757.389.5850
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
4.7 Reviews

Kybella® in Virginia Beach

Kybella InjectionsKybella™ is used to treat patients who suffer from moderate-to-severe fat below their chin, also known as submental fat. Kybella™, which is identical to the deoxycholic acid produced by our bodies, helps absorb fats. When the cytolitic drug is injected into the submental fat, it works by physically destroying the fat cells. It can, however, destroy other types of cells when improperly injected, so therefore it should only be performed by a licensed health care professional such as Dr. Choe of The Choe Center of Virginia Beach, VA. It is a nonsurgical option to treat double chin and fullness found under the chin in many patients.

If you are thinking about getting Kybella™, then there are a number of benefits that you can potentially reap from this procedure. It is a great alternative to surgery, and no general anesthesia is required. Kybella™ is a minimally-invasive procedure. Many people who have fat underneath the chin and do not want to get surgery turn to Kybella™. While this procedure has been proven to be effective in reducing fat located under the chin, it does not tighten or lift the skin. For most patients, the results of Kybella™ can last up to several years.

This procedure has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. In fact, it is the first non-surgical procedure to be approved for the treatment of double chins. Furthermore, Kybella™ can deliver long-lasting results. Kybella™ has a high success rate. Studies have shown that 80 percent of patients see results within two to four treatments. Researchers have also found that 79 percent of people are satisfied with Kybella™.The results of this procedure will not be seen immediately. Kybella™ delivers gradual results.

Kybella™ Procedure

Dr. Choe uses a very fine needle to inject Kybella into the fat layer underneath the chin. A cream or local anesthetic will be used prior to this procedure. This treatment typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Multiple injections will be used during this treatment but with minimal discomfort. The number of injections that one needs is dependent upon the severity of the issue.

Treatments are typically spaced one month apart. A very small amount of Kybella™ is injected during each injection. The number of treatments that you need is dependent upon the severity of the problem.

The results are typically long-lasting (several years for many patients), but as with any procedure, Kybella™ does involve some risk.

This includes:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Numbness
  • Redness and hardness surrounding the injection site

In extreme cases, Kybella™ can also cause nerve injury in the jaw that can cause an uneven smile or muscle weakness of the face, and trouble swallowing.

Kybella™ should not be administered if there is an infection near the injection site. Patients who have received prior surgical or aesthetic treatment to the submental area should also use caution and share this information during their consult with Dr. Choe.

Kybella™ Candidates

The ideal candidates for Kybella™ are patients with submental, or under chin, fullness or a double chin. Patients without excess skin under their neck are considered good candidates. Kybella™ is not for everyone, and should only be used for treating fat under the chin. Having excess skin does not automatically make you a candidate. The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) warns patients that it has only been approved for treating submental fat, and it is still unknown how safe or effective it would be in treating other areas of the body.

Kybella™ can be performed on both men and women. It can also be performed on any skin type. Additionally, patients of any ethnicity can get Kybella™. People who want to get Kybella™ should have a full understanding of the treatment process. They should also have realistic expectations.

If there is an infection in the site, then the physician will not be able to administer Kybella™. One will have to wait until the infection clears before getting Kybella™. This treatment is not recommended for women who are pregnant.

People who are interested in getting Kybella™ should schedule an appointment with a facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Choe will perform an evaluation of the facial structure. He will also explain what can be expected during this treatment.

Kybella™ Recovery

For most patients, recovery time is minimal. However, this can vary from patient to patient. Most people can return to work and resume their normal physical activity and exercise routines within 24-48 hours of having the procedure. Possible risks involved in resuming activities too early can include bruising, swelling, erythema, numbness, and tenderness.

This is not for everyone especially if you have excess skin. It only work on fat cells and will not tighten or lift. Understanding the neck anatomy is very important as critical structures are in the area. Every patient is unique. That is why Dr. Choe will create a customized treatment for you in order to ensure that you get the best results from this procedure.

Kybella™ FAQS

Kybella™ destroys the fat cells. Once fat cells are destroyed, they are naturally eliminated from the body. Fat cells cannot come back after they have been destroyed. After a person has achieved the results he or she wants, they can potentially last for a long time. Some studies suggest that Kybella™ can last for over five years. Retreatment may not be necessary.

You may experience some bruising, swelling and mild discomfort after getting this treatment. These issues will typically go away within 72 hours. You can return to your normal activities after your procedure. However, you will need to avoid exercising during this time in order to minimize bruising, swelling and mild discomfort. There are over-the-counter medications that you can take in order to minimize swelling and pain.

Kybella™ is a very safe procedure. The side effects of this procedure are typically mild. Clinical trials have shown that the most commonly reported side effects are edema/swelling, tenderness, bruising and induration. Induration is the hardness of a body tissue.

Many people are concerned about having to take time off from work in order to get this treatment. However, you will not have to spend a long time away from work if you get Kybella™. In fact, you will most likely be able to return to work within 24 to 48 hours.