Continue Kybella or seek other options for chin?

Question

I'm 40 and have noticed a much more pronounced double chin in the last five years. I also now have sleep apnea but am in good shape not at all overweight. I have had kybella ttreatments of two vials twice and noticed slight improvements the last time should I continue these treatments or be considering other options? I enjoy the overall aesthetics of my face but am now uncomfortable with this area and often put my hand on my chin in photos. I also feel like with my braces my lower jaw was pushed back.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

For that reason, I encourage you to change gears and consider a lower face/neck liposuction.  The liposuction procedure will more likely produce a satisfactory result with a single procedure and one period of down time.  The study upon which Kybella was approached demonstrated that 60 of patients required 6 treatments at 1 month intervals which was the end point of the study.  At the end of having all 6 service, a full 40% of study participants were disappointed with the treatment effects.

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

I’m sorry you are feeling disappointed with your Kybella treatments. My patients love their results! If you have had two treatments overall and are not noticing a nice difference, you could switch to liposuction, which would give you a more immediate result. However, it takes up to two to three months before Kybella results can be seen, because the body needs time to remove the dead fat cells.  Also, results are vial dependent.  It's not just about how many treatments one has had as much as it is how many total vials. Wait a few more weeks and then, if you are still not happy, consulting a board-certified dermatologist will  determine whether you’d benefit more from liposuction. Voluma on the chin could build it up and make your jaw look stronger, too.  It will also help define your jawline.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about Kybella and "double chin". Patients typically need several Kybella treatments in order to achieve the results they are seeking.  There are several options for you.  You could try one or two more Kybella treatments.  You also could consider chin liposuction.  
 
 To be sure, see two or more experienced, licensed and board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment.
 
 I hope this helps.

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! It is not uncommon to see patients requiring more than 4 vials and/or 2 treatment sessions to see optimal results with Kybella, so if you have see improvements so far, you might want to continue the course of treatment with Kybella. Combining other treatment modalities such as radiofrequency might also help further improving the results. I hope it helps and good luck!

Jose Barrera, MD · Answer

Kybella is a great treatment for submental fat, however patients with obstructive sleep apnea have a low hyoid which contributes to a very obtuse and full neck. In combination OSA patients often have excess fat in the tongue and neck. I would primarily get the sleep apnea treated. We often combine a neck lift with airway surgery to improve both the neck and sleep apnea.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Kybella is good for dissolving fat under the chin, but a combination approach is needed to get the most improvement with non-invasive options. I recommend Kybella with thermage, ultherapy, exilis. VASER liposuction in combination with ThermiRF is an alternative for contouring the chin, if you're a candidate. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

T.G. Khan, DO, FACS · Answer

I would do at least another two treatments. Also note that you would need at least four vials per treatment. It takes a while to notice results with Kybella.

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

First of all, are you treating the sleep apnea because this could be contributing to your issue. If not, start there. Next, yes, you could continue with the Kybella but it's expensive and the results, though good, are not as extreme as what you would get from liposuction. So, if you aren't adverse to surgery, you may want to consider that.

Kyle S. Choe, MD, FACS · Answer

Kybella works well for submental fat. Some patients require more than 4 vials. We have used up to 8 vials in certain patients. I would discuss your concerns with your provider and come up with a plan.

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I feel like given your sleep apnea, and profile, you have a weak chin - and not so much a lot of submental neck fat. I think you would do better with a chin implant to improve the overall contour of your chin - which should also help to stretch out the skin under your neck. You may want to start with a filler - something like radiesse and build up a chin just to see how you like it, and whether or not your feel a difference. It's something that isn't permanent and will go away in a year or two if you dislike it. I don't know if the Kybella is going to really improve your overall profile. I would suggest having a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to find out all of your options. Best of luck!

Continue Kybella or seek other options for chin?

Answers (14)

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