In the world of aesthetics, science and technology is becoming more refined. When a new non-operative treatment enters the aesthetic market, it takes notice — and Kybella® is an impressive treatment which has come to the forefront.
The manufacturer of Kybella® is Allergan, home to Botox®, Latisse®, Juvederm® and Voluma®. Since its launch, which was approved this spring by the FDA, many have praised the product for outstanding results.
Registered aesthetic nurse, Elizabeth Reed, who works for San Diego board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Glynn Bolitho is thrilled that their practice is a trained facility which now offers the new Allergan product.
According to Reed, the product is ideal for the right candidate who wants to decrease submental fullness, otherwise known as a double chin, without surgical intervention. Kybella can address this issue with minimal downtime.
“Kybella is an injectable and I consider it as minimally invasive,” said Reed, noting how she has had patients attend special events that very same evening.
While downtime is minimal following an injection series, Reed does recommend some icing afterward.
“Bruising is patient dependent, but typically, I don’t see a lot of that, and a little bit of swelling for a few days is normal,” she said, adding how topical makeup can help camouflage any residual discoloration. “But really, people resume back to their normal day of business.”
When a patient visits Reed, she maps out the underside of the chin, numbs the area with topical lidocaine and gingerly delivers the injections. Reed shared that Kybella destroys the fat cells in this location.
Generally an optimal treatment may consist of two to four visits and is spaced six weeks apart. The decision on the frequency is dependent on the patient’s aesthetic wishes.
“It definitely varies per person,” Reed said.
Follow-up visits will help navigate the next series of injections. And ultimately, the final visit will dictate that the treatment has reached its completion.
As with all non-operative facial rejuvenation treatments, Reed tailors everything to a patient’s needs and wants. It’s her aesthetic philosophy that she abides by each and every day.
Reed added like some other aesthetic journeys, one that undergoes a Kybella treatment should also have some patience. Because the treatment is individually tailored, it may take a couple or more visits.
Oftentimes, Reed is asked about the age range of patients which can benefit most from Kybella. Candidly, she shared that while this is dependent upon the quality of a patient’s skin, the typical age range is thirties to fifties.
The right candidate is one that doesn’t have redundant skin or heavy wrinkles in the area. For those that do, surgery may be a more optimal choice.
Reed is thrilled that Kybella can offer a solution to an area that many women have had challenges with over the years. Sometimes it’s a genetic challenge while other times it may be after one has reached their weight loss goals. For those who reached this weight loss milestone, Reed recommends that their weight remains stable for six months or more before seeking treatment.
“Kybella provides a nonsurgical answer to submental fullness challenges,” Reed said. “Patients can see real and permanent results and that is a wonderful thing.”
