Kybella post submental lipo? (Photo)

Question

I am 29 years old, 5'3, and 117 lbs. Last year I developed a prominent double chin even though I was thin, so I got submental lipo. I am 10 months post op and I am mostly happy with my results, but I still have the appearance of a double chin when I look down. A representative at my surgeons office said that I still have some submental fat left and she suggested I get kybella. Would kybella be a good choice considering I've already had surgery? Or would it be risky?

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, your provider didn't explain to you that there are two compartments of fat in the neck, and they are located both above and below the platysma muscle. Liposuction can only accomplish removal of the fat deposits above the muscle. Kybella Will be totally ineffective.  You still have residual fat deposits below your platysma muscle, which is going to require a neck lift procedure to remove that fat in addition to a platysma plasty to significantly improve your jawline. No skin removal is required, and this can be performed through a 1 inch incision underneath your chin. You also have a recessive chin profile which makes the sub platysmal fat more apparent. Consider placement of a small chin implant to augment your chin forward for  better facial balance and proportions, and will also give better structural support for the soft tissues in the neck.

Vincent Gardner, MD · Answer

Hi Peaceful714332,I would be careful with removing more subcutaneous fat. Although it sounds reasonable, removing more fat is not necessarily the answer. I think you’ve gotten a nice result from the Liposuction. It looks like what you have left is fat beneath the platysma muscles or deep fat. This can be addressed or sculpted from the anterior neck via an incision in the crease under your chin. Additionally, you could consider a small chin implant to add some anterior projection. Good luck!

Joseph A. Kelling, MD · Answer

Hi there! Compared to the pre-liposuction photo, it looks like you have achieved a tremendous result from the submental liposuction. Submental liposuction and Kybella (Deoxycholic acid) both focus on treating subcutaneous fat (the fat directly beneath the skin), but it does nothing to treat the underlying anatomical structures. For many people, the appearance of a "heavy neck" is likely genetic in nature -- many of their family members will have a similar appearance to their jawline and neck and it will persist, or only minimally improve, even if they lose weight. This is because the underlying anatomy needs to be contoured in order to achieve a more aesthetically ideal neck. You also have a slightly underprojected chin, which is also contributing to what you are noticing. With all that being said, the combination of an isolated neck lift and placement of a chin implant could improve the appearance of your jawline and neck. Though, the full benefit is difficult to assess without performing a physical examination. I can confidently say that Kybella would offer very little benefit.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Almost 100% of individuals seeking chin and neck Liposuction have a facial skeletal imbalance. these individuals universally have a dental occlusion overbite with a Mandible that is short, small, or lacking in a forward projection.
On profile pictures the upper lip will have more forward projection than the lower lip. This facial anatomy also contributes to a loss of jawline definition, premature, jowl formation, and early formation of marionette lines.
Individuals who have well-defined jaw lines tend to have a more projecting mandible
It’s important to assess the relationship between the mandible, and the maxilla, by looking at dental occlusion rather than projection of the chin. It’s definitely possible to have a Mandible. That’s lacking in a forward projection leading to an overbite occlusion while still having quite prominent projecting pointed chin.
Most people seeking this procedure do not have an abnormal subcutaneous fat distribution.
Addressing the fundamental primary problem is often complex and beyond what people want to go through. Therefore, both patients and providers often look for easier solutions, which are usually aimed at soft tissue treatments, even though soft tissues are generally not the underlying cause.And assessment for the amount of subcutaneous fat either before or after liposuction, requires an examination and should not be done and pictures alone, because so many other variables, contributes to contour in this area.
If Liposuction is the gold standard for removing subcutaneous fat, it was recommended by your provider then it is also the gold standard for Revision Work removing more fat, if indicated.
Delegating the responsibility of touchup procedures to someone else in the office such as a nurse injector is probably not ideal.
I don’t want to speak poorly of anyone involved in your care.
The main point is that each persons candidacy for the procedure including what can be acheived is going to be based on having a clear understanding of what the underlying problem or ideology is. If there’s a substantial amount of subcutaneous, fat and bone structure is fairly good, then patients should expect high-quality outcomes. For individuals who don’t have much subcutaneous, fat and the underline platysma muscle drapes the neck in an oblique fashion, because of issues related to the shape of the Mandible then results will inherently be limited by Liposuction alone.
If you have not done, so already, I suggest having an in person follow up with your plastic surgeon.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Kybella post submental lipo? (Photo)

Answers (4)

More Kybella Questions

How can I lift my jaw? (Photo)

What happens to the fat that is released from fat cells after Kybella is injected?

Kybella for jowls/submental area, upper lip filler (slight underbite), Bellafill for nasolabial folds, PDO thread lift? (Photo)

Which will give me the best results, Kybella, Carboxy therapy, or CoolSculpting? (Photo)

How big of an area can Kybella treat?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS