3 Keys to Kybella, the Fat Reducing Injectable for Double Chins
You may soon be able to get rid of your double chin without going under the knife, thanks to a non-invasive treatment developed by a Southern California company. Just a few days ago, the Food and Drug Administration approved Kybella, an injectable that helps banish moderate to severe neck fat deposits.
Before you rush out to sign up to try Kybella, here are the important things you should know.
Key #1: Understand the Basics
The main ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid, a substance your body produces to help absorb fat from your diet. Injections of deoxycholic acid reduce fat by destroying fat cell membranes.
The manufacturer’s initial trials included more than 1,000 patients, and results were noticeable for well over half the participants. For most patients, a few sessions of up to 50 injections each are required for best results. Treatment risks include bruising and swelling, pain, numbness and areas of hardness. A few patients in the trials had temporary trouble swallowing.
Key #2: Choose a Professional
Just as Kybella destroys fat cells, it can also cause harm to other cells, such as skin cells, if injections are misplaced. Not only that, it’s possible to accidentally injure facial nerves or other structures. That’s why it’s vital to choose a trained professional to administer treatment, according to Dr. Amy G. Egan of the FDA. The agency’s press release also noted that extra care must be taken when injecting a patient who has had previous neck surgery.
Breakthrough treatments like Kybella often spark copycat products and tempt uses beyond those the FDA has approved. In a recent New York Times article, one of the manufacturer’s physician investigators cautioned that patients should ensure their doctor offers the real product. And, Kybella should not be used outside the neck and chin area.
For the sake of safety as well as good results, you’ll want to choose a physician who has been trained to give injections properly. It’s also prudent to work with a professional who has a thorough understanding of the physiology of the face, such as a board certified plastic surgeon, a facial plastic surgeon or a well-trained dermatologist.
Key #3: Learn Who’s a Candidate
Many men and women who are bothered by fat deposits under the chin will be good candidates for Kybella injections—but not everyone. Patients with good skin that can be expected to bounce back make the best candidates. In fact, people whose skin is saggy may find their neck looks worse if fat tissue disappears. For many, the combination of liposuction and a neck lift is still the best bet.
Kybella will be available in just a few months. For more information, contact us online or call our New York City plastic surgery practice at 212-570-6080.
