A true breakthrough in the treatment of double chin occurred this year when the United States Food and Drug Administration approved a new drug for the treatment of submental fat (double chin). The drug, KYBELLA, is identical to deoxycholic acid, a substance which is produced naturally in the body. It aids in the breakdown of the fat consumed in foods. KYBELLA is a “cytolytic” drug which, when injected into tissues, destroys the structure of cells.
Submental fullness (a slightly less offensive term for submental fat or double chin) is a common, but not commonly treated, facial aesthetic condition. It affects both men and women, and is influenced by aging, genetics, and weight gain. Unfortunately, submental fullness is resistant to diet and exercise. Weight loss won’t improve its appearance.
A 2014 consumer survey, conducted by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), reported that 68 percent of adults said that they are bothered by under-the-chin fullness. Unexpectedly, the majority are just as bothered about submental fullness as they are bothered by lines and wrinkles around and under their eyes.
KYBELLA is injected into the fat in the submental area. Patients may receive up to 50 injections in a single treatment. A patient may receive up to six treatments. There must be at least a month between treatments.
The safety and effectiveness of KYBELLA depends on the use of the correct number of injections per treatment, location of the injections, proper needle placement, and proper administration techniques. Use of ice/cold packs, topical or injectable local anesthesia, may enhance patient comfort. A special pen may be used to draw an injection grid to mark the injection sites. KYBELLA cannot be injected in the presence of infection.
Multiple clinical research studies have reported that:
- 68.2 percent of patients responded to KYBELLA treatment.
- 79 percent of patients were satisfied with the appearance of their chin and face.
- Patients reported improvement in self-perception, including feeling happier and younger based on their chin profile.
- Patients reported feeling less embarrassment, less self-conscious, less overweight and less bothered by submental fullness.
Before treatment you’ll meet with Dr. Ennis to develop a treatment plan. Tell him about any previous surgery of the face or chin, and any surgeries planned for the future. Tell Dr. Ennis about any medical conditions involving the face or neck, difficulty swallowing or bleeding problems. Discuss any medications you may be taking, including over-the-counter preparations.
Possible side effects and potential complications may include:
- Injection site reactions: swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness, hardening of the tissues, skin tightness, itching and site warmth
- Headache
- Pain in the mouth or throat
- High blood pressure
- Nausea
- Nerve damage, including nerve energy in the jaw that can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness.
KYBELLA is for use in the submental region only. Its safety has not been established in pregnancy, breastfeeding, patients younger than 18 years, or older than 65 years.