Submental fat, often referred to as a “double chin,” is a common concern for many individuals. This fat deposit is located under the chin and extends to the neck area, making the face appear rounder and the neck less defined. Factors such as aging, genetics, and weight fluctuations can contribute to the accumulation of submental fat, giving rise to an undesirable aesthetic effect.
Kybella is a unique, non-invasive solution for this concern. This injectable treatment harnesses the power of deoxycholic acid to break down fat cells, paving the way to a more defined and contoured jawline without the need for surgery or extensive downtime.
At Rejuvené MD in El Paso, TX, we specialize in Kybella injections to help our patients target fat that is resistant to other methods of fat reduction. We are always invested in bringing the latest advances in cosmetic science to our patients, and we are excited to help you learn more about Kybella and how it works to eliminate unwanted fat.
Understanding the Fat Cell
Fat cells, or adipocytes, are specialized components of the human body that primarily store surplus energy as fat. When you consume more calories than needed, your body converts the excess energy into triglycerides (a type of fat) and stores them in these cells. During physical exercise or times of fasting, the body breaks down these stored triglycerides and uses them for energy.
The total number of fat cells in adulthood remains relatively constant. In the process of weight loss, these cells don’t disappear but merely shrink, releasing their stored fat. Conversely, in weight gain, the same cells expand as they store more fat. Fat loss, however, isn’t uniformly distributed due to genetic and hormonal factors, leaving some areas with stubborn fat pockets resistant to traditional weight loss methods. Treatments like Kybella are often sought to eliminate these resistant fat stores.
The Role of Deoxycholic Acid in the Body
Deoxycholic acid plays an important role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats in the body. It’s a bile acid, produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder, that helps emulsify fats in the intestines during digestion. This emulsification increases the surface area of fat molecules, making them more accessible to the enzymes that break them down. In this way, deoxycholic acid is essential for the efficient processing and utilization of dietary fats. Kybella takes advantage of this process by using a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid as its active ingredient.
Kybella: Using Science to Combat Unwanted Fat
What Is Kybella?
Kybella is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment that uses injections of deoxycholic acid to break down unwanted fat cells in the submental (double chin) area and keeps them from coming back. After several treatments of Kybella, patients often see a noticeable reduction of fullness and an improved facial profile.
How Does Kybella Work?
Kybella works by harnessing the natural properties of deoxycholic acid. The synthetic form of this bile acid, when injected into the body, acts on the fat cell membranes in the targeted areas. The deoxycholic acid disrupts these membranes, leading to the lysis, or breakdown, of the fat cells. As the membranes are compromised, the fat cells can no longer remain intact, and they start to release their fatty content. This fatty content and the fat cells themselves are naturally metabolized and eliminated by the body.
By destroying these fat cells, Kybella ensures that these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, which reduces the appearance of fat in the treated area. This makes Kybella a permanent submental fat solution for those who maintain a stable weight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kybella
What Is the Kybella Treatment Process Like?
The Kybella treatment process begins with pre-marking the treatment areas typically by using the Kybella grid. Next, a fine needle and syringe are used to inject Kybella into each of the premarked areas. The treatment can typically be done in under 30 minutes
How Fast Does Kybella Work?
The speed at which you’ll see results from Kybella can vary since it depends on your body’s natural process of metabolizing and eliminating the destroyed fat cells. However, most patients start to see noticeable improvements within four to six weeks after their first treatment session. Full results typically become evident after several appointments once the body has had time to completely process and remove the disrupted fat cells from the treated area.
How Many Kybella Treatments Will I Need?
Patients can have anywhere from one Kybella treatment for mild concerns to a maximum of six treatments. Each of these treatments should be spaced a month to six weeks apart to allow for the area to heal and the fat to be metabolized. Between each appointment, you can have a follow-up with your doctor to determine whether additional appointments are recommended for your situation.
What Is Recovery Like After Kybella?
After Kybella, you can expect the area to have some swelling as your body reacts to the deoxycholic acid and starts to break it down and metabolize it. This is normal and typically more noticeable with the first treatment. You can soothe the area by icing it as needed. Otherwise, this treatment comes with no downtime, although strenuous activities and sun exposure may need to be avoided for a few days.
Double Chin Removal Treatments in El Paso, TX
If you have excess fat in your submental area it can cause your chin and jawline to be less defined. At Rejuvené MD, we offer double chin removal services with our Kybella injections. Call us today at (915) 800-2288 or schedule services through our website.
