How Long Does Kybella Last?
A double chin is a common source of insecurity. Sometimes, weight loss can eliminate a double chin, but some fat deposits are the result of genetics and will not respond to diet and exercise. This is where aesthetic medicine (Kybella) can help.
Kybella is currently the only injectable non-invasive treatment for double chins. Until it came out, liposuction of the face was the only means to get rid of stubborn fat deposits near the chin and neck. Kybella presents a noninvasive alternative to liposuction for patients hoping to avoid surgery. However, many prospective patients wonder whether results are permanent.
While fat cells destroyed during Kybella are permanently eliminated, factors like age and lifestyle can impact the longevity of Kybella results. Below, we’ll provide a brief breakdown of the science behind Kybella and why results sometimes diminish over time.
Kybella: The Basics
Kybella is made from deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that helps the body break down and reabsorb fat. When injected into the treatment area, Kybella will kill fat cells over time. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they are permanently eliminated from the body. As a result, the chin and neck look significantly slimmer. However, this does not necessarily mean that you’ll maintain your original results over time, which we’ll go into in more detail below.
Kybella treatment only takes a few minutes and little preparation is needed ahead of time. Your practitioner may ask you to avoid certain over-the-counter medications that will interfere with blood clotting. Treatment takes less than 30 minutes. After your practitioner numbs the treatment site, they administer roughly 50 injections just below the chin. It can cause a mild burning sensation, but it is not painful. It typically takes two to four treatments to see results.
You can resume normal day-to-day activities right away after undergoing Kybella treatment. Your practitioner will send you home with aftercare instructions – which you should always follow closely – but there is very little downtime associated with this treatment. You may need to avoid salty foods, as they can increase swelling, and take Tylenol as needed for soreness.
How Long Does Kybella Last?
Many patients wonder whether Kybella is permanent – the truth is, yes and no. Fat cells removed during this treatment are permanently destroyed and will not return. However, your facial structure can change over time.
Your double chin will permanently be far less prominent after undergoing Kybella. However, weight gain can cause small amounts of fat to recongregate in the neck. Staying at a stable, healthy weight can help you maintain Kybella results longer.
Aging can also cause skin to sag around the chin and neck. While this will not necessarily look like a double chin, it may make your face look bloated and saggy. A good skincare routine can help slow the impact of aging. Ask your practitioner for any recommendations for over-the-counter products that would meet your specific needs.
While Kybella results may fade over time, most patients can safely undergo follow-up treatments over the years as needed.
Is Kybella Safe?
Yes. Kybella is very safe and carries an extremely low risk for serious complications – especially when you worked with an experienced practitioner.
Kybella rarely has side effects after treatment, but some patients experience swelling, pain, and numbness. This should subside on its own within a few days without treatment.
Some patients experience an infection after getting injections. If you notice discharge or intense pain, contact your practitioner immediately. An infection can typically be easily treated with a round of antibiotics.
Patients experience more serious side effects including nerve injury in the jaw or open sores near the injection site in very rare cases. However, such complications are extremely rare and can be avoided by working with an experienced practitioner and following all aftercare instructions closely.
The Bottom Line
Kybella is a great alternative to liposuction for those who want to get rid of a double chin that fails to respond to diet and exercise. It is highly effective and can last a long time. Fat destroyed during treatment is permanently removed from the body. While lifestyle habits and aging may impact results, your double chin will always be less prominent after undergoing this treatment. Plus, you can also always undergo follow-up treatments if your results fade over time.
Think Kybella is right for you? At BLUSH Beverly Hills, we have a talented team of medical professionals with decades worth of experience, including experience with Kybella injections. If you’re interested in talking over the procedure, reach out here and someone will be in touch shortly.