Is Kybella ® Right For You? Injectable Dissolves Submental Chin Fat
The latest buzz in the cosmetic injectables arena, in Dallas and the rest of the world, is about Kybella® , which is considered the current “new thing” heralded as a non-invasive option to dissolve submental chin fat, or “double chin”, in order to improve definition along the jaw and neckline.
Top Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon, Ramsey J. Choucair, MD, based in Dallas, Texas offers patients a variety of options for improving the contours along the jaw and neckline. One of those options is Kybella® ,the first FDA approved injection targeted to dissolve fat accumulations in the submental (beneath the chin) area. Successful treatment typically requires 2-4 injection sessions, spaced at least 4-6 weeks apart. The Kybella® treatment is done in an examination room where a topical anesthetic cream is applied to minimize any discomfort. The visual improvement from treatment is usually seen 4-6 weeks following injection. There is a modest amount of swelling associated with most injections and minimal bruising is seen. The swelling may last up to 3-4 days depending on the individuals’ skin type and the amount of Kybella® injected.
“Now you see it, Now you don’t.” ~ Kybella National Ad Campaign by Allergan
Four key points for successful treatment of the fat deposit underneath the chin with Kybella ® are the following:
1. The skin must be taunt or firm enough that when the fat dissolves the skin will “redrape” and look good. There must be adequate elasticity so the skin will not “hang.”
2. If there is muscle looseness, this muscle aging will not be addressed with Kybella®. More advanced aging of the neck with muscle laxity requires surgical treatment for ideal rejuvenation.
3. Kybella® is approved for treatment of the fat between the skin and the muscle of the neck and not the fat that is deep or beneath the muscle. In many patients the fat beneath the muscle is the culprit in giving the neck a “bulge”. Kybella™ is not currently approved to dissolve fat that is “deep” or underneath the muscle.
4. Most importantly, setting appropriate expectations is paramount. Any injection that might eliminate the need for surgery is clearly desirable, but recall that liposuction of fat beneath the chin also is a very simple procedure that can be done under local anesthesia in the office at a lesser cost than Kybella®. Even minor liposuction is “surgery” and anything that eliminates the need for minor surgery may be preferable to some individuals. Despite the ease of Kybella® treatment, the ultimate result must meet the expectations for both patient and physician to be satisfied.
If you are considering improvement of your neck and jawline and are wondering if Kybella® is right for you, please call Dr. Choucair to schedule a personal consultation. In Dallas, Texas: 214-389-9797. In Plano, Texas: 972-781-1610
KYBELLA® (deoxycholic acid) injection 10 mg/mL
Important Information
Indication
KYBELLA® (deoxycholic acid) injection is indicated for improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity or fullness associated with submental fat in adults.
The safe and effective use of KYBELLA® for the treatment of subcutaneous fat outside the submental region has not been established and is not recommended.
Important Safety Information
Contraindications:
KYBELLA® is contraindicated in the presence of infection at the injection sites.
Warnings and Precautions: Marginal Mandibular Nerve Injury
Cases of marginal mandibular nerve injury, manifested as an asymmetric smile or facial muscle weakness, were reported in 4% of subjects in the clinical trials; all cases resolved spontaneously (range 1-298 days, median 44 days). KYBELLA® should not be injected into or in close proximity to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve.
Dysphagia:
ysphagia occurred in 2% of subjects in the clinical trials in the setting of administration-site reactions, eg, pain, swelling, and induration of the submental area; all cases of dysphagia resolved spontaneously (range 1-81 days, median 3 days). Avoid use of KYBELLA® in patients with current or prior history of dysphagia as treatment may exacerbate the condition.
Injection-Site Hematoma/Bruising: I clinical trials, 72% of subjects treated with KYBELLA® experienced hematoma/bruising. KYBELLA® should be used with caution in patients with bleeding abnormalities or who are currently being treated with antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy as excessive bleeding or bruising in the treatment area may occur.
Risk of Injecting Into or in Proximity to Vulnerable Anatomic Structures:
oavoid the potential of tissue damage, KYBELLA® should not be injected into or in close proximity (1 cm-1.5 cm) to salivary glands, lymph nodes, and muscles.
Adverse Reactions:
Temost commonly reported adverse reactions in the pivotal clinical trials were: injection site edema/swelling, hematoma/bruising, pain, numbness, erythema, and induration.
