The primary ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid. Kybella is a synthetic formulation of deoxycholic acid, a substance found naturally occurring in the body, which is synthesized and then used to break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the site, it targets and destroys fat cell membranes. This will cause the fat to be released into the body and processed naturally. Once the fat cells are destroyed, the body’s own immune system takes over to clean out the dead cells.
There is a caveat, however. Over time, the body’s ability to produce collagen decreases, which decreases the skin’s elasticity. The result is the sagging skin associated with the aging process. Kybella was designed to destroy the fact cells in a double chin, not to enhance collagen production or elasticity – Dr. Kaado offers several skin tightening treatments for this issue. It is imperative that you see an experienced injector, otherwise Kybella can cause sagging skin in the neck.
Once the body’s immune system clears the dead fat cells, sagging skin in the neck may look more pronounced, since there is nothing left to “fill it out.” This, of course, can be remedied with other types of treatments and procedures. However, it is important to understand exactly what Kybella can and cannot do so you are fully informed prior to treatment.
If you have good skin elasticity, Kybella can provide great results. Dr. Kaado will perform a thorough examination to ensure Kybella is right for you.
Dr. Kaado has the experience to estimate the potential for this situation to occur and will discuss your options for handling it, when your treatment program is developed.
Kybella is delivered in a series of treatments, the number of which depends on the amount of fat in the chin and the desired profile. The entire course of treatment may be as few as two sessions to a maximum of six, given at least a month apart. This gives the body time to thoroughly destroy and remove the dead fat cells from a given treatment. A small majority of patients—59%–received six treatments.
Once the existing fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat so, unless there is weight gain,only one series of treatments would be required.
The procedure is not terribly painful. However, to increase your comfort, Dr. Kaado will begin by icing and slightly numbing the area, or you can opt to use Pro-Nox. He will then place a grid provided by Kybella over the treatment area to mark it off.
The injections themselves will take less than 5 minutes, but you can expect to be in the office for approximately an hour.
It typically requires 1-2 vials per session, and about 2-4 sessions. This is all dependent on the amount of fat in this area. One month to 6 weeks is the recommended period between treatments. The procedure takes about 15 minutes. Swelling occurs for the first 3 days, but most of the swelling is gone in a week. All swelling is gone by about 3-4 weeks and results are seen at this time.
