Is Kybella contraindicated if you think you may need/want a full face lift with in 5 years?

Thank you for your question. As
the principal investigator for the FDA trials on Kybella, and with over 400
treatments performed, we found that Kybella injections result in significant
improvement in the appearance of convexity or fullness associated with
submental fat. Kybella is injected as a solution below the skin surface into the
fatty tissues. It acts by destroying fat cells in the area injected. The lysed
fat cell contents create an inflammatory reaction, resulting in skin
contraction and tightening (in addition to reduction of fat). Kybella
treatments consist of a series of injections (usually 4-5) to improve contour
in even the fattest of necks without surgery. Both liposuction and Kybella
injections are equally effective in treating the fat underneath the chin.
Kybella is a non-surgical option, resulting in gradual improvement. There is
modest swelling after the treatment and is directly related to the amount of
fat present and the amount of kybella injected. A compression garment worn for
a few days should help with the mild swelling. If you have excess neck skin or platysmal
bands, however, this is not addressed with Kybella injections; rather, a lower
facelift and platysmaplasty are the procedures of choice for these conditions.
Kybella injections do not preclude you from undergoing a facelift in the
future. Prior to any intervention, however, a proper physical exam is
necessary. I hope this information
helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

There is no need to hold off on your Kybella treatment just because you are considering a full rhytidectomy (aka facelift) 5 years from now. If you are sufficiently bothered by the fat under your chin that you don't even want to look at photos, then having your double chin removed may help you feel better about yourself.  I commonly combine it with fillers to the chin and jawline to give the soft tissue support and improve any laxity that comes from a lack of structural support.  Depending on the whether some saggy skin is still left, Ultherapy or ThermiTight can be done afterward to improve any remaining loose skin. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist to see if you are a candidate for this ground-breaking fat-removal technique.

No Kybella is not contraindicated if you want a facelift five years from now. #kybella#doublechinrx#chinlipo

Thank you for your question, nanamam4. Kybella is a great solution for permanently vanquishing "double chin" and thereby improving your jawline and overall appearance. Should you consider a face lift in five years, I suggest you consider more full improvements to the jawline such as the Laser-Assisted Weekend Necklift. Please consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon to determine your best personalized treatment plan. Pictures are always helpful for our making suggestions and diagnoses.Best wishes,

I appreciate your question.Having Kybella would not prevent your future plans for having a face lift.   Most patients experience some tightening as a side effect of the treatment. 

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery to determine if Kybella is right for you.Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Kybella does target the fat, it does not address skin looseness. Depending on your skin elasticity and other factors, you may or may not have loose skin after the Kybella procedure. I would recommend that you schedule an appointment with a physician to find out if you are a good candidate. 

If you have kybella now there is no reason why you cannot do treatment prior to having a face lift or any neck surgery.  I have done kybella in patients who a few weeks later wanted liposuction.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Kybella can be safely done even with plans of having a facelift in the future. Kybella will target submental fat/double chin while a facelift will get rid of loose skin. It it is recommended to get a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to see if you are a good candidate for Kybella or to find other options that may be available for you. 

Kybella is an injectable treatment approved for reduction of fat underneath the chin.  Due to the inflammatory effects of fat cell cytolysis, there tends to be a general tightening that occurs along with fat reduction.  In fact, some physicians are finding that patients with laxity tend to get better results than those with a large amount of fat.  Although there is a potential generation of subcutaneous "scar tissue," Kybella treatment should in no way restrict the ability to perform a surgical lift.

Thank you for your question.  No there should not be any contraindication to having a facelift after having Kybella.  I would certainly let your surgeon know that you have had this treatment before undergoing any surgical procedure.  The mechanism of Kybella actually removes the fat cells from the submental (under the chin) area, and leaves the skin and muscle intact.  This should help to tighten and rejuvenate the submental region. Be sure to consult with a board certified, facial plastic or general plastic surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation procedures.  I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin