In our photo-obsessed society, the constant presence of cameras recording every occasion can be a great way to capture a special moment – or an opportunity to scrutinize our appearance. Pictures are all about angles, and if you’re photographed at the wrong angle, you may end up looking heavier or older than you really are. If you’re unhappy with how you look in pictures because you have excess fat under your chin, the solution is not to avoid being included in a photographic “moment,” but to get rid of that fat for good. Many people, no matter their weight or age, struggle with the issue of submental fullness (better known as a double chin). No matter if it is due to lifestyle or genetics, a double chin can make you feel self-conscious and constantly looking for the best angle to present a smoother facial profile. Excess fat under the chin can create the illusion that you are overweight (even if you aren’t) and can make you appear older than you are, as the added weight of the extra fat causes your skin to stretch and sag. While there are several ways to address the excess fat under your chin, including a neck lift, liposuction and noninvasive body contouring devices, FDA-approved Kybella can offer the results you want in just a few quick, in-office sessions at The Rejuva Center at Williams.
Treatments
Kybella
Begin Scrolling
What is Kybella?
Kybella contains a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a molecule found in the human body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When deoxycholic acid is injected into the fat underneath your chin, it works by damaging the protective outer membrane of the fat cells. Once the membranes are ruptured, these targeted fat cells will no longer be able to hold themselves together, causing them to die and eventually be flushed out of the body naturally via your lymphatic system. The result? A slimmer, smoother jawline, without the need for surgery. During your initial consultation at The Rejuva Center at Williams, Dr. Pontius will ask you relevant questions and discuss your aesthetic goals, after which an appropriate treatment protocol will be recommended to help you achieve them. An examination of the submental area will tell the doctor whether there is actually enough fat there for Kybella to be an effective treatment.
Kybella can also be combined with other nonsurgical aesthetic treatments to help restore a more youthful appearance to your face. At The Rejuva Center at Williams, Dr. Pontius can advise you which treatments (including Botox and fillers) can complement and enhance your Kybella results.
Kybella may be the ideal solution if any of the following issues apply to you:
- You are self-conscious about the excess fat under your chin
- You maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, but still have excess fat under your chin
- Submental fat causes you to look heavier or older than you are You aren’t yet ready to undergo more invasive procedures to address the problem
What is a Kybella Treatment Like?
Kybella offers a nonsurgical, minimally invasive way for you to eliminate stubborn submental fat, slimming your jawline and sculpting a more youthful profile. The procedure is virtually painless and is performed without anesthesia, though a topical numbing cream is applied prior to administering the injections to ensure that you are comfortable throughout your treatment. Once the numbing cream has taken effect, Dr. Pontius will strategically mark injection points on your chin using a grid pattern to ensure smooth and even results. The number of injections you receive will depend on the amount of fullness under your chin, so your treatment typically lasts anywhere between ten and 30 minutes.
When your session is complete, you are free to return to work or other daily activities, with no downtime necessary. You may experience some temporary side effects (which are common following injectable treatments) including minor bruising, tenderness or numbness, as well as redness or firmness at the injection sites, but these will resolve on their own. You can ease any discomfort with ice and over-the-counter pain relievers. The most significant side effect is swelling, which can last up to two weeks. While this may seem counterintuitive, it is a necessary part of the healing process, and your results will be worth the wait.
What Results Can I Expect from Kybella?
Kybella begins to work immediately after it is injected; however, you won’t see results right away. Because Kybella relies on your body’s natural processes to eliminate the damaged fat cells, it takes a few weeks for those cells to be absorbed or flushed out. Most patients see their more slender facial profile develop gradually, with the full outcome visible a month or two after your treatment. Some patients need just one Kybella treatment to achieve their goals, while others may require a series of treatment sessions to obtain their desired results. This varies from patient to patient and depends on a number of factors, such as the patient’s existing chin profile, the results they would like to achieve, and how they respond to treatment. For many patients, two to four treatment sessions (each spaced about two months apart) are enough, while some may require up to six.
Dr. Pontius will work with you to create a customized treatment plan according to your needs and goals, so that you are educated and aware of what to expect from your Kybella experience. Once your full results from Kybella become visible, maintaining them is up to you. While the targeted fat cells under your chin are gone for good, it is essential that you continue your healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent the remaining cells from expanding and adversely affecting your results.
Before & After Photo Gallery
Our results speak for themselves, as our patients leave looking natural, more youthful and refreshed.
Enter Kybella Gallery
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are one of nearly 70 percent of people who are struggling with a double chin that just won’t budge, it may be time to discover what Kybella can do for you. Call the The Rejuva Center at Williams today at 518-786-7004 to schedule a consultation.