Millions of people around the country are frustrated with the appearance of a stubborn double chin. In fact, most people will develop a double chin as they get older. If you’re looking for an easy, minimally invasive way to finally be rid of a double chin once and for all, you’re in luck. At Pinnacle Dermatology in Birmingham, MI, we offer Kybella: an injectable treatment capable of literally melting away a double chin.
How Does Kybella Work?
Kybella is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved injectable treatment for submental fat, also known as a double chin. This occurs when body fat collects under the chin affecting the profile of the face and the contour of the jawline. Kybella can melt away that fat using the power of the body’s own chemistry. In order to understand how it works, we first must understand what makes our bodies’ fat cells tick.
The Science of Fat Cells
The reason that stubborn body fat is so hard to get rid of is that fat cells are extremely difficult to destroy. In fact, the number of fat cells in our body stays more or less the same once we finish adolescence. When we gain weight, those cells simply expand to store more fat and vice versa when we lost weight. We might be able to burn fat, but those cells will always be there. That’s why sometimes, no matter how often we go to the gym or watch what we eat, that stubborn fat just keeps hanging on.
The Power of Kybella
Kybella is actually the brand name for a synthetic version of a compound that occurs naturally in the body called deoxycholic acid. Formed in the liver, the natural version of this acid is used by the body to break down and absorb fat. When injected into a targeted site, such as the double chin, it targets and breaks down the fat cells there. As mentioned above, it’s difficult for the body to naturally destroy its own fat cells, but with a deoxycholic acid injection, they’ll melt away. Because this acid occurs naturally in the body, almost everybody can tolerate the injection.
What’s Treatment Like?
Prior to this treatment, one of our professionals will apply a numbing agent to the area of treatment. After that, it’s simple: the treatment consists of at least 20 and up to 50 injections with a very thin needle. The number depends upon the size of the submental fullness being treated. The entire process takes just 15 to 20 minutes, which means you can come to our office over your lunch break and head right back to the office after, with no one the wiser.
After the treatment, you can expect some swelling in the treated area. This is natural and actually a good sign: the inflammation is caused by the acid going to work on the fat cells.
How Long Before I See My Results?
Most people require more than one treatment to achieve optimal results. Each treatment must be spaced at least one month apart, and results usually start to show up after two to four treatments. The number of treatments you have will depend on your goals and the size of your submental fullness.
Your results can continue to develop over time, too. As the body flushes out the destroyed fat cells, your double chin will slowly but surely melt away and your profile and jawline will look younger and slimmer than they have in years. It may take up to six months to achieve your final results.
Who Is a Candidate for Kybella?
It’s important to note that this and other body contouring treatments are not meant for weight loss. These are aesthetic treatments designed to treat small pockets of stubborn, frustrating body fat. In fact, most people won’t see any noticeable reduction in weight from this treatment. If your goal is to lose weight, you should speak with your physician and formulate a diet and exercise regimen that works for you.
People who are good candidates for this treatment have an excess of fat under the chin and have ruled out alternative treatments like liposuction as an option. The best candidates are also aware of the time commitment required for this treatment: your best results may require six treatments over six months to achieve.
They also maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. The results from this treatment are permanent in that the fat cells destroyed won’t come back, but the leftover fat cells could expand, causing a double chin to reappear.
Who Is Not a Candidate?
There are people for whom this treatment is not the best option. Submental fat is only one cause of a double chin. People who have the appearance of a double chin due to the following conditions are not good candidates for this treatment:
Low Skin Elasticity
As we grow older, our skin loses elasticity. Sometimes, the skin beneath the chin can sag, causing the appearance of a double chin. This condition is not treatable with deoxycholic acid.
Microgenia
Microgenia, or a weak chin bone, is a common condition that can cause the appearance of a double chin early in life. Because this kind of double chin is due to a bone condition rather than submental fat, this treatment help.
Neck Muscle Conditions
As we grow older, the muscles in our neck can become looser just like the skin. Creases and banding may also appear. If this is the cause of a double chin, this treatment cannot help, although a Botox injection can.
Call Us Today!
If you feel that you are a good candidate for this treatment, call us at Pinnacle Dermatology in Birmingham, MI to schedule your initial consultation today!
