Submental fullness.
Now that sounds like a perfect “answer” on Jeopardy!
“What is another name for double chin, Alex.”
Yep, submental fullness is one of those things we all like to think we don’t have, but most of us have at least some junk under our chins. In the past, nothing short of a neck lift or liposuction could address a double chin, but a new prescription injection called Kybella® has changed that. Kybella® improves the profile of people with moderate to severe double chins.
The skinny on the double chinny
Double chins are pretty much a part of growing older, and surely a part of putting on weight. The unending downward pull of gravity, along with loosening of the skin, creates a perfect condition for the skin to hang down and collect fat. The result is drooping skin and a lack of definition in your profile.
But you’re not alone. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery conducted a survey in 2015 on double chins. The results showed that 67% of people were “bothered by their double chin.” And they said their double chin bothered them just as much as wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Kybella® to the rescue
Kybella® is basically made of deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid occurs naturally in the body; its job is to aid in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. Now you can see the simplicity behind Kybella®. To deoxycholic acid fat is fat, meaning it doesn’t differentiate between dietary fat and other fat that can be found in pockets under your chin. When Kybella® is injected into the fat beneath the chin, it destroys the fat cells. And it destroys them permanently, removing the storage mechanism to accumulate fat in the area. That means your double chin is gone for good, as long as you don’t put on a good deal of weight in the future.
It’s tempting to think you could perform this same trick wherever you had pockets of fat, say the abdomen or the upper thighs. Alas, thus far the FDA has approved Kybella only for use on double chins. Research is progressing on other potential areas, however.
How does Dr. Saltz use Kybella?
A Kybella session with Dr. Saltz lasts less than 30 minutes. It involves a series of injections with a very small needle. A series of treatments is necessary to regain the profile most patients seek, although you will see results after the first session. Most patients opt for a series of six treatments.
Are you interested in losing your double chin? Call either our Park City or Salt Lake offices and ask us about Kybella.