When meeting someone new, in business or your personal life, your face is a focal point, and is something that often determines first impressions. If you are uncomfortable with an aspect of your face, such as excess fat under your chin, it can adversely affect your confidence and your demeanor. According to a survey conducted by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, 67% of people are troubled by the fat under their chin, and in fact, it bothers them just as much as wrinkles or lines around their eyes. If you are tired of battling the dreaded “double chin,” South Shore Plastic Surgery can help.

The medical terminology for fat under the chin is “submental fullness.” It is the result of a combination of factors, including weight gain, aging, and genetics. Submental fat affects both men and women of any age, and can be a frustrating issue because this particular fat sometimes doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. Excess submental fat can create the illusion that a person is overweight, even if they’re not, and can cause you to look older as the weight of the fat makes the skin stretch and sag.

What is Kybella?

At South Shore Plastic Surgery, we can help you get rid of submental fat for good, using an injectable treatment called Kybella. FDA approved in 2015, Kybella is a noninvasive, nonsurgical treatment used to reduce or eliminate fat under the chin. Kybella contains the active ingredient deoxycholic acid, which is a molecule that occurs naturally in the human body. In the body, deoxycholic acid’s job is to help break down and absorb dietary fat. Kybella contains a synthetic, non-animal derived form of deoxycholic acid, and when injected into the fat under the chin, can noticeably reduce submental fullness. Kybella works by destroying the membranes of the fat cells, which causes them to die and be metabolized by the body. Your body will then naturally excrete the dead cells, and the result is the elimination of your double chin. Because the fat cells have been destroyed, they can no longer accumulate or store fat, making your results permanent. However, if you gain weight, new fat cells can be created and settle into your chin area, so it is important to sustain a healthy weight to achieve lifelong results.

Am I a Candidate for Kybella Treatments?

Kybella may be the solution for you if:

  • You are self-conscious about the fat under your chin
  • You maintain a healthy diet and exercise, but still have submental fat
  • The fat under your chin makes you look heavier or older than you are
  • You are looking for a nonsurgical option for treatment

What does my doctor need to know?

Before undergoing any type of treatment, it is important to be honest with your doctor and let us know about your medical history, including medications and any cosmetic procedures you have undergone or are planning to undergo. It is important for Dr. Vasisht to be aware of:

  • Surgeries or cosmetic treatments on your face, chin, or neck (either past or future)
  • Medications, especially blood thinners
  • Medical conditions in or near the area around your neck
  • Trouble swallowing Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or plans to become pregnant (it is unknown if Kybella will affect pregnancy or breastfeeding)

Kybella Treatment & Results

When you come in for your initial consultation at South Shore Plastic Surgery, Dr. Vasisht will examine you and devise a personalized treatment plan that will include the number of Kybella treatments needed. Sessions are usually scheduled four weeks apart, and it may take between 3-6 sessions for optimal results to be achieved.

Once you arrive for your Kybella treatment, Dr. Vasisht will mark the points on the skin under the chin where he will be performing the injections. Depending on the severity of the submental fat, there could be up to 50 injection sites. The injection process usually takes about 15-20 minutes, and is virtually painless.

Side effects are generally minimal, and may include mild bruising, redness or pain, and areas in the treatment area may feel hard. This is normal. You will notice swelling that will most likely increase overnight, but this should subside within 48 hours. Ice and compression will help ease any discomfort, and Dr. Vasisht can advise you on how to best care for the treatment area after the procedure. You will be able to see visible results in about 2-3 weeks, after the swelling subsides completely.

If you are discouraged by the submental fat under your chin, call South Shore Plastic Surgery at (856) 322-8100 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vasisht. We can help restore a slimmer facial profile and improve your self-confidence in just a few short treatments.

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