Kybella is a new product from Allergan, the makers of Botox® and Juvederm®.
The chemical makeup is composed of deoxycholic acid, a chemical that is naturally used in our digestive tract to help dissolve food. Kybella® is the first and only product to be FDA approved to treat sub-mental (under the chin) fat. Kybella® treatment involves multiple injections (approximately 15-20) under the chin over a series of sessions to improve the look of sub-mental fullness. Recommendation is typically 3 treatments, however results shown for maximal improvement can take 4-5 treatments. Allergan’s studies have shown excellent results. Treatments can have minimal discomfort and downtime, although patients may have some swelling for several days.
This is a hot topic in the field of facial plastic surgery right now and many patients have been asking whether they need a facelift or something non-invasive such as Kybella®. Both options have their role and which one is right depends on each patient’s goals and anatomy.
A facelift is a surgical procedure involving a tightening of deep facial and neck muscles which causes the sagging/jowling and a redraping of the excess skin. It also addresses fat deposits in the neck, typically via liposuction. While surgery does require more downtime, most patients are presentable by day 12.
Biggest advantages for Kybella® is minimal downtime and no surgery. Kybella® is still fairly new into the market and there are claims to some tissue tightening however long term studies are currently underway. A facelift is surgery, however has proven thus far to be the most definite in addressing excess skin as well as tightening muscles.
In my opinion, Kybella is ideal for younger patients (early 40s and under) who have fat under the chin and minimal skin sagging. Those patients who have excess skin or obvious “neck bands” will probably require a surgical approach to correct their issues.
Thus, it’s important to have a good discussion with physicians and aestheticians at Renaissance Plastic Surgery because our treatment plans are individualized to ensure that you look Fabulous At Any Age®.
Authored by Dr. George S. Miguel, Facial Plastic Surgeon