Kybella (Double Chin Reduction)

Introduction to Kybella

Submental fullness due to submental fat (sometimes referred to as a “double chin”) is a common yet undertreated facial aesthetic condition. It can detract from an otherwise balanced and attractive facial appearance—leading to an older and heavier look. Submental fullness can impact a broad range of adults and is often resistant to diet and exercise alone. Previously, only liposuction or a surgical neck lift would effectively treat submental fullness, but now, Seattle Face & Skin can utilize Kybella to help our Seattle patients get rid of that unwanted fat through non-surgical means.

What is Kybella?

Kybella injection is a minimally invasive office procedure that is a great option for patients who are less inclined toward surgical rejuvenation of the neck or liposuction. Kybella uses deoxycholic acid to destroy fat cells when injected under the chin, resulting in an improved neckline and profile, making it the first and only FDA-approved injectable drug that contours and improves the appearance of submental fullness due to submental fat, resulting in a non-surgical “neck lift”. Typically two to four treatments separated by at least four to six weeks are necessary to result in significant improvement. Risks are minimal but mild to moderate neck swelling and redness result and usually subside over two weeks.

What are the Benefits of Kybella?

Not only have many of our Seattle Kybella patients been rediscovering their confidence through this treatment, but they have also been experiencing the following benefits:

• Has a high rate of patient satisfaction
• Minimally invasive
• Permanent results
• Provides a more youthful and smoother chin-to-neck transition
• Safe and gentle
• Uses a bile acid that naturally occurs in your body

Who are the Best Candidates for Kybella?

Patients with excess fat underneath their chin that gives the appearance of a “double chin” (submental fullness) are excellent candidates. Other characteristics that make for a great candidate include:

• Are somewhat close to your target weight
• Bothered (unhappy, self-conscious, embarrassed) by fat under the chin, also known as submental fullness.
• Feel the submental fullness makes you look older or heavier than you are
• Have a positive attitude and realistic expectations
• In overall good health
• Not looking to have surgery
• You eat well and exercise, but submental fullness does not go away

Unfortunately, Kybella is less effective for patients with excess skin laxity and minimal fat under the chin.

What’s the First Step?

When you are ready to get the Kybella treatment in Seattle, the first step is to contact our clinic and set up a consultation with Dr. Bhrany or one of our wonderful technicians. When you come in for this appointment, you will be able to ask any questions regarding the injection and have your neck examined so there’s a better understanding of what degree of treatment you will need. It is very important that when discussing your medical history with the provider you are detailed and honest. The more information that you provide allows us to make the smartest decisions and prevent or limit any possible side effects. Remember, we are here to help, not make things worse.

After collecting all the information needed, and if you agree with their assessment, your customized procedure plan will be made. Our Patient Coordinator will help you schedule your first session and provide you with any instructions you will need to follow before your treatment as well as the full cost of your treatment plan.

What to Expect on the Day of Kybella

Once the decision is made to move forward with Kybella treatment, the procedure is straightforward and relatively quick. The injections take place in the office with you in an exam chair. Before the treatment, your neck will be cleansed, and you may have an ice pack or topical anesthetic applied. The areas on your neck to be treated will be marked and additional local anesthetic may be injected. Kybella will then be injected into your neck over a few minutes per site. The procedure is relatively painless, but you may feel the initiation of inflammation from the drug-destroying fat cells within a few minutes of the procedure starting. Patients often describe a mild to moderate warm feeling and mild sensitivity to the neck.

The entire process will take around 15 to 20 minutes.

Kybella Recovery

After your treatment, you will be able to return home, although your neck will remain swollen with mild-to-moderate redness for approximately two weeks. Neck sensitivity usually subsides within a few days to a week. You can help lessen the swelling by using an ice or cold pack after your treatment. Other ways to help the swelling are applying a warm compress the first few days, wearing a chin strap for additional compression, and firmly massaging the treated area. Once the swelling has subsided, treatment effect may be noted after four to six weeks, but more than one treatment is typically required for a significant effect. You should take over-the-counter pain medication to reduce any pain or swelling during your recovery.

You will need to return for follow-up visits about a month after each session, but our Patient Coordinator will schedule your next appointment date. Do keep in mind that if you have post-Kybella treatment swelling, the swelling will have to subside before you can get your next injection. If you are still experiencing swelling before your next scheduled treatment, please let us know.

How Much Does Kybella Cost in Seattle?

The cost of Kybella in Seattle will vary based on several factors, such as how many injections are required, the number of injectables needed, and the number of sessions. The best way to get an accurate cost is to come in for your consultation and get an evaluation. After Dr. Bhrany can get a better understanding of what you will need, you will be provided with a price breakdown sheet that will let you know everything your treatment will include.

Why Choose Us?

Seattle Face & Skin aims to partner with our patients and provide the best possible care for aesthetic facial rejuvenation and reconstruction. From the moment you contact our office, we focus on your needs to ensure you fully understand the possibilities, limitations, and opportunities available to produce the best outcome for you. Our end goal is to help you achieve a healthy, more youthful, and natural appearance, leaving you feeling better and more confident inside. Our practice is led by Amit D. Bhrany, MD, a double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgery) and a member of AAFPRS (American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery). With his years of experience, Dr. Bhrany has been awarded fellowships in Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, and the University of Washington (UW).

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are in Seattle and feel like Kybella would work for you, you can schedule your consultation today by calling us at (206) 599-3223 or requesting an appointment through our website. With just a little help from our fantastic team at Seattle Face & Skin, you can watch that chin fat melt away!