NEW TREATMENT ALERT!
Dr. Annunziata is one of the few providers in the Charlotte Metro Area selected to offer Kybella treatments to reduce neck fullness and double chin.
Dr. Christine Annunziata specializes in facial cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures including Kybella. To learn more about your options and all of the services she provides, call our office at (704-234-1930) to schedule a consultation.
What is KYBELLA®?
KYBELLA® is a prescription medicine used to improve the appearance of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called “double chin.” It is the brand name of deoxycholic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that helps metabolize and break down fat.
Who can be treated with Kybella?
Kybella is approved for patients over the age of 18. Good candidates should have enough skin elasticity to allow the skin to shrink and tighten after the fat is removed. Older patients with excess loose skin and muscle are better candidates for a necklift and/or facelift.
Kybella is not appropriate for everyone, and that is why you should trust the opinion of an expert like Dr. Annunziata who fully understands all of the options (including surgery) that are available to you and fit your situation the best.
What is the Kybella procedure like?
Kybella treatment is an office procedure that involves a series of injections with a very tiny needle. Dr. Annunziata uses topical anesthetic so the injections are PAINLESS! Once the medicine starts to take effect under the skin, there may be a mild burning or stinging sensation that lasts, on average, about 5 minutes. This sensation is reduced with ice packs held against the skin for several minutes.
The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes to perform.
What can I expect during recovery?
The most common side effect is swelling under the chin for a few days. This happens with all patients and the majority of the swelling resolves over 2 or 3 days but mild residual swelling can take another week or two to completely subside. There can be minor bruising at the injection sites, and occasionally patients notice a mild tingling or numb sensation on the skin for a few days. In some cases mild numbness can last for a few weeks before it resolves.
Serious side effects have been reported, but they are rare when the treatment is performed properly by a trained expert like Dr. Annunziata. There are no significant restrictions following treatment, but sleeping with the head elevated and avoiding strenuous activity for a few days can minimize swelling.
How long do results from Kybella injections last?
The results from Kybella are PERMANENT because the fat cells are destroyed and no longer able to store excess fat. In clinical studies, even patients who gained weight after treatment were able to maintain their results.
Are there any other body areas that can be treated with Kybella?
While there is ongoing research into the safety of additional locations for injection, Kybella is only approved for use in the submental area under the chin. Much of the excess fat in this area is located just under the skin, and that is the target for Kybella injections.
Some of the deeper fat layers in the neck (under the muscle) are not approved for Kybella injections. There are also nerves, glands, and blood vessels that must be avoided. For these reasons, only an expert who has had proper training and completely understands the anatomy of the neck should inject Kybella.
Learn more about Kybella at a special lunch and learn session with Dr. Annunziata on June 14 in our Stallings office. Call Metrolina Eye Associates at (704)-234-1930 for additional details.
By Dr. Christine Annunziata
