There’s a fact that becomes abundantly clear to anyone who’s accumulated hundreds of hours at the gym or who has successfully lost weight yet still finds themselves frustrated by the same “lumps and bumps” they had before. While you can cause your body to drop fat, you can’t choose which areas that fat comes from. This is the frustration that gave rise to a wave of non-surgical fat reduction technology, like UltraShape®, CoolSculpting®, BodyFX™, and Kybella®. While the first three procedures can treat a wide variety of body areas through a lengthier process, Kybella® is unique because not only is it an injectable with an extremely quick treatment time, but it also focuses solely on the “double chin.” What to learn more? You’re not alone, and our experts at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta (DAA) are answering some of the most common questions our patients ask:

What is “submental fullness?”

The words “submental fullness” and “submental fat” appear all over the Kybella® research, and these terms simply refer to excess fat under the chin. While it may appear as the result of weight gain, simple genetics can cause people to carry more weight under their chin than in other areas, and aging can contribute to the problem as well. Fat in this area can be particularly stubborn and resistant to diet and exercise, so Kybella® injections target these fat cells directly.

How does Kybella® work?

The injection is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid—a naturally-occurring solution your body uses to break down dietary fat. When it’s injected directly into the fat under the chin, this acid destroys the fat cells in the area so that they can no longer store fat. As a result, the fat they were storing is flushed out through your body’s natural processes, and you’re left with a slimmer profile.

Is Kybella® fat reduction safe?

Kybella® has been FDA-approved as safe and effective for reducing submental fat. However, it’s important to note that this is only true when the injection is used properly by a fully trained professional. At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, our very own Dr. Edmond Griffin and Kathryn Filipek, PA-C are both board-certified medical professionals who have been trained by Kybella® themselves to perform the procedure safely and successfully (and in fact, were among the first in Atlanta to become qualified to use Kybella®).

How long do Kybella results last?

Once fat cells are destroyed, they will not return, so the results of Kybella® are expected to be long-lasting. However, keep in mind that the surrounding fat cells are still able to accumulate fat, so it’s important to maintain a healthy weight in order to keep your slender look and results will vary from person to person.

As with all cosmetic treatments, the success of your Kybella® injections will depend largely on two factors: whether you’re truly an appropriate candidate, and whether your provider has the skills, knowledge, and experience to produce exceptional results. If you’re ready to discuss the details of your Kybella® treatments, schedule a consultation at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. Or, for more skin care tips and special offers, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.