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How to Best Tackle That Double-Chin

We call it submental fullness. Up until a few years ago, this very common condition was known simply as a double-chin. The reason we now have more language to discuss this problem is because we now also have a few potential solutions for it. Here, we discuss how Kybella stacks up against liposuction of the neck and chin areas. You might be surprised about what you learn. 

What is Kybella?

Most people know what liposuction is and what it does. Just in case you’re not familiar with this plastic surgery procedure, we’ll do a brief review. Liposuction is a minimally-invasive procedure that, for the neck and chin, is performed in the office. Patients receive a local anesthetic that completely numbs that surgical site so they are comfortable for the duration of their sculpting treatment. Liposuction involves the insertion of a narrow, hollow cannula into adipose tissue. Gentle suction extracts excess fat to achieve better facial contours. Now, what is Kybella?

Kybella is a relatively new treatment in the U.S. It has been around since 2015. This treatment is non-surgical but not non-invasive. To reduce submental fullness, Kybella requires multiple injections across the upper neck and chin. Topical anesthetic helps control comfort during the injection process. The way that it works is by dismantling the membranes of fat cells. The damaged fat cells are naturally eliminated by the body’s immune system. 

Kybella vs. Liposuction

Pricing

It is natural for patients to assume that a non-surgical treatment will cost less than surgery, even liposuction. This isn’t always the case. When it comes to treating a double-chin with Kybella, patients should expect to need at least 2 rounds of injections. Liposuction is once-and-done, so patients know their total cost up front. Depending on the extent of reduction desired and the body’s response to Kybella, this treatment could end up costing as much as or more than neck liposuction. 

Recovery

As most patients expect, liposuction does have a short recovery period. Generally, patients are ready to return to work 3 to 4 days after their outpatient procedure. Until then, they may notice swelling and bruising beneath the chin. After Kybella, patients can expect noticeable swelling. It isn’t swelling so much as it is the infusion of fluid into the intercellular space. Kybella places deoxycholic acid near unwanted fat cells and this fluid takes some time to absorb. Until then, the neck may feel “squishy.” Minor redness and bruising may also occur. These side effects are minor and do not impede a person’s ability to go about their day, but many patients choose to take a few days off to allow the cosmetic side effects to fade. 

Both Kybella and neck liposuction achieve outstanding results that can last indefinitely. After each of these treatments, results can improve over several weeks; and improvement is the ultimate end-game. 

Get the sculpted chin and jawline you’ve wanted. Contact us at 206-859-5777 to schedule your visit.

Double Chin Problems: What’s the Right Solution?

There is merit to the idea that eating well and exercising regularly can help us maintain a satisfying weight and appearance. For the most part, healthy lifestyle habits do support overall wellness. They don’t, however, guarantee that we will look exactly how we’d like. Most people report that, despite their good choices, they have one or more trouble-spots; areas where fat lingers regardless of ideal weight. One such area is the upper neck. Here, excess fat is referred to as submental fullness or a double chin. No matter what we call it, what people want to know is how to get rid of it. We have two options.

Injectable Fat Reduction

Who would have thought we’d ever be at a point in history where we can inject a chemical into an area of unwanted fat and watch it melt away. This is exactly where we’re at, and it’s pretty exciting. Just a few years ago, the United States FDA approved Kybella, a form of deoxycholic acid. This chemical, which the body makes to break down dietary fat, had been previously used in several other countries long before FDA-approval occurred here. Injections into the submental area and upper neck stimulate the breakdown of targeted fat cells, resulting in their natural elimination.

Points to consider: Kybella does not require downtime. However, significant swelling may last 4 or 5 days after injections. Multiple treatments may be needed to fully resolve a double chin. Results can last indefinitely with good weight management.

Liposuction for Double Chin Fat

Liposuction is known for its value in sculpting larger areas of the body. Rarely do we hear about the benefits of neck liposuction, though. This outpatient procedure suctions unwanted fat cells through a small hollow tube, achieving results that may be noticed immediately. The minor procedure may be performed using a local anesthetic and sedative rather than general anesthesia.

Points to consider: Liposuction does require one or more incisions but these are very small and expected to fade to be barely noticeable, if at all. Bruising and swelling may be managed with a dressing and compression strap, which incurs a few days of downtime at home. Within a few days to a week, most patients can return to normal activities. The results of chin liposuction can last indefinitely with good weight management.

Both Kybella and chin liposuction can achieve excellent results. The choice is not about which is best, but which is best for your needs and preferences. To schedule a consultation in our Seattle or Renton office, call 206-859-5777.