Submental fullness takes away from a sculpted, contoured jawline; this change in the appearance can cause self-consciousness and embarrassment. However, once it appears, even a strict diet and regular exercise can do little to improve submental fat. Until recently, the only solution for a double chin was surgery – but now there is Kybella from Renu by Dr. Schoenfeld.
Submental fullness, more often referred to as a double chin, is a common complaint for both men and women. Although this isolated pocket of fat often accompanies the normal aging process, it can also occur at any age, as the result of genetics or weight fluctuations.
Kybella at Renu by Dr. Schoenfeld
Kybella is an innovative treatment designed to eliminate submental fat without surgery. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Kybella is the first and only injectable approved to treat an unsightly double chin. This injectable is made from Deoxycholic Acid, a chemical naturally produced by the body that is used to help absorb fats. When applied through a series of injections, Kybella destroys the walls of fat cells. This tissue will slowly dissolve, allowing the chin to bounce back to its sculpted appearance.
The Kybella procedure provides long lasting results and is completely safe on the surrounding, healthy tissues. Providing dramatic results in only a few half hour long office visits, it makes a wonderful solution for busy people frustrated with submental fullness under the chin.
This injectable is:
- A noninvasive option for submental fat
- The first and only FDA-approved injectable for submental fullness
- Made from a naturally occurring molecule that aids in the breakdown and absorption of fat
- A one time treatment; after the initial sessions, no re-treatment is required
- Optimal results show after two to six treatment sessions
Dr. Schoenfeld’s Consultation
Before beginning the Kybella treatment, a one-on-one consultation will be scheduled with Dr. Schoenfeld at Washington D.C.’s Renu by Dr. Schoenfeld. In the initial consultation Dr. Schoenfeld will discuss your goals, then examine your skin and fat under the chin. The process will be explained in full, including the benefits and limitations of treatment.
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- Bill Murphy , Fairfax, VA
Once Dr. Schoenfeld has reviewed the procedure, he will then determine if you are a good candidate. The treatment consists of a series of small injections, placed directly into the fat under the chin, normally requiring two to six treatments to achieve your goal. Together, Dr. Schoenfeld will help to determine how much this treatment is right for you, the number of sessions needed, and the exact cost; creating a personalized treatment plan.
The Ideal Candidate
Both men and women, unhappy with the look of excess submental fat, can find Kybella beneficial. The ideal patient will have a small to moderate amount of excess fat under the chin. The injections only mildly address skin laxity, and will not correct for platsymal banding along the neck. Potential patients should be over 18, in good health, have a clear understanding of the treatment, and hold realistic expectation for their final results. Kybella is safe for patients of all skin types and ethnicities.
Those with a great deal of excess fat or pronounced skin laxity may make a better candidate for other options such as liposuction, laser liposuction, submentalplasty, or a neck lift / mini-neck lift. If you have vertical bands on your neck, or if the skin is particularly saggy, Kybella injections will not address this issue and can actually make it more obvious. In this case, Dr. Schoenfeld can recommend a more appropriate treatment. Those with an active infection, are pregnant, or have a bleeding disorder may be asked to postpone their treatment.
The Kybella Procedure
Kybella is an office-based treatment performed by Dr. Schoenfeld. During the consultation appointment, the target treatment area will be determined, as well as the number of sessions required for optimal results. Each session will take from 10 to 30 minutes, utilizing up to 30 tiny injections, depending on the degree of submental tissue. While Kybella is not considered a painful procedure, there is a mild pinching and pressure during the injections. Dr. Schoenfeld provides the option of local anesthesia and ice compresses to help with discomfort. A series of two to six sessions will be required for optimum results. These will be spaced out about four weeks apart.
After Your Kybella Session
Patients can expect their recovery to take about a week. Tenderness, mild redness, and bruising are temporary side effects, and generally pass quickly. There will also be noticeable swelling for several days. The majority will subside after three to four days, but the remainder may take up to a week. Occasionally patients have a much greater degree and duration of swelling. This is a risk that cannot be predicted in advance. Subsequent treatments typically have much less recovery than the first treatment. There is no downtime required with Kybella, and patients are free to resume their normal activities immediately.
The benefits of Kybella can be seen in as few as one to two treatments. Once the fat cells start to dissolve, the chin will slowly become noticeably smoother and more sculpted. As the injectable permanently destroys the fat cells in the treatment area, the results from Kybella are long lasting. Patients will not require any further maintenance treatments.
Potential Complications
Kybella has been approved by the FDA as a safe and effective treatment for submental fat. The treatment is only mildly invasive, so serious complications are rare. If side effects occur, these can include bruising, swelling, lower lip weakness, mild difficulty swallowing, and skin ulcers. These normally resolve in five to seven days.
FAQs about Kybella
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable, designed to eliminate submental fat, also known as a double chin. More information can be found from Allergan, the maker of Kybella.
If you live near Chevy Chase, MD, RENU by Dr. Schoenfeld offers Kybella among its services and is conveniently located at 5454 Wisconsin Ave #1625, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.
Composed of Deoxycholic Acid, Kybella breaks down fat cells, which are then safely absorbed by the body.
Kybella targets submental fat, and does nothing to affect the skin’s elasticity. Patients with taut skin should not experience any problems after treatment.
Kybella has only been approved by the FDA to treat the excess submental fat below the chin.
Fat cells that have been destroyed are gone for good, so Kybella treatments produce permanent results. However, weight gain or other factors can cause the remaining fat cells under the chin to expand, resulting in the reoccurrence of submental fullness.
Kybella injections at Washington D.C.’s Renu by Dr. Schoenfeld take from 10 to 30 minutes to perform.
Kybella is not considered a painful procedure. However, topical or local anesthetics, as well as an ice compress, can be used to increase patient comfort level.
Patients can return to work immediately after receiving Kybella injections.
The results of Kybella are not immediate. Benefits will take several weeks to become apparent. Some patients will see results after two to three treatments.
There are few serious risks associated with Kybella treatments, but as with any procedure, side effects can occur. These include swelling, redness, tenderness, soreness, and temporary numbness.
Kybella for Submental Fat Elimination in Washington D.C.
The only way to ensure you receive a safe and effective Kybella experience is to use a well-trained and reputable provider, such as Dr. Phillip Schoenfeld. To find out more about Kybella, our office, or to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Schoenfeld, contact Renu by Dr. Schoenfeld at 301.652.7368. You can also email our office at appts@renudc.com. Consultations can be arranged in-person or online. At Renu by Dr. Schoenfeld, our patient coordinators are available with travel advice for those coming from outside of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, so please let us know how we can help.