Kybella vs. Liposuction: Which is Best for Double Chin?
A double chin, medically known as submental liposis or submental fullness, is a common cosmetic concern. This condition occurs when a layer of fat forms below the chin, leading to a fuller appearance. Several factors contribute to the development of a double chin, including weight gain, fluctuations in weight, and the natural aging process. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, and fat tends to accumulate in certain areas, with the submental region being particularly prone to this issue.
Despite efforts through diet and exercise, the submental area is often highly stubborn, and many find it minimally affected by weight loss. This can be frustrating for those seeking a more defined jawline. Fortunately, advancements in cosmetic procedures have provided two effective solutions for addressing double chins: Kybella and liposuction. Each method has its own set of advantages and considerations, making it essential to understand both options thoroughly before deciding which is best for you.
Kybella
What is Kybella?
Kybella is a non-surgical, injectable treatment specifically designed to reduce fat beneath the chin. It was approved by the FDA in 2015 and has since gained popularity due to its effectiveness and minimally invasive nature. The active ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat.
How Does Kybella Work?
Kybella works by destroying fat cells in the submental area. During the procedure, a healthcare professional administers multiple small injections of Kybella into the fat beneath the chin. The deoxycholic acid in Kybella breaks down the cell membrane of fat cells, causing them to die. Over the following weeks, the body naturally metabolizes and eliminates these destroyed fat cells through its lymphatic system.
What Results Are Possible?
Patients can expect a noticeable reduction in submental fullness after undergoing Kybella treatments. However, results are not immediate. It typically takes several weeks for the body to process and remove the destroyed fat cells, with optimal results often visible after two to four treatment sessions. Each session is spaced about a month apart, and some patients may require up to six sessions for desired results. The outcome is a more contoured and defined jawline, enhancing the overall facial profile.
Recovery
One of the significant benefits of Kybella is its minimal recovery time. As a non-surgical procedure, Kybella does not require incisions or anesthesia, leading to fewer complications and a quicker return to daily activities. Patients may experience some swelling, bruising, or numbness in the treated area, but these side effects typically resolve within a few days. There is no need for bandages or compression garments, making Kybella a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.
Liposuction
What is Chin Liposuction?
Chin liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat from beneath the chin and neck area. It has been a widely used method for body contouring for decades and remains a popular choice for individuals seeking more immediate and dramatic results. Chin liposuction can be performed as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries.
How is it Performed?
The liposuction procedure involves making small incisions in inconspicuous areas around the chin. A thin tube called a cannula is then inserted through these incisions to suction out the excess fat. The surgeon carefully maneuvers the cannula to ensure even fat removal and smooth contours. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference and the extent of the treatment.
What Results Are Possible?
Chin liposuction provides immediate and dramatic results. Patients typically see a significant reduction in submental fullness right after the procedure, with final results becoming more apparent as post-operative swelling subsides. The outcome is a more defined and sculpted jawline, enhancing the overall facial aesthetics. Because fat cells are physically removed, the results of chin liposuction are permanent, provided the patient maintains a stable weight.
Recovery
Recovery from chin liposuction involves more downtime compared to non-surgical options like Kybella. Patients are generally advised to take three to five days off work to allow initial swelling and bruising to subside. Physical activity should be limited for at least a week, and patients may need to wear a compression garment to support the treated area and reduce swelling. While the initial recovery period is relatively short, it can take several weeks for all swelling and bruising to fully resolve.
Kybella vs. Liposuction: Key Differences
Results Provided
Kybella and liposuction offer different timelines for achieving desired results. Kybella results are gradual, requiring multiple treatments over several months. Patients must be patient and willing to wait for the body to metabolize the destroyed fat cells. In contrast, liposuction provides immediate and dramatic results, with a noticeable reduction in submental fullness right after the procedure.
Result Duration
Both Kybella and liposuction provide long-lasting results, but there are differences in how they achieve this. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the treated area, meaning they cannot regenerate. However, remaining fat cells can still enlarge if significant weight is gained. Kybella also offers long-lasting results as it destroys fat cells, but periodic maintenance sessions may be necessary for some patients to maintain optimal results. In both cases, maintaining a stable weight is crucial to preserving the improved contour.
Candidacy
Candidacy for Kybella and liposuction varies. Kybella is suitable for a wide range of patients, including those who are surgery-averse or have smaller amounts of submental fat. It is an excellent option for individuals who prefer a non-surgical approach and have the patience for gradual results. On the other hand, liposuction candidates need to have good skin elasticity and be in overall good health. Those with larger amounts of submental fat or seeking immediate results may find liposuction to be a more appropriate choice.
Risks
Both Kybella and liposuction are relatively safe when performed by qualified professionals, but they carry their own set of risks. Common side effects of Kybella include swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, and redness at the injection site. In rare cases, it can cause difficulty swallowing or nerve injury, leading to an uneven smile. Liposuction carries risks associated with surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. There is also a risk of contour irregularities or asymmetry if fat removal is not uniform.
Scarring
Scarring is another factor to consider. Kybella, being a non-surgical treatment, does not involve incisions and thus leaves no scars. Liposuction, while minimally invasive, requires small incisions that can leave tiny scars. However, skilled surgeons place these incisions in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. Over time, these scars typically fade and become less noticeable.
Recovery
Recovery experiences differ significantly between Kybella and liposuction. Kybella patients may experience mild swelling and bruising, which usually resolve within a few days, allowing them to quickly return to normal activities. In contrast, liposuction requires more extensive downtime. Patients need to take several days off work and limit physical activity to allow proper healing. Wearing a compression garment may be necessary to support the treated area and reduce swelling during the recovery period.
Bottom Line
Choosing between Kybella and liposuction for addressing a double chin depends on individual preferences, goals, and candidacy.
Kybella is ideal for patients who are averse to surgery, have time and patience for gradual results, and may not be good candidates for surgical procedures. It is particularly suitable for those with a small to moderate amount of submental fat and who prefer a non-invasive approach with minimal downtime.
Liposuction, on the other hand, is ideal for those seeking an immediate and dramatic reduction of a double chin and who do not mind a period of downtime for recovery. It is also a better option for individuals with a moderate to larger amount of submental fat and good skin elasticity.
Ultimately, consulting with a qualified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist can help determine the most suitable treatment option based on individual needs and expectations. Both Kybella and liposuction offer effective solutions for achieving a more defined and contoured jawline, enhancing overall facial aesthetics.
Ali Shahbaz, MD FRCPC, is a Board Certified Dermatologist who received his undergraduate of Honours in Bachelor of Medical Science at Western University. He then attended The University of Ottawa School of Medicine in Ottawa, Canada. Dr. Shahbaz specializes in medical, procedural and cosmetic dermatology. He enjoys treating patients of all ages and skin types. He is a strong advocate for patient education and proactively counselling patients in the treatment and management of their skin diseases. He treats all common skin conditions such as skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.