Kybella

In-Office Cosmetic Treatment to Permanently Remove a Double Chin

Double chins are genetic, so even a young person of normal weight can have one. They can also be caused by extra weight or aging. A dermatologist can remove this submental fat through a non-surgical, in-office procedure with a synthetic product called Kybella.  After Kybella, patients have reported that with their new jaw line, they look younger, healthier and thinner.

Kybella is similar to deoxycholic acid, which is produced naturally by the body to break down fat during digestion. Through a series of injections done in the office, Kybella breaks down the unwanted fat cells. Over a few weeks, they are naturally cleaned up by the body through the lymphatic and circulatory systems.

Good candidates are men and women with moderate to severe pinchable fat under the chin. Because it’s non-surgical, there are no major restrictions or warnings for those wanting to have the procedure. Kybella can’t improve skin laxity (loose skin), so patients with mainly loose skin or “turkey neck” may need to opt for a surgical procedure.

What to Expect

In a 15-minute procedure in the office, the dermatologist injects Kybella into the fat pocket under the chin. There may be a slight burning sensation immediately following the injections, but it lasts at most a few minutes. Icing the area before and after helps. No anesthesia or down time is needed; you can go back to work or run errands as soon as you leave the office.

Kybella does cause some initial swelling, but it won’t get in the way of your daily activities. After about a week, it is no longer noticeable. Other potential side effects are little pin-point bruises under the chin and numbness, but both go away within a few days to a few weeks.

Cost of Kybella

While Kybella isn’t inexpensive, unlike other injectables, it is permanent. The cost is $1,200 per treatment at Henry Ford, but ask your physician if a discount or promotion is available when you are ready for Kybella. Most people need two to four treatments to reach their goal. The procedure is purely cosmetic, so it is usually not covered by insurance.

Additional Options

• Coolscupting is another non-surgical option that can be used to reduce a double chin. It uses controlled cooling to kill fat cells.
• Liposuction is also a solution. It requires anesthesia and more down time.