KYBELLA®

What is KYBELLA®?

Have you found yourself looking in the mirror or at photos and wondering what happened to your chin? Even if you’re in great shape, stubborn fat can settle in this area, making you look like you have a double chin. Thankfully, we now offer KYBELLA® injections, a non-surgical, FDA-approved treatment for double chins. Boston-area facial plastic surgeon Dr. Anna Petropoulos was among the first doctors nationwide selected to provide KYBELLA® before it became more widely available. Her status as one of the leading innovators in non-surgical facial rejuvenation often gains her early access to the latest in products and technology.

What is KYBELLA® Made Of?

KYBELLA® is basically simply deoxycholic acid. In the body, deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat.

KYBELLA®
Before & After

How Does KYBELLA® Work?

KYBELLA® reduces fat using deoxycholic acid, a substance that the body naturally produces to help process dietary fat. Once the fat is broken down, it is absorbed and eliminated by the body. Dr. Petropoulos creates a customized treatment plan after consulting with you and discussing your specific cosmetic goals.

What Results Can KYBELLA® Achieve?

Fat accumulates below the chin for various reasons. In many cases it can be hereditary, and sometimes it is related to aging and weight fluctuations. Whatever the reason, KYBELLA® treatments are approved by the FDA specifically to reduce submental fat — the isolated fat that causes the appearance of a double chin. KYBELLA® treatments can help patients who want:

• An elegant, streamlined neck
• A more pronounced chin
• A well-defined jawline

Before KYBELLA®’s approval, most patients opted for neck liposuction to get these results. Liposuction remains an excellent option in some cases, particularly for patients who want more immediate results than KYBELLA® produces, even if the surgical procedure requires some downtime.

KYBELLA® Procedure

The treatment begins with an assistant thoroughly cleaning the treatment area. A topical anesthetic is usually used to ensure you remain comfortable during the procedure. Dr. Petropoulos carefully creates a grid-like pattern on your neck identifying the precise locations to introduce KYBELLA®. KYBELLA® treatments involve multiple tiny injections during a series of sessions scheduled at least a month apart.

It typically takes 2 to 4 treatment sessions to achieve the desired results. Up to 6 treatments may be necessary, depending on your specific concerns.

What can I expect after My Chin Fat Reduction treatment?

Because KYBELLA® works by gradually destroying fat cells, you won’t see immediate results following treatment sessions. Often the first treatment produces noticeable swelling, which may last up to a week. As the swelling gradually resolves, many men and women notice visible improvement in the appearance of the chin.

The final results appear once the treatment plan is completed over the course of 2 to 6 months. The results are considered permanent, because once the fat cells in the area are destroyed, those cells can no longer store or accumulate fat.

How Soon After My KYBELLA® Injections Will I See My Results?

You will have some swelling after your KYBELLA® injections. The more fat you have, the more swelling you will likely have, as this is a sign of the deoxycholic acid beginning to react with the fat. Your results will take some time to show, as the fat needs to be broken down and removed by the body. You will really notice changes in from 4-6 weeks after your treatment. From there, your results continue to improve. Your results will build with repeated treatments. The maximum number of treatments is six. Most patients opt for between two and four treatments to achieve the reduction of their double chin that they seek.

Why Do I Need Multiple Treatments?

The number of sessions you want is variable by the patient. Because the deoxycholic acid is injected and not occurring naturally in the area under your chin, it can only break down so much fat with one injection series. Once it has broken down the fat and you can fully see your results, usually in 5-6 weeks, you can decide if you want another session or if you are satisfied with your results at that point.

Can KYBELLA® Be Combined With Other Procedures?

KYBELLA® treatments are completely localized to the area under your chin. Also, because deoxycholic acid occurs naturally in the body, there is little chance of any reactions. You can combine Kybella with laser procedures or dermal fillers at the same time.

Are The Results Of KYBELLA® Permanent?

When injected into the fat under your chin, KYBELLA® destroys the fat cells. Once these are destroyed, they are gone and cannot store or accumulate fat any longer. These are permanent changes. If you gain a good deal of weight, it is possible for new fat cells to form, but if you maintain a healthy weight, your results will endure.

How Does KYBELLA® Compare with Facial Liposuction?

Liposuction and KYBELLA® do the same thing, but with different methods — remove fat cells under the chin. Liposuction is an invasive surgical procedure. KYBELLA® is non-invasive. Liposuction results are instant, while KYBELLA® takes one to two months to begin showing results.

Are KYBELLA® Injections Painful?

Dr. Petropoulos applies topical numbing anesthetic to your neck and under your chin. This minimizes any sensation. You will feel a slight stinging and burning sensation immediately after your injections. We will provide you with an ice pack to hold under your chin immediately after your session, and you’ll want to continue to ice on and off for another few hours.

schedule a consultation

Call our office today at 978-739-9500 or use our online form to schedule a consultation with top Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Petropoulos and determine if KYBELLA® is the right treatment for you!