Mar 08, 2021
General

How Kybella Injections Can Treat A Double Chin

Woman with double chin getting injection on white background, closeup. Cosmetic surgery

Double chin getting you down? Instead of practicing more of your selfie angles in the mirror, more and more people are starting to look into other options to help. From exercises to tighten the area to skin care products, you don’t have to just put up with disliking what you see when you look in the mirror. 

If you’re considering Kybella injections to help treat your double chin, you came to the right place. Miami Skin Institute is here to help you love your own skin, no matter how you get there. We believe you deserve to have all of the facts available to you, so that you can make the best choice for your own, specific situation.

The Basic Facts About Kybella

Kybella is the brand name for something that actually naturally occurs in your body: deoxycholic acid. However, instead of being a natural chemical in your body that absorbs fat cells, Kybella is manmade. 

Unlike Botox, which can be used on multiple areas of the body to help with different health and beauty issues, Kybella has only been approved for use on the chin. It was specifically designed to help decrease the appearance of the fat that can start to sag and hang down from the underside of the chin, frequently called a “double chin.” The condition is referred to medically as submental fullness, which is the result of either genetics, aging, weight gain, or a combination of the three. 

When the deoxycholic acid is injected into the area, it starts to destroy the fat cells that can be creating that submental fullness. Once those cells are finally destroyed, they are no longer able to store fat. That means that treatment with Kyleena is considered to be “permanent” once you reach the desired effect. It is also less invasive than some of the other, more surgical options out there, which is why it is becoming more popular.

How is Kybella Used?

First and foremost, Kybella should only be used by a trained, licensed healthcare professional under sterile conditions. They will start by physically examining the area to make sure that you are a suitable candidate for the injections. 

Once you’re ready, the injection is given directly into the skin under the chin. In some cases, use of an ice pack or topical numbing medication may help to reduce any pain or discomfort that you may feel during the procedure. The entire process should take around 15 to 20 minutes total.

After the injections are complete, it is likely that you will experience some bruising, numbness, or swelling under your chin. This is normal on a temporary basis, but anything that lasts or worsens should be checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. 

Other Things To Know About Kybella Procedures

Just like everything else, Kybella isn’t a miracle cure, and there are some things you should know before you make your first appointment. 

Kybella is typically given in a series of six treatment sessions to be effective. 

Additionally, Kybella may also be hard for people who have a fear of needles. While Botox is given a few injections at a time, Kybella may end up being up to 50 in a single session. If you do the math, that’s a potential of 300 injections during the course of treatment. For people who are needle phobic, that will likely take this option off the table.

In addition to the needles and commitment, there are also side effects that, although rare, may occur with Kybella. These include things like skin necrosis, vascular occlusive events, alopecia, and transient neuropraxia (temporary loss of function due to issues with the nerves). There are also more common side effects like pain and redness at the injection site, numbness, and bruising. Also, there is always a risk of an allergic reaction if you’ve never used Kybella before. 

Chin Exercises

One additional way that you can help to minimize your submental fullness is by doing some chin exercises. Targeting the two main muscles that are in the chin area, the platysma and the sternocleidomastoid, can help give the area more support. When combined with other forms of treatment, like our Age-Defying Lift & Firm Cream, you may be surprised by the results. 

There are plenty of different exercises, like simply sticking out your tongue. Start by either sitting or standing in a comfortable, relaxed position. Then, stick your tongue out as far as you can with your mouth open as wide as possible. You want to be able to feel your neck and chin muscles tighten. Hold that position for a count of ten, then relax and return to your resting position. Repeat 10 times. The best part about these exercises is that they can be done nearly anywhere, like waiting in traffic. They don’t require any equipment either, so you have nothing to lose by trying them.

In Summary…

A double chin is near the top of the list of age related concerns for people. It leads to a major hit to your self confidence, which can also impact how comfortable you feel going out and being around people. Miami Skin Institute can help. Many people turn to injectables like Kybella from Miami Skin to help rejuvenate their face and restore their chin to its youthful presence.  In addition to a regular skin care routine, chin exercises and Kybella can all work together helping you to achieve your desired results. 

Sources:

https://www.drugs.com/kybella.html

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32755416/

https://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/1011117-10-exercises-reduce-double-chin/

Written by: Manjula Jegasothy