I’m happy to say that I can answer that Google query.
You have probably been hearing more about the “double chin” lately. Part of that may be the recent launch of the injectable product, Kybella® (deoxycholic acid). The injection is based on the principles of mesotherapy, where a compound injected beneath the skin dissolves the fat in that particular area.
While mesotherapy has had its problems in the past, Kybella® is an exciting new product in that it’s a purified form of the compound that is felt to be most effective at dissolving the fat, and the technique for injection is more controlled and precise as it’s based on a grid pattern.
The procedure is quick, typically 10-15 minutes. Your neck could be numbed with topical agents or local anesthesia (through small injections). Your anatomical landmarks are traced, and a grid with dots is transferred onto your skin. The medical practitioner then carefully injects the Kybella® into the fat. You will likely feel a burning sensation for 30-60 seconds, and then this goes away. And that’s it!
Your neck will be sore for a few days (just like if somebody poked your neck with a needle repeatedly…). You will likely see some neck swelling, and maybe some bruising for 7-10 days, so some patients recommend laying low for that first week.
There usually needs to be a series of injections, typically at least 2 sessions, and maybe up to 6. It all depends on your anatomy, the amount of fat present, and the result you desire.
Are you a candidate? Well, maybe. Good candidates have extra fat localized to the submental area (below the chin), toward the center of the neck. People with a small or moderate amount of extra fat are good candidates. If you have a lot of fat in your neck, there may be other techniques that are quicker and more cost effective (liposuction) to achieve the result you desire. On the other end of the spectrum, those with loose skin and not much fat will not benefit from Kybella® injections (and it could even make the loose skin worse). People with extra skin may be better suited for a skin-reduction surgery (e.g. a necklift) to improve their neck contour.
So, if your neck contour is bothering you, come on in and see if Kybella® is right for you. If not, we can discuss other ways to get you the profile and jawline you have dreamed of. Let’s hear it for Thanksgiving Dinner without that Turkey Neck! (ok, I admit that was pretty cheesy, even for me…)
