While many people focus on their faces or their bodies when it comes to cosmetic concerns, they may be forgetting about the area in between. The chin and neck are often unrecognized contributors to the reason that a person may be dissatisfied with their appearance. It’s especially common to struggle with submental fullness or submental fat — extra fat under the chin that causes a double chin effect or makes the face appear wider and heavier than it really is. Reducing submental fullness can drastically improve the appearance of the face, even without doing any work to the face itself. While modern cosmetic technology has given us a number of ways to address submental fullness, the KYBELLA® injection is quickly becoming one of the most popular.

KYBELLA® is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment to improve the appearance of moderate to severe fat beneath the chin by physically destroying fat cells. KYBELLA® is a prescription medicine used for adults to improve the appearance and profile of fat below the chin — it must be provided by a licensed medical professional such as a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. At the Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Centers of El Paso, our expert surgeons can guide your KYBELLA® treatment to ensure your best results as well as your safety and satisfaction.

How does KYBELLA® work?

The active ingredient in KYBELLA® is deoxycholic acid, a substance known for its fat-dissolving abilities. Deoxycholic acid naturally occurs in the digestive system, where it assists the body in breaking down dietary fat consumed through food. When it is isolated and used in KYBELLA® injections, it targets the fat cells below your chin rather than the fat you eat. It permanently dissolves unwanted fat cells, causing them to be absorbed by the body and processed through your natural waste removal systems. You’ll notice a significant decrease in the appearance of submental fat as the cells are eliminated.

How many treatments will I need?

KYBELLA® is very customizable and is administered incrementally to ensure your safety, comfort and best outcomes. Our surgeons will work with you individually during your consultation to help you determine how many treatment sessions you need. They will offer their expert recommendation for your treatment plan based on the amount and distribution of your submental fat and your personal aesthetic goals. Most patients need more than one treatment — results are typically visible after two to four treatments, with a possible maximum of six treatments. Each session will be scheduled approximately one month apart.

How is KYBELLA® administered?

KYBELLA® is administered during an in-office visit. The injection process is quick and typically takes between 15 to 20 minutes. In each treatment session, our surgeons will give you a series of small injections into the fat under your chin, positioned precisely to target your problem areas for a balanced and symmetrical result. The treatment is mostly painless, aside from the occasionally uncomfortable sensation of the injections. Prior to your treatment, our surgeons may apply ice/cold packs or topical anesthetics to the treatment area to make you more comfortable. Most patients do not require more intensive anesthesia and can transport themselves following their procedure; if you do decide to use local anesthetic, you may need to arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up. In most cases, you will be able to leave your appointment to resume normal daily activities right away. However, due to the possibility of some side effects, we often recommend taking a few days away from the public eye to rest and recover.

What can I expect after my treatment session?

Patients most commonly experience side effects such as swelling, numbness, bruising, redness, mild pain and sensations of hardness. Visible side effects typically dissipate within a few days, though residual swelling may last up to a week. Numbness and hardness can persist for about a month, though they should not preclude you from typical daily responsibilities or exercise. We recommend keeping casual social plans and work commitments to a minimum for a few days after your treatment, and it’s best to schedule your KYBELLA® injections at least two weeks before any major event.

Our surgeons can offer you recommendations to keep post-KYBELLA® discomfort and swelling to a minimum. You may apply ice or a cold pack to the treated area, or use topical creams like Arnica to reduce swelling and redness. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or Tylenol may also help.

What will my KYBELLA® results be like?

Results from KYBELLA® can truly transform your appearance. Reducing submental fullness can visually change the shape of the face, jawline and chin. You can appear younger and more fit, and emphasize your favorite facial features without worrying about a double chin.

What’s more, KYBELLA® permanently removes unwanted fat in the submental area. The body has a finite amount of fat cells — when areas of fat become enlarged, it is due to the existing fat cells expanding rather than more fat cells appearing. Therefore, once KYBELLA® has taken effect, the eliminated cells will not “grow back” and the number of fat cells in the area will be reduced for the rest of your life. However, it is important to understand that KYBELLA® does not remove 100% of the fat cells in the area, so if you go through future weight fluctuations then the remaining fat cells may expand and the area may change in size again. As long as you are able to maintain your overall weight, you should be able to enjoy your results for years to come.

Contact the Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Centers of El Paso

Our expert, board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Jabor and Dr. Reynolds, have extensive experience providing a wide range of cosmetic treatments from plastic surgeries to medical-grade skincare in El Paso, Texas. Our two convenient locations in the city are fully equipped to provide the services you need to feel great about your appearance every day. Whether your concerns include stubborn fat, signs of aging or otherwise, the team at Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Centers of El Paso can help. Call our West El Paso office at 915-543-5600 or our East El Paso office at 915-855-7800 for further information and to schedule your first appointment.

CareCredit® and Prosper are both options for financing your healthcare services. El Paso Plastic Surgery accepts both! Please visit the company websites to learn more.

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At Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso, we pride ourselves in the fact that all new consults meet with the surgeon and will be seen by the surgeon from start to finish. Schedule your personalized consultation for any of our cosmetic surgery procedures.

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