By Dr. Maria Lombardo
There is a new and very exciting product available to treat the fullness under your chin. It’s called Kybella® and it’s not surgery! It’s a medicine injected into the fat that sits under your chin (sub-mental fat) and actually dissolves it…. Permanently!
The youthful face has a distinctly defined jawline and a sharp angle from the chin down onto the neck. When there is excess fat in this area the sharpness is dulled and not only does the person look heavier but older as well!
One of the most common patient complaints is the fatty chin, or “turkey neck”, or “gobbler” and until now surgical liposuction and face/neck lift were the only options to address it. It tends to run in families, so if you look in the mirror and are starting to see “my mother’s neck” looking back this may be the solution for you.
The active ingredient in Kybella® is deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat.
When injected into the fat beneath your chin, Kybella® causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat.
Most people experience a reduction in the fullness over the course of 4 – 6 weeks. The makers of the product recommend 2 – 4 treatment sessions but every individual is different. Once the desired aesthetic response is achieved with Kybella®, retreatment is not expected.
Before receiving Kybella®, you will discuss with your doctor any medical conditions you have and any previous or planned face/neck surgeries. This product is not used for treating loose, hanging skin but it can have an effect of skin tightening. Kybella® injection is tolerated well by patients and most describe a sensation of heat or mild discomfort. Usually ice packs are given to relieve this temporary sensation and it resolves quickly. All patients return after 6 weeks to evaluate the results of the treatment and can opt to do additional injections for further improvement.
The cost varies on the number of injections required and the amount of fat being treated. The average person will spend ~$600-$1000 per treatment session. The best way to get all your questions answered about Kybella® is to ask! Call Dr. Maria Lombardo at Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery 760-610-8990 to set up an appointment and find out if this new, amazing treatment is right for you!
