving this treatment have never set foot in the office of an aesthetic or cosmetic physician. The treatment is also attracting a lot of men.

The same men who would never have considered having any type of cosmetic treatment in the past have become interested in a sharper jawline using this treatment. Another interesting trend is many of the individuals having this procedure are much younger than the typical cosmetic patient.

The process usually begins when 3-D, high tech photographs are taken of the individual as the “before” images. A numbing cream is then applied beneath the chin to help ensure the individual remains comfortable during the procedure. A dot grid often used for temporary tattoos is applied showing the locations of the injection sites. In many cases, the chin is also iced prior to starting the injections. The general standard is thirty total injections requiring three vials. The procedure usually takes less than ten minutes. Most individuals require a minimum of two additional treatments scheduled every six weeks. The actual number of injections and vials used is dependent on the amount of submental fat beneath the chin. Some individuals only require one vial. The best candidates have genetic submental fat as opposed to fat related to weight.

Younger individuals in their 30s and 40s respond exceptionally well to the treatment because the elasticity of their skin is better and there is much less sagging skin located beneath the chin. It is important to note the double chin must be caused by excess fat as opposed to another issue such as skin laxity. Individuals encompassing a wide variety of ages have submental fat. The amount of fat is influenced by numerous factors such as weight, hormone status and genetics. You should make a commitment for between two and six treatments scheduled four to six weeks apart to receive optimal results. You will receive 12 to 30 injections for each treatment. Despite the number of injections, the sessions are not lengthy. The average treatment takes less than 10 minutes.

In some cases a difference can be seen with less than one teaspoon of the product. The product is different than numerous cosmetic treatments. These treatments often show results quickly and only last for a few months. Kybella® is different because the results require four to six weeks to appear. Maintenance sessions are not required because the results should be permanent. There are no serious side effects and no downtime after the treatment. You can go right back to what you were doing prior to entering the physician’s office. It is important to understand the product was created to work for smaller areas such as beneath your chin. This means it is not currently appropriate for use all over the body.

There are a lot of reasons to have this treatment. Numerous individuals are unhappy, embarrassed or self-conscious due to submental fullness or double chin. Some people believe they appear heavier or older but will not consider having surgery. Many individuals have tried exercising and eating healthy but the submental fat remained. The reason the treatment has become so popular is the synthetic deoxycholic acid. This is what breaks down the fat and destroys the fat cells. This is what will provide you with a substantial decrease in the fullness beneath your chin. Once these cells have been destroyed, they become unable to accumulate or store fat. This means once you have completed your required number of sessions, no further effort is required to reach your optimal results.

Prior to beginning your procedure, the area around and beneath your chin will be thoroughly examined to make certain this is the right treatment for your needs. Your treatment will be customized based on your aesthetic goals and the amount of submental fat beneath your chin. It is important to receive your treatment from a medical professional specifically trained to administer the injections beneath your chin. Every single person has a different chin profile. This means the number of treatments, injections and vials necessary will vary among the patients. Your specialist will be able to determine the specifics of your treatment based on your goals and an examination of the area.

It is very important to discuss any and all medical conditions with your healthcare professional. This includes:

• If you are planning or have already had surgery for your chin, neck or face
• Any medical conditions both past and present impacting your neck
• Any bleeding issues
• Any cosmetics treatments you have had for your chin, neck or face
• Any medications you are currently taking including blood thinners
• If you are planning to become pregnant or are currently pregnant
• If you currently have difficulty swallowing or did in the past
• If you are planning to breastfeed or are currently breastfeeding

The majority of people are good candidates for this treatment. The best candidates are women and men in good health and above the age of eighteen. These individuals should see the benefits of the procedure as an effective and safe means of decreasing their submental fat. It is important to keep your expectations regarding the results reasonable. The procedure is not recommended for anyone with an active bleeding disorder or infection and pregnant women. The treatment may not be as effective if you have stretched skin or scarring located beneath your chin.

The Benefits of Kybella®

The Kybella® treatment offers a lot of benefits in addition to helping to eliminate a double chin. The procedure is minimally-invasive as opposed to the recovery period and pain often associated with surgery. This option is much less extreme. All that is required to change your profile and define your jawline are a series of treatments using small injections. It is important to understand this treatment is a permanent solution. Once you have finished your treatments, your double chin should be gone without your ever needing to have the procedure again. Once the fat cells have been destroyed, they will not return. This means your results are going to last. The procedure is quick. Although the size of your double chin, your body type and personal goals will determine the number of injections you require, the treatment only requires ten to twenty minutes of your time per session.

The procedure is easy because it is performed right in the office. You will not need to enter a hospital or have surgery. Once the excess fat beneath your chin has been destroyed, your jawline will be completely redefined. In most cases, this changes the appearance of the individual beautifully. You will both feel and look better in addition to having the satisfaction of knowing you reached your goal. Although no two people have the exact same experience, your treatment should be relaxing, comfortable and free of stress.

Many individuals have developed more confidence in their appearance due to their results from the procedure. This treatment has been used thousands and thousands of times over the years. The procedure is safe and the results are extremely noticeable. If you would like to learn more from the professionals at DelaneyMD™ or are interested in having the Kybella® treatment for your double chin, feel free to visit our office in Edmonds, WA. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!