Whether you’re a novice or a veteran in the beauty world, you may have heard about Kybella, but may not know what it is. Delving into the world of Kybella will be a welcomed change.. How so? Kybella was released by Allergan Co. in 2015, and with it, came a new way of eliminating unseemly fat pockets. Yes, Kybella can, in essence, melt stubborn fat! How?
What Is Kybella?
Before we jump into Kybella’s various uses, we have to first understand what it is. Simply put, Kybella is the first and only cosmetic injectable that’s designed for use in eliminating moderate-to-severe submental fat. The active ingredient in this life-changing injectable is deoxycholic acid, a molecule naturally found in the body. However, adding to the acid’s distinctness is its ability to break down and absorb dietary fat. Which, in turn, destroys the fat cells rendering them null.
What Is Submental Fat?
The word submental is comprised of the prefix sub and the word mental. The word mental has its roots in Latin and translates to “the mind.” Therefore, we understand submental to be the fascial space of the chin, jaw, and neck—everything below the head.
What Are The Uses of Kybella?
Initially, Kybella was designed for use in submental fat. Namely, under the chin. However, some doctors also use the product in off-label treatments. Simply put, we can say a treatment is off-label if a physician uses a product in a location or with a technique that the FDA did not test.
Consider this example of an off-label use of Kybella in the love handles. While Kybella has been approved for the elimination of fat pockets, it hasn’t been tested in areas outside of the chin, jaw, and neck. True, the product could work in such regions, yet, the question remains, how effective would it be? Thus, in such cases, it’s vital to find a medical professional with the correct training to perform these injections.
The makers of the product emphasize the need for a healthy lifestyle and diet. Though the product is effective, with dozens of studies to support its claims, results can’t be guaranteed, especially so in cases of off-label uses.
Are There Side Effects?
Naturally, the question of side effects is an important one. Yet, side effects can vary person-to-person. Still, physicians consider Kybella a safe treatment for stubborn pockets of fat.
Some common side effects include swelling, bruising, redness, pain, and numbness at the injection site. Additionally, some clients report feeling a hard lump at the treatment site. While somewhat disconcerting, such effects are rare and subside within a few hours to a few days.
Notably, Kybella can cause some serious side effects, such as difficulty swallowing, nerve injury, or facial muscle weakness. Yet, instances of these are extremely rare. Still, what makes for a good candidate?
Am I A Good Candidate?
If submental fat bothers you, ask your doctor about Kybella. Visit Kybella’s official website and learn more about the product’s side effects and uses.
Kybella is approved for adults 18 years of age and older. Though, if pregnant or breastfeeding, the effects of Kybella are unknown.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
After your first treatment of Kybella, you should see visible results. To achieve the full scope of your goals, however, follow-up treatments may be necessary. And, to maintain visible results, a healthy lifestyle and diet are needed. Ultimately, your doctor should arrange a treatment regimen suited to your needs.
What Is A Treatment Session Like?
An injection of Kybella is relatively painless and quick. It usually lasts about 30 minutes. However, post-injection care can require some forethought. Though, not as much as surgery.
Usually, a topical numbing cream is applied to the skin. However, injections of Lidocaine can also be used. Kybella involves a series of injections with a tiny needle. Thus, there may be a mild burning or stinging sensation. A simple remedy in the case of discomfort is an ice pack. Yet, you should report any major discomfort to your physician, injector or emergency room personnel.
What Is Recovery Like?
During recovery, mild swelling is normal and is temporary. There are some precautionary steps to take to prevent inflammation and extreme side effects. Such measures may include abstinence from alcohol.
Additionally, some clients report mild bruising, and partial numbness or mild tingling sensations. These are also temporary and common.
How Long Do Results Last?
On completing your regimen, your results can last as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet. However, to achieve your goals, multiple treatment sessions may be required.
Do you think you might be a good candidate for Kybella? Schedule a consultation today and discuss the best treatment options for you.
The information provided herein has been reviewed for accuracy, but cannot be guaranteed to be free of infallalacy. A consultation with a doctor is always needed before receiving treatment of any cosmetic product.
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Published: 20181203
Revised: 20200120