Kybella™

Anyone can see puffy, fatty tissue develop underneath the chin; drawing unwanted attention and adding years onto the appearance.  The ‘double chin’ can be a product of weight fluctuations, the aging process, or simply genetics. Also known as submental fat; the ‘double chin’ is one of the most undertreated areas of the face.

Submental fat is seen in both men and women, of all body types and weights.  Diet and exercise do little to improve the contours of the chin. The soft, protruding fat below the jaw and along the upper neck can prove impossible to eliminate without assistance.  Until recently, moderately invasive liposuction provided the best chance for improvement.

Kybella™ is a prescription medicine used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin. Used alone, or in conjunction with other aesthetic treatments, Kybella™ can sculpt the profile and take years off of the appearance.

Almost anyone unhappy with the appearance of excess submental fatty tissue may make an excellent candidate for the Kybella™ procedure.  The ideal patient will be over 18, in generally good health, and fully understand the Kybella™ treatment process. Successful results can be seen in both men and women, of all skin types of ethnicities.

You are not a good candidate if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have an active infection
• Suffer from a bleeding disorder
• Show submental fullness from anything other than fatty tissue

Kybella™ is the first and only injectable approved by the FDA to diminished submental fatty tissue. The injectable is made up of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body, used by the body to absorb unwanted fat cells.  Once injected into the tissue below the chin, Kybella™ destroys the membrane of nearby fat cells; in a process referred to as lysis. The body can then absorb and metabolize these unwanted fat cells; leaving a youthful, pleasing contour to the chin.  The results are dramatic and long lasting, as the destroyed fat cells will not return.

You and your doctor will decide how many treatments you need. Once the desired aesthetic response is achieved with Kybella™, retreatment is not expected. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take a medicine that prevents the clotting of your blood (antiplatelet or anticoagulant medicine).

Kybella™ (deoxycholic acid) injection is the first and only FDA-approved nonsurgical treatment that contours and improves the appearance of submental fullness, sometimes referred to as “double chin.”

You and your doctor will design a customized treatment plan to help you improve your chin profile. Many patients experience visible contouring of their chin profile in two to four treatment sessions spaced at least one month apart. Up to 6 treatments may be administered.

Kybella™ has been the focus of a global clinical development program involving over 20 clinical studies with more than 2,600 patients worldwide, of which over 1,600 have been treated with Kybella™.

In the pivotal Phase III clinical trials:

• 68.2% of patients responded to Kybella™, compared to 20.5% of patients who responded to placebo, based on validated physician and patient measurements
• 79% of patients treated with Kybella™ reported satisfaction with the appearance of their face and chin
• After being treated with Kybella™, patients reported improvement in self-perception, including feeling happier and younger based on their chin profile, as well as feeling less embarrassed, less self-conscious, less overweight and less bothered by submental fullness

The results from Kybella™ will become noticeable after two to three sessions.  Although more than one treatment will be necessary, once the initial series of sessions has been completed, no further follow-ups are needed.  The fat cells, once destroyed, will not return. That allows the youthful facial contours achieved with Kybella™ to be enjoyed permanently.

Kybella™ has recently been approved by the FDA for the treatment of fatty tissue under the chin. After years of research, the injectable is proven to be safe and efficient in submental fat elimination.  However, a provider should be educated and experienced the application of Kybella™. As with any cosmetic procedure, there is always the risk for more serious complications to occur, such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.