Double Chin? Kybella or Coolsculpting?

If you talk to me about this topic for long, you know that I have been bothered with my double chin forever! My first memory of a double chin was as a child, looking at portraits and taking pictures, being instructed to hold my head differently to minimize my double chin. After years of chin exercises, dieting and more, I carried my double chin into adulthood. Until… Kybella.

Those who know me, know that I tend to be a little slow to the draw on new technology and injectables. I prefer technology and medications that are tried and true. Kybella was the exception. I went to the first training courses available in our region in December 2015. The scientific evidence supporting Kybella was good, and I was ready to get rid of some of my double chin!

We started performing Kybella injections in early 2016. Determined to be first and try it out on myself first, I documented my first injection on Facebook for all to see because I was so excited. AND IT WORKED! I realize that my jawline is not perfect, but it is much better.

It is amazing to me how much difference it makes. Just by improving my double chin, patients note that I look thinner. Even if they are just being nice, I feel much less self-conscious, and that is worth it to me.

When we started CoolSculpting in 2018 , they had just released the handpiece to treat the chin. Happy to have another tool in my armamentarium against double chins, we have used both Kybella and Coolsculpting to remove under chin fat since then.

How does it work?

Kybella is an injectable that selectively destroys fat cells. The active ingredient in KYBELLA® is deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. Once the fat cells have been destroyed with Kybella, the result is permanent. Fat cells treated with Kybella are lysed or broken open, and the fat cells are destroyed.

CoolSculpting freezes the fat cells. While the treatment does freeze the entire tissue in the given area, the timing and temperature of the CoolSculpting procedure leads to selective death of the fat cells. Our body naturally obtains an ability to eliminate unwanted cells in a process called apoptosis. CoolSculpting triggers increased apoptosis of the fat cells in the treated area.

One cool fat fact: Our number of fat cells is determined by adolescence, once fat cells are destroyed, no new adult fat cells are made to replace them. That is why both procedures are permanent.

Does it hurt?

Kybella is an injection. For those with severe needle phobia, it may not be the best choice but still is VERY TOLERABLE. The actual injection takes less than five minutes, and there is a burning sensation afterward.

CoolSculpting is freezing. As with any Coolsculpting procedure, there is a cold sensation for the first 5 minutes or so, and then the area is frozen and numb.

How much downtime is there?

With both procedures, there is some swelling and bruising that usually resolves in a few days to weeks. Because Kybella is an injection, there is a risk of infection as well.

What are the possible side effects?

With both procedures, the biggest risk would be irritating one of the nerves in the area leading to temporary changes in sensation and/or movement. Changes in sensation, or numbness, is normal and should be expected lasting up to 8-12 weeks. Changes in movement or function are rare, but transient if it happens. We have not had anyone have any change in movement or function.

How much does it cost?

In our office, Kybella is $750 per vial and CoolSculpting is $750 per cycle. For both procedures, there are frequent discounts through Alle as well as increased discounts for multiple vials and/or cycles. The number of cycles or vials is determined by the volume of the fat to be treated and the desired endpoint. You will see a significant change with each vial or cycle.

Can I do both?

Yes, many of our patients do both.  If there is a large amount of fat, we use CoolSculpting to debulk the area. Kybella can then be used to fine tune small areas.  I often use Kybella along the jawline to improve definition there.

How about you? Kybella or CoolSculpting? If you are bothered by your double chin, call and schedule a free consultation today.

Visit our website for more on Kybella and CoolSculpting.

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