How does Kybella work? It is an exciting time in the field of aesthetics.
We have a new weapon in our armamentarium in our fight against fat. Kybella is also known as deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is created naturally in the body and used in our intestines to emulsify the fat we eat, allowing it to be absorbed by the lining of intestine. After being created synthetically by the good people at Allergan, deoxycholic acid (Kybella) can be injected directly into fat, destroying the fat cells on contact. There is some burning on injection, but the vast majority of people tolerate it perfectly without much complaint. There is swelling for the next 3 to 5 days.
The amount of swelling is a little bit variable, but when your fat cells die your body revs up its immune system to break down and remove the destroyed cells which are no longer needed. Unfortunately, this process of cell removal cause swelling. However, this is good for you later because it ultimately leads to a smaller, firmer neck once the swelling goes down. Typically, two to four treatments are needed to achieve the desired results.
Why can’t I inject Kybella all over my body?- How does Kybella work?
This is the first question most people ask once they understand how it works. It is not hard to imagine Allergan creating a less potent form of Kybella, changing its name slightly, and marketing it for treating large areas. However, for now there are two reasons why it cannot be injected everywhere. First, Kybella can damage nerves when injected, so it cannot be injected in close proximity to nerves. Next, cost can quickly become an issue. It’s not hard to imagine how it could become cost prohibitive. There comes a point when it would make more sense to do liposuction from a cost standpoint alone.
What separates an experienced physician or plastic surgeon injector from non-physician injectors when it comes to Kybella? – How does Kybella work?
This is a question I think is often pondered by people, but rarely asked. Let me first say, there are some excellent non-physician injectors and I have learned much from certain non-physician injectors. With that understanding, the difference is two-fold. First, most plastic surgeons feel more comfortable pushing the limits on the amount injected and the location of the injection. In my experience if would be unusual for a non-physician injector to begin expanding treatments outside what the FDA has approved.
I inject bra fat, flanks (muffin tops) and even a supra-pubic area on a woman who felt she had too much fat in that location. Because of the legal risk, a non-physician injector would be and should be a little hesitant to push this envelope. Next, because I have access to just about every fat fighting treatment that exists, I can assess each person and decide what will give them the best result considering their size and budget. If all a non-physician injector has access to is Kybella, then guess what they are most likely to recommend for you. You guessed it, Kybella. If you are considering Kybella or neck rejuvenation, give me a call and come in for a consultation.
The only way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment for a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss it.
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