*NOTE: This treatment is no longer offered at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta.
At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta (DAA), we help our cosmetic dermatology patients to address any number of aesthetic concerns, whether it’s facial wrinkles, acne, unwanted fat, or hair loss. But one area that has had few opportunities for improvement is the chin. In a recent study by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), as many as 68% of people were unhappy with excess fat in their chin area—a problem which can make one look heavier and older than they truly are. Fat in the chin (also called submental fat) is also notoriously difficult to get rid of, and can even affect people who maintain a healthy weight. Until recently, the only effective way to directly treat submental fat was liposuction, but a new treatment offers an exciting non-surgical option.
DAA’s own Dr. Edmond Griffin is among the first providers in Atlanta to be trained and certified in administering FDA-approved Kybella®. Kybella® is a form of deoxycholic acid, a substance which occurs naturally in the body to aid in breaking down and absorbing the fat you eat. The procedure consists of a series of injections into the fat under the chin, which destroys the localized fat cells so that they can no longer store fat. While the number of necessary treatments varies from patient to patient, the result is a slimmer, younger-looking profile with minimal downtime.
The number and location of the injections, as well as the schedule of how many treatments will be administered and when, can be customized to meet each patient’s needs. To start discussing how Kybella® can help your chin to look as healthy and youthful as you feel, schedule at consultation at DAA.
*Disclaimer: Photography provided by manufacture. Treatment results will vary from person to person.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kybella®
What causes submental fat?
There are a number of factors that can cause a patient to develop fat in the chin area, including genetics, aging, and weight gain. However, fat in this area can be difficult to target and minimize without direct cosmetic treatments like Kybella®.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for Kybella® Fat Reduction for the Chin?
Kybella™ patients have a moderate to severe amount of submental fullness, or excess fat in the chin area. Because the course of treatment is very easy to customize, it can be an effective choice for patients with varying degrees of submental fat. However, the procedure is not FDA-approved for the treatment of fat in other areas of the body, so areas like the abdomen, love handles, and thighs should be addressed instead by procedures like CoolSculpting®.
How long does the results of Kybella® last?
The fat cells that are destroyed by Kybella® cannot accumulate fat. This means that, just as with liposuction, the results are expected to be long lasting as long as you maintain a healthy weight. Nearby fat cells or fat cells in other areas of the body can still store fat, however, so future weight gain can affect your results.
How long do Kybella® treatments take?
Kybella® fat reduction treatments for the chin are especially brief and easy for patients to fit into their schedules. The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes, and patients typically require between two and six treatments, with around a month between each session.
What are the risks with Kybella®?
The typical side effects of Kybella® are mild and fade within a few hours after the treatment. Many patients experience some swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness, or hardness in and around the chin area. However, to minimize your risk of an unwanted reaction, only receive treatment from a physician who has been directly trained in Kybella®, and tell the provider about any medical conditions you’ve had and any medications you’re taking.
Is Kybella® safe?
Kybella® fat reduction for the chin is an FDA-approved treatment and is backed by Allergan, a leader in cosmetic pharmaceuticals and the manufacturer of popular products like Botox®, Latisse®, and Juvéderm®. However, the skill and experience of the provider is vital in keeping your Kybella® treatments as safe as possible, so only receive the procedure from medical professionals who have been directly trained in Kybella®, including Dr. Edmond Griffin at DAA.
