There is great news for everyone suffering from the tormentor we call the “double chin!” The Food and Drug Administration has recently approved KYBELLA™ injection for the reduction of the stubborn fat that settles in the upper neck just under the chin. KYBELLA™ is the first of its kind and will likely become a superstar in it’s own right; perhaps becoming as popular as BOTOX® and facial fillers.
KYBELLA™ is manufactured by California based Kythera Biopharmaceuticals Inc. and is indicated for the improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe fat of the neck below the chin, which is known as submental fat. One of the wonderful things about this new product is that the active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, is identical to the deoxycholic acid our bodies already produce! This ingredient dissolves the problematic fat under the chin while enabling your plastic surgeon to reshape and contour the area.
The injection is made directly into the fatty tissue of the neck, not into the skin. Treatment only takes around 15 minutes and patients may require up to six visits, no less than one month apart, in order for the desired result to be achieved. Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for this type of treatment. Patients that have excess fat under their chin as well as loose skin of the neck will indeed have more loose skin once the neck fat has been reduced with KYBELLA™ injections and may require a neck lift. An experienced board certified plastic surgeon will help you determine if KYBELLA™ is the best option for you.
Another type of treatment for one of our most visible areas is liposuction of the chin, neck and jowls. Liposuction of this area removes excess fat to slim and create a more youthful appearance. Stubborn neck fat rarely disappears by exercising and dieting; the fat collection under the chin isn’t metabolized as easily as fat in other areas of the body. It’s very similar to issues some people have with losing localized fat deposits in their hips, tummy or arms.
Again, the quality of the skin on the neck is an important factor in achieving maximum results with liposuction. If the skin sags and lacks elasticity, it will not contract after the fat has been taken out. This creates a whole other issue and adding a neck lift will be necessary to obtain the optimal look.
A neck lift is the most common treatment for patients that have neck cords and sagging skin caused by severe weight loss or age, as well as fat accumulation in the neck. This procedure combines liposuction to remove excess fat along with surgical tightening and trimming of the loose, sagging skin of the neck and jowls. The vertical platysma muscle banding is also thinned to improve the appearance of neck cords. Having a neck lift procedure can make a world of difference to your appearance and self-confidence!