What You Need To Know Before Your Kybella Treatment

Fed up with your double chin or chin fat? Do you wish there was something to easily get rid of it without undergoing a surgical procedure? If so, then Kybella could be the perfect non-surgical option for you!

Kybella (deoxycholic acid injections) is a non-surgical injection treatment that can help reduce the appearance of your double chin and restore your younger, more attractive face shape. But no matter how good Kybella may sound, it’s important to understand all the facts before undergoing any form of cosmetic procedure.

In this article, we’ll explain all you need to know about your Kybella treatment before deciding if it’s the right option for you.

How does Kybella work?

Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that is used to permanently reduce the appearance of a double chin, also known as submental fullness. Kybella works by destroying the fat cells in the area, which then results in a more sculpted and defined jawline.

Kybella is made up of a naturally-occurring compound called deoxycholic acid, which breaks down dietary fat when injected into tissues. When infused directly into the chin area, Kybella helps dissolve stubborn fat cells and create a more chiseled and toned profile. Kybella requires multiple sessions to see optimal results but usually, only two or three treatments are necessary.

Due to its nature as an injectable procedure, Kybella must be performed under the care of an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. As part of your consultation process, your doctor will assess your goals for treatment so you can discuss potential outcomes before beginning any type of cosmetic treatment.

Why Kybella treatment should be performed only by a professional

The importance of having Kybella treatments performed by a professional cannot be overstated. While it can seem tempting to try and save money by utilizing at-home kits, this is not the best decision. Kybella is an advanced injectable treatment that requires a degree of precision in order to be administered properly. If the procedure is done incorrectly there could be adverse side effects that could range from pain and bruising to permanent skin discoloration or scarring.

A trained clinician who has experience with Kybella will know how to ensure each injection session goes smoothly and can provide advice on any post-care instructions you may need. A good clinician will also have access to high-quality topical numbing agents that can help reduce any discomfort during or after the procedure. Plus, if needed, they will also have access to other treatments such as Botox or Dysport which may be recommended depending on your particular case.

How should I prepare for my Kybella treatment?

Before a Kybella treatment, it’s crucial to do some prepping. Not only will this ensure the best results, but it also reduces any potential side effects. Here’s what you should do:

• Dehydration can increase the chances of bruising after the injection, so it’s important to stay hydrated.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun in the weeks leading up to your appointment. This will reduce the risk of skin discoloration and other issues due to UV exposure.
• Stop drinking alcohol at least seven days prior to treatment as this can increase the risk of bruising and swelling.
• Try to keep your skin free from makeup and sunscreen for at least a few hours before the appointment. This will help ensure that the Kybella is able to work efficiently and give you better results.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications or supplements that you’re taking prior to the treatment. Different medications can interact with each other, which may create risks during the injection procedure. Make sure that every medication or supplement is disclosed beforehand!
• Let your doctor know of any medical condition you may have. It is important that all of these are disclosed so your medical professional to ensure the procedure will not affect or aggravate any existing conditions. 

What happens during the actual treatment?

During the actual Kybella procedure, your practitioner will use a small needle to inject very precise amounts of deoxycholic acid into multiple areas under your jawline. The number and spacing of injections depend on the size and density of your unwanted fat.

The initial series of injections will be done quickly, taking no more than 15 minutes to complete. Your treatment may involve one or more sessions, depending on the amount of unwanted fat you have.

The area surrounding the injection site may feel slightly tender and warm during the process, but this should end quickly. After the injections are finished, you can return home right away since there is no downtime associated with this procedure. It’s important to avoid massaging or rubbing the area for 48 hours after treatment in order to minimize swelling and bruising.

What happens after my treatment?

Once you have completed your Kybella treatment appointment, you will be given advice on how to care for your skin afterward to help aid the healing process. You may experience some swelling and bruise in the treated areas in the first few days after the treatment, which is a common side effect of Kybella. Your dermatologist can recommend treatment plans or home remedies to reduce this discomfort.

It’s also important to stay out of direct sunlight for up to 4 weeks following your treatment and wear sunscreen every day. Exposure to UV rays can increase swelling and cause complications with Kybella procedures. Make sure you follow all instructions about changing any medications as well if needed.

In addition, it is recommended that you wait a minimum of 2 months before returning to see your dermatologist for an evaluation and plan further treatments if necessary. This gap will allow enough time for the full results of your first injection session to be seen before readjusting either your dosage or timeline for additional sessions.

Are there any known side effects?

Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that can greatly reduce the appearance of a double chin. While generally considered safe and effective, there are certain side effects you need to consider before your Kybella treatment.

The most common side effect is swelling or redness at injection sites. This typically lasts less than a week but may last longer depending on how many injections you received. Additionally, some people experience numbness of the skin shortly after injection which usually resolves by itself within a few weeks.

Other more rare side effects include bruising, pain, tenderness in the area where it was injected, infection, minor bleeding at the injection site, and itching or burning sensation localized to the injection site. It’s also important to note that Kybella does not provide immediate results and may take up to several months for optimal results to be visible.

It is essential to work with an experienced and qualified aesthetic clinician when receiving a Kybella treatment, who will be able to identify any possible risks associated with the procedure and discuss whether this procedure may be right for you.