It’s no big secret that many individuals choose weight loss as their New Year’s resolution, and as we move past January, it often becomes difficult to keep an eye on the prize. The good news is, there are ways to stay focused on your goal of losing weight, and one of the best treatments available to help is KYBELLA®. This amazing product targets fat cells, and it is typically used in the submental space, which we often refer to as a “double chin”. It is effective in all areas of the body, however, and can be a valuable tool in reaching your weight loss goals.
What Is KYBELLA®?
KYBELLA® is an FDA approved non-surgical treatment that targets excess fat. It is frequently used to improve definition in the jaw and neck by reducing submental fullness or the fat layer underneath the chin. This injectable procedure has been used by many individuals to redefine their facial profile and improve the contour of the chin. It is becoming more popular for use in reducing fat in other parts of the body. Many practitioners have found that it can be a safe alternative to liposuction for their clients who are looking for non-surgical treatment options.
KYBELLA® is effective because it is made from a chemical that our bodies produce naturally to help us absorb fats, called deoxycholic acid. Once the treatment is administered through tiny injections under the skin, this chemical goes to work at breaking up fat cells by dissolving the membrane that lines them. The fat cells it targets fall apart once this lining is dissolved and are then reabsorbed by your body and eliminated through the natural function of the immune system. The treatment process is gradual as it takes place over several weeks. The fat cells break apart, and natural healing processes in the body stimulate the production of collagen. As a result, the skin tightens, and the target area looks more toned.
The many benefits of KYBELLA® include minimal downtime and no incisions necessary in the treatment process. It is the only injectable treatment that has been approved by the FDA to treat double chins and has been called a “supershot” for melting fat since it was first introduced in 2015. This treatment is a favorite of many individuals with hectic schedules because they can get it done over their lunch hour and go right back to work. There may be mild discomfort and swelling, but nothing that prevents regular activities. In most cases, an over-the-counter pain reliever or an ice pack is effective in relieving any swelling or mild pain.
Does KYBELLA® Kill Fat Cells?
The short answer to this question is that yes, it essentially kills fats cells. A more thorough explanation is that the deoxycholic acid that our bodies produce is a component of bile that the human body uses to help absorb fat and carry it out of the body. KYBELLA® is a synthetic form of this chemical that is injected into fat cells by a trained healthcare professional to target specific problem areas. It dissolves their membrane lining once injected, causing them to break up and effectively rendering them unable to store fat.
It is vital to see a trusted professional for these treatments, as the chemical can also damage and kill other cells. It is not a product that one should administer at home or trust just anyone with. Once the medical professional marks the injection sites on an individual’s body, they will typically apply a topical agent or use an ice pack to numb the skin. A minimum of 20 to 30 injections are used in a procedure, and sometimes more, depending on the target area. Once the procedure is completed, the KYBELLA® gradually kills the fat cells over a period of weeks, at which point the body metabolizes them and carries them away.
You will typically receive several treatment sessions, although this varies with each specific case. To achieve optimal results, it is always best to follow your medical professional’s advice and return for subsequent treatments. In most cases, there will be at least a month in between treatments to allow KYBELLA® to do its job. The process is gradual, but a majority of those who undergo these treatments are satisfied with their results.
Can KYBELLA® Be Used for Belly Fat?
Although KYBELLA® is most commonly used as an injectable double chin reduction product, it can also be used on other areas of the body. Many individuals have found an effective way to combat their woes with belly fat without going under the knife for liposuction. This popular non-surgical method in the “battle of the bulge” definitely requires multiple treatments and sometimes heavy doses to achieve the desired results. If an individual is looking for a procedure that can be done in one treatment, KYBELLA® is not a good candidate.
Sachin Shridharani, a plastic surgeon in New York City, uses both liposuction and KYBELLA® in his practice has touted the benefits of KYBELLA®, stating, “We’ve been getting surgical-like outcomes with Kybella – sometimes even superior, because of the skin retraction that follows…” However, he also notes that when he reviews the notes of clinicians that tell him they are not achieving the outcomes they desire from the product; it is often because they are not giving their patients the necessary doses or number of treatments.
Quick Facts About KYBELLA®
The decision to choose a medical treatment to aid in weight loss is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly, and most individuals who are considering KYBELLA® treatments have a lot of questions that can be answered easily.
Consider these answers to common questions about the product.
- KYBELLA® is safe and effective.
- 4% of participants in a clinical trial found that KYBELLA® made a significant improvement in their appearance.
- A single KYBELLA® treatment ranges in price between $1200 and $1800.
- Many people choose KYBELLA® as a viable alternative to liposuction.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved KYBELLA® in 2015.
- KYBELLA® is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which is produced naturally in the human body.
- A typical KYBELLA® treatment can be done in 15 to 20 minutes.
- KYBELLA® first came into prominence as a means of reducing excess fat beneath the chin.
- Recovery from treatments is simple, and downtime is minimal.
- In most cases, results are visible within 2 to 4 KYBELLA® treatments.
Precautions
Just as you would with any medical procedure, exercise caution by informing your healthcare provider of any medical conditions that may affect your treatment. Some of the conditions that may affect your decision to use KYBELLA® include the following.
- You take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.
- You are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- You are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
- You have bleeding problems.
- You have or have had trouble swallowing.
- You have medical conditions or have had surgery or medical treatments that affect the area you plan to get KYBELLA® treatments.
- You have an infection in the treatment area.
Trust the Professionals with Your KYBELLA® Treatments
If you are considering KYBELLA® as a means of reducing a double chin, belly fat, or other potential problem areas as you pursue your New Year’s resolution of achieving a more toned body, always seek treatment from skilled, experienced professionals. French Radiance offers a variety of medical spa treatments administered by a medical professional with experience in medical esthetic treatments.
Reach out to us today at (623) 232-8228 to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you reach your goals.