The shape of the face affects a person’s self-confidence and the way they are perceived by others. One of the most common cosmetic issues is a stubborn double chin. This problem, also called submental fullness, affects up to 70% of adults at some point in life. At Adoro Medical Spa in Severna Park, MD, we help people get rid of their double chin with a simple injectable treatment called Kybella.
How Long Does Kybella Take To Work?
The active ingredient in this treatment is deoxycholic acid. It breaks down fat cells, which are then absorbed and excreted by the body. This process takes some time, so the results aren’t instantaneous. Most patients start to see a noticeable difference four to six weeks after their first set of injections. The results intensify for some months, especially if the person gets treated several times.
When you come to see us for the first time, we’ll determine whether this treatment is right for you and if so, how many sessions you need. Most patients with a significant amount of submental fat have to book three appointments, each one month apart. The final results appear approximately two months after the last treatment.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Many injectables are temporary, and they need to be repeated every three to twelve months. The double chin injection is different because it yields permanent results. Adults don’t usually grow new fat cells. Once the excess tissue has been removed from the chin, it doesn’t come back to the same extent. Even if the patient gains more weight, they won’t experience submental fullness to the same extent.
However, the other areas around the throat and face can still change shape, so it’s best to maintain a steady weight. Sometimes, patients have to come back to the clinic for additional treatment several years after their initial injections. This is due to the aging process. We offer several innovative treatments that help people keep their facial and neck tissues tight and free from wrinkles.
How To Keep the Results Fresh
If you want to keep your profile looking great in the long run, you have to maintain your weight. Submental fullness has several causes, but one of the most common ones is excess weight gain. Although most of the fat cells are removed during treatment, some remain, and they can expand again if you gain a lot of weight after treatment.
It’s also important to lead a healthy lifestyle because this prevents premature sagging and wrinkling in the neck area. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day, so your tissues are properly hydrated. Always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when you go outside. Apply it to your face, neck, and any other body parts that are exposed to direct sunlight.
How Does this Treatment Work?
Deoxycholic acid is naturally present in the human stomach. Its job is to break down fat cells. When injected into the chin, it removes the excess fat, which is broken down and absorbed. The treatment is technique sensitive, so patients see the best results when they get their injections from a qualified and highly experienced professional.
Each session only takes a few minutes, and there is very little preparation and aftercare. This makes the deoxycholic acid injection suitable for patients who don’t have the time to undergo surgery and spend weeks at home recovering from their operation. Before starting treatment, we provide patients with a document that explains what they can and can’t do before and after their appointments.
The Sessions
Expect to spend around 60 minutes at the clinic. When you arrive, we’ll disinfect your treatment site and apply a numbing cream, so you don’t feel pain when we perform the injections. This topical anesthetic might take 10-15 minutes to start working. Once your tissues are numb, we mark the injection sites and administer treatment.
You’ll start to see great results after your first session, but you might have to come back several times if you have a significant amount of excess fat under your chin. We often offer our patients three injections over three months. Eight weeks after the last treatment, we invite them back to the clinic. During the follow-up appointment, we determine whether Kybella was successful and whether additional treatments are necessary.
Preparation and Aftercare
Supplements and medications that thin the blood need to be paused one week before the session. They include NSAIDs, flax and fish oil, Ginkgo, and supplements containing garlic. Don’t consume alcohol, spicy foods, nicotine, caffeine, high-sodium foods, and high-sugar foods for 24-48 hours before and after each double chin injection.
Don’t come to the clinic if you develop a cold or the flu before your appointment because we won’t be able to treat you. You’ll need to reschedule if you have a rash, blemish, or infection at the treatment site because the injections might be unsafe. After your treatment, you have to sleep on your back for 3-5 days. Avoid sun or heat exposure and vigorous exercise for a few days, so your treatment site can recover without interference.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The submental fullness injection is suitable for almost everyone suffering from a stubborn double chin that doesn’t respond to dietary changes and regular exercise. Because deoxycholic acid occurs naturally in the body, it isn’t toxic, and the risk of an allergic reaction is extremely low. Even people who have medical issues and can’t participate in elective surgery are good candidates.
We can’t treat those who have a condition related to the throat. This includes people who have trouble swallowing or an infection near the treatment site. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding aren’t suitable candidates because the effect of deoxycholic acid on babies hasn’t been studied enough. We might be able to treat those with excessive skin laxity and enlarged thyroids, but we have to be extra cautious and consult with their physician beforehand.
You’ve Lost a Lot of Weight
People who are overweight aren’t good candidates for double chin treatment. Submental fullness is often related to excess weight, and it might disappear once the patient achieves a healthy BMI. That’s why we can’t treat anyone who is obese or who hasn’t yet reached their weight loss goals. People who have worked hard to shed their extra pounds but are still struggling with a double chin are excellent candidates.
Sometimes, submental fullness doesn’t go away, even though the person is eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and minimizing their stress levels. In this case, double chin treatment is the perfect solution because it allows patients to finally see the results of all their hard work. We usually accept people who have reached their weight loss goal or need to lose less than 20% of their body weight.
You’ve Suffered from Submental Fullness for a While
There are several reasons why people develop a double chin. This condition is often caused by fluctuations in the patient’s weight, but obesity isn’t the only reason. Some people have submental fullness for genetic reasons, or they develop it during pregnancy. The aging process can exacerbate the problem because the tissues become looser and more prone to sagging over time.
We can only accept patients who have been suffering from submental fullness for at least six months. Sometimes, the condition is temporary or related to bad posture. In this case, double chin treatment isn’t effective.
You’re Able To Maintain Your Weight
During the first consultation, we speak to our patients about their lifestyles to determine whether they are likely to maintain their current weight. If they aren’t ready to eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and keep their stress levels low, they might not be good candidates because they’re likely to gain weight again in the future.
In this case, the results aren’t permanent, and patients might not maintain their desired chin shape in the long run. Sometimes, we recommend that people struggling with their weight work with healthcare professionals like nutritionists and personal trainers. They can keep patients on track and help them to prioritize their healthy habits.
Get Rid of Your Double Chin Now
Kybella is the perfect solution for people who would like to get rid of their double chin without having to undergo surgery. It’s minimally invasive and effective, and it yields permanent results. Patients start to see noticeable results four to six weeks after their first session. Send us a message at Adoro Medical Spa in Severna Park, MD to find out more about the double chin injectable.
