A remarkable 67% of people feel bothered by excess fat under their chin or neck. You might want to learn about Kybella treatments if you share this concern. This FDA-approved injectable solution is aimed to reducing double chins.
Here’s what you need to know about Kybella, from its mechanism of action to treatment expectations and recovery process.
What is Kybella, and How Does It Work?
A Kybella treatment uses a remarkable process that relies on an active ingredient called synthetic deoxycholic acid, which matches a substance already present in our body.
Your digestive system naturally contains deoxycholic acid that helps break down dietary fats. Kybella’s synthetic version breaks down fat cell membranes and prevents them from storing or accumulating fat. The immune system clears away the destroyed cells’ remnants and helps form new collagen. This mirrors the body’s natural processes perfectly.
Preparing for Your Kybella Treatment
Getting ready for a Kybella treatment needs a well-laid-out plan that ensures the best results and safety.
Initial Consultation Process
The consultation starts with a Beauty Vault provider evaluating the area under your chin and discussing your aesthetic goals instead of rushing into treatment. They will also review your skin’s elasticity to see if you would truly benefit.
Medical History Requirements
Your Beauty Vault provider needs your complete medical history before starting a Kybella treatment. The most important factors for eligibility include:
- Current medications, especially blood thinners or anticoagulants
- History of swallowing difficulties or nerve injuries
- Previous surgical procedures in your face or neck area
- Presence of infection or active skin conditions
Your Beauty Vault Med Spa provider must confirm you don’t have any issues that could negatively affect the treatment or your safety. Patients who would answer affirmatively for the above factors might not be good candidates for this procedure.
Pre-treatment Guidelines
- Your preparation starts several weeks before treatment. Here’s what you would need to do:
- Six to twelve months before: Avoid Accutane (Isotretinoin).
- Two weeks before:
- Avoid vaccines and dental procedures.
- Stop using anti-aging products with Retinol or glycolic acid.
- Seven to ten days before: Stop taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin and certain supplements.
- Twenty-four hours before:
• Skip alcoholic beverages.
• Stay well-hydrated.
You should come to your appointment with clean skin and without lotions or makeup. Your Beauty Vault provider might suggest taking arnica supplements to reduce bruising. Schedule your procedure at least two weeks before any major social events to allow enough recovery time.
The Kybella Treatment Experience
The Kybella treatment process starts with careful preparation. A typical session takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Procedure Walkthrough
First, your provider will clean the treatment area. They’ll draw a grid-like pattern under your chin to make sure injections are placed correctly. You’ll receive between 20 to 50 injections, each spaced about one centimeter apart. You might need multiple treatments, but each session follows the same approach.
Pain management and comfort measures
Your comfort during the procedure is a top priority. Your Beauty Vault provider uses a topical numbing cream or ice pack to reduce sensation in the treatment area. Most patients say they feel only mild discomfort – a slight burning or stinging that lasts about 15 minutes.
Recovery Expectations
You can get back to your normal routine within 24 hours after treatment. All the same, you should expect some immediate effects, such as:
• Swelling, which reaches its peak within 24 to 48 hours
• Temporary numbness in the treated area
• Mild tenderness or warmth
• Possible slight bruising at injection sites
Best Practices for Recovery
To boost recovery:
- Apply ice packs wrapped in a thin towel for 15 to 20 minutes per hour during the first 48 hours.
- Avoid direct ice contact to prevent skin irritation.
- Sleep with head elevated on two to three pillows for the first two to three days.
- Take Tylenol for pain management instead of NSAIDs.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol for 24 to 48 hours.
- Postpone strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours.
You should avoid manipulating or massaging the treated area. If you haven’t already been taking arnica supplements, your Beauty Vault provider might suggest using them post-treatment to help heal the bruising. Also, while you can resume normal activities quickly, you should avoid heavy exercise and direct sunlight for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
When to Contact Your Provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Facial muscle weakness or asymmetric smile
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Ulcers in the treatment area
- Increasing or uncomfortable swelling
- Open sores, with or without drainage
- Severe bruising or tissue damage
Side effects vary among individuals, and most resolve within a few weeks. Regular communication with your provider during recovery helps ensure proper healing and the best results.
Achieving Optimal Results
Your Kybella treatment success depends on proper session spacing and following the recommended plan carefully.
Treatment Frequency and Spacing
Studies show patients need three to six treatment sessions to get their desired results. You should schedule these sessions six to eight weeks apart. This timing lets your body process the destroyed fat cells between treatments effectively.
Beauty Vault providers create custom treatment plans based on:
• Your submental fat amount
• How your body responds to treatment
• Your esthetic goals
• Your skin’s elasticity
Progress Tracking Methods
Monitoring your progress ensures the treatment meets your aesthetic goals. Changes start to show up two to four weeks after your first session. Your Beauty Vault provider tracks progress through:
• Regular follow-up visits to check fat reduction
• Standard photos to record changes
• Treatment area measurements
• Skin retraction and contouring checks
You’ll see steady improvements throughout your experience. Data shows 79% of patients felt better about their appearance 12 weeks after their final treatment.
Maintaining Your Results
Kybella treatment results can last a long time because destroyed fat cells can’t regenerate or store fat again. However, remaining fat cells in the treated area can still expand with weight gain and other factors. You need to pay attention to certain lifestyle choices to optimize the results.
Here’s how to preserve your new appearance long-term:
• Maintain a stable weight: Changes in weight affect your chin area.
• Follow a balanced diet: Eat whole foods with proper nutrition.
• Stay physically active: Exercise helps maintain body composition.
• Keep properly hydrated: Good hydration helps lymphatic function.
• Schedule regular check-ups: Let your provider monitor results.
Schedule Your Kybella Treatment with Beauty Vault in Los Angeles
Smoother skin and enhanced self-confidence are just a few Kybella treatments away. All you have to do is reach out to Beauty Vault in Los Angeles, where technicians are trained in using Kybella safely and effectively. Learn more about how they can help you by calling (323) 800-6770 or filling out a contact form.
FAQs
Q1. What should I consider before getting Kybella treatment?
Before undergoing Kybella treatment, inform your provider about any medical conditions, especially those related to the neck area. Discuss all medications you’re taking, particularly blood thinners. It’s advisable to avoid certain pain relievers before the procedure to minimize bruising risk. Also, be prepared for gradual results as the treatment takes time to show effects.
Q2. Are there any potential side effects of Kybella?
While Kybella is generally safe, some potential side effects include temporary swelling, bruising, and numbness in the treated area. In rare cases, more serious side effects like nerve injury or difficulty swallowing may occur. It’s important to discuss all potential risks with your healthcare provider before proceeding with treatment.
Q3. How many Kybella treatments are typically needed?
Most patients require between three to six treatment sessions to achieve their desired results. These sessions are usually spaced six to eight weeks apart to allow for proper healing and fat elimination. Your provider will create a customized treatment plan based on your individual needs and esthetic goals.
Q4. How long do Kybella results last?
Kybella results can be long-lasting because the destroyed fat cells cannot regenerate or store fat again. However, maintaining a stable weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is crucial for preserving your results. Keep in mind that while treated fat cells are gone, remaining fat cells can still expand with significant weight gain.
Q5. What is the recovery process like after Kybella treatment?
Recovery after Kybella is typically minimal. Most patients can resume normal activities within 24 hours. You may experience swelling, which usually peaks within 24 to 48 hours and can last up to two weeks. Applying ice packs and sleeping with your head elevated can help manage swelling. It’s advisable to avoid strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours post-treatment.