Certain areas of the body can develop stubborn, small fat pockets due to genetics, aging, or even left over after weight loss. The chin is probably the most notorious of these areas. A “double chin” is a term used to describe when a person carries extra fat under the chin. This affects men and women. Fit people can have extra submental fat. Liposuction or other plastic surgeries were often the most effective treatment to address a double chin. However, an injectable known as Kybella can now treat and melt fat under the chin. Northwest Face and Body offers the best Kybella Bellevue and Kirkland can provide.
Overview: Fat Melting Kybella Injections
Kybella was approved by the FDA to treat the appearance of submental fat in 2015. It uses a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid to destroy fat cells in the chin. For patients who carry extra fat in the chin due to genetics or other factors, Kybella is a great option.
Unlike other fat removal procedures, Kybella is completely non-surgical. Though, it does usually require multiple treatment sessions to see the desired results. It allows patients who are not good surgical candidates or who only have a small amount of fat to see results without anesthesia or major recovery.
All About Deoxycholic Acid
The active ingredient of Kybella, deoxycholic acid, is a naturally occurring acid in the body. As a secondary bile acid, it is used by the intestine to emulsify fat. Kybella uses a synthetic form of this acid to break down targeted fat cells in the body. Because it is an acid that the body produces, this makes it a fairly low risk procedure.
Along with the cosmetic use of deoxycholic acid, it is also used in various other medical applications including the treatment of lipomas, gallstones, and as an ingredient in some vaccines. Since the discovery of the acid, it has been used in a variety of medical treatments and fields.
Benefits & Risks
Kybella injections for the elimination of a double chin have many advantages and benefits. Considering the non-invasive nature of the treatment, it is an attractive option for many patients looking for a solution to their chin fat. Some of the benefits of Kybella include:
- Reduction of submental fullness
- Improved facial appearance and chin profile
- Non-surgical; allows for fat reduction without liposuction
- Requires no lengthy recovery or time off work
- Quick fifteen minute procedure
- Results can be permanent (if weight is maintained)
- May result in a younger appearance
- Relatively painless
- Safe treatment
- May improve the look of the jawline
- Suitable for adults of all ages and skin types
- Specifically designed to treat small pockets of fat
Kybella–similar to any medical treatment–comes with some risks. While rare and fairly minor, Kybella is not advised for everyone. Patients with bleeding disorders, pregnant or nursing women, and those with infections in or near the treatment sit should postpone or reconsider treatment. Certain medical conditions may also make treatment inadvisable.
Some of the risks that your injector will discuss with you may include:
- Infection
- Prolonged swelling or bruising
- Nerve injury (rarely, if ever, permanent)
- Necrosis
- Allergic reaction
- Trouble swallowing
- Poor outcome
- Hair loss in the treatment area
- Sores
All of the above risks and complications are extremely rare and usually temporary. They are more often documented when Kybella is used by an unqualified provider, in an unideal patient, or outside of the accepted treatment areas. When used properly under the chin and in the right patient, Kybella is unlikely to cause any long lasting issues or hindrances.
Kybella vs. Chin Liposuction
Outside of Kybella treatment in Bellevue, the most effective and widely performed procedure for submental fat is chin liposuction. A surgical procedure, chin liposuction is generally effective. Compared with other liposuction procedures and other plastic surgeries, it is relatively non-invasive and features a shorter recovery time.
Some patients interested in Kybella may be better suited for liposuction treatment. This is best determined during a consultation at Northwest Face & Body. The table below details some of the notable differences between the two procedures to help determine which might be the right one for you.
Kybella
- Non-surgical
- Uses only topical numbing agents
- Low to no risk of scars
- Designed to remove only small pockets of fat
- Results may be permanent
- Usually requires multiple treatments
- Performed in 15 to 30 minutes
- No downtime
- Less predictable
Chin Liposuction
- Surgical (though can be performed under local anesthesia)
- Low risk of scarring
- Can remove nearly any amount of chin fat
- Results may be permanent
- Only one surgical session required for results
- Takes around one hour
- Downtime necessary
- More consistent results
As far as cost effectiveness, it is a toss up between Kybella and chin lipo. At first look, Kybella is less expensive than liposuction. However, considering Kybella usually requires more than one treatment and sometimes up to six sessions, this can add up quickly. It all comes down to your preferences and candidacy. Your provider can provide more information during a consultation.
Before And After Kybella Injections
Your Consultation
At a consultation with an injector at Northwest Face & Body, they will determine if you are a good candidate for Kybella and if the injectable will adequately meet your goals. First, they will want to get a good idea of your goals and concerns you have with your appearance. Next, your injector will review your medical history. Finally, they will examine your chin to look at the amount of fat and quality of skin located there.
Your injector will then conclude if you are a good candidate for Bellevue Kybella injections. If you are, they may be able to proceed with your first treatment the same day. If your provider believes Kybella is not suitable for you or your needs, they may refer you to our plastic surgeon, Dr. Ludwig Allegra, or otherwise recommend an alternative.
Bellevue Kybella
Before your Kybella injections, your injector will disinfect and clean the area with an alcohol wipe. It is best to shave your chin if needed. They may also apply a topical numbing cream that keeps the injections more tolerable and comfortable. Though, patients can forego this step if they wish.
Your injector may make some pre-procedure markings and will describe the procedure. Kybella typically involves multiple injections along the underside of the chin. On average, this takes around fifteen minutes to complete. With numbing, this places the entire procedure time at around twenty five to thirty minutes.
Patients can experience a mild burning sensation during and after the injections. This generally is not too painful and should pass quickly. The injections themselves normally do not cause too much discomfort.
Aftercare
Kybella does not require bed rest or major recovery. Patients can usually return to work immediately after the procedure. However, patients may experience some minor side effects and should make some changes to their lifestyle temporarily to promote the best results. Some of the instructions your injector may give you include:
- Avoid strenuous exercise or activity for some time (usually one to three days)
- Sleep with an extra pillow or head slightly elevated
- Do not touch or massage the treated area
- Only take over-the-counter acetaminophen based painkillers
- Ice can be used for swelling
- Do not apply makeup for about a day
- Can gently continue normal skincare routine
As far as side effects, patients may experience:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Redness
- Temporary hardening of skin near injection sites
- Minor pain
- Itchiness
- Numbness
Side effects often resolve in about two weeks. Residual swelling can last up to a month, but usually is not noticeable after a couple of weeks. Your provider is happy to follow up after two weeks to gauge your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kybella Painful?
Kybella may cause some discomfort during and after treatment. Most patients do find it overly painful and post-procedure pain is easily managed with over-the-counter remedies. Our injectors also offer topical numbing before injections.
Can You See Results After One Kybella Treatment?
It is possible to see results after one Kybella treatment, though rare. On average, patients need between two and six sessions to see the results they desire. This is based on various factors and your provider can discuss these with you at your consultation.
Is It Permanent?
Under ideal circumstances, Kybella results are permanent. However, aging can contribute to lax skin in the area which can also create the look of a double chin. While fat cells destroyed by Kybella cannot come back, existing ones can expand with weight gain. Therefore, you should continue to live a healthy and active lifestyle following Kybella treatments.
Does Kybella Leave Loose Skin?
Kybella only removes extra fat and does not tighten the skin. Therefore, the best candidates for Kybella treatment are those with good or decent skin laxity. If your skin is loose or saggy, you may be a better candidate for a facelift, or a skin tightening procedure.
How Much Is Kybella In Bellevue?
Kybella at Northwest Face & Body starts at $530 per vial with a qualified injector and $1,000 with Bellevue plastic surgeon, Dr. Ludwig Allegra. Our injectors trained directly under Dr. Allegra to learn the correct and optimal injection techniques for Kybella. We do accept financing for Kybella treatments and you can learn more about financing options on our financing page.
The Best Kybella Injections In Bellevue And Kirkland
Dr. Ludwig Allegra is a plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience in cosmetic injections. He masterfully uses injections to achieve patient goals and achieve a more symmetrical, aesthetic appearance. As one of the first adopters of Kybella after its FDA approval, Dr. Allegra continues to offer the most skillful and best Kybella injections in Bellevue and Kirkland.
Northwest Face & Body is located centrally at Carillon Point in Kirkland, only a few minutes drive from both downtown Bellevue and Kirkland. It has served the Eastside’s cosmetic and aesthetic needs for over two decades by offering the top, dermal fillers, and plastic surgery procedures.
To learn more and schedule a consultation with an injector, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also reach out to us online via Price Simulator™, chat, or contact form.
