Kybella® For New Jersey

Get Rid of Your Double Chin

Often, a “double-chin” is a family trait, and it can start to appear as early as adolescence. Despite weight loss and exercise, the stubborn area of fat may never change. Until recently, this problem area could only be treated with more invasive procedures such as liposuction or the direct excision of the excess fat. Surgery was often necessary to sculpt and contour the neck. KYBELLA^® at New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. Caroline Glicksman’s practice is manufactured and distributed by Allergan and was approved by the FDA in 2015.

The active ingredient is identical to the deoxycholic acid produced by the body for the digestion of fats. This injectable product is a cytolytic drug designed to kill the targeted fat cells by attacking the cell membrane (coating), causing fat cells to break down and die. When injected into the subcutaneous fat of the neck, it causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store fat, and over several months the neck contour improves.

Supplied in vials that are ready to inject, KYBELLA^® is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe submental fat. KYBELLA^® is also the only approved injectable treatment indicated for removal of fat under the chin. Unlike CoolSculpting^®, a non-surgical alternative for fat removal, deoxycholic acid does have potential side effects and risks.

How KYBELLA^® Works

In the 1980s, a technique called mesotherapy was introduced in France. This technique, still used around the world, injects microscopic quantities of homeopathic agents, vitamins, and pharmaceuticals into the skin. Claims are made that these treatments reduce fat and cellulite, reverse aging, and even promote wellness.

Rigorous scientific clinical research has not supported these claims. KYBELLA^®, injected in a similar fashion into the subcutaneous fat of the neck, does have the clinical research to back its claims. It has been clinically proven to destroy fat cells in the area where it is injected.

Who Is a Candidate for KYBELLA^® in NJ?

KYBELLA^® can be used successfully to treat unwanted submental fat, but not everyone is a good candidate for this minimally invasive procedure. A careful consultation with Dr. Glicksman is very important to determine who is, and who is not, an ideal candidate for KYBELLA^®. Younger patients who present with a defined area of neck fat are usually the best candidates for this procedure. While KYBELLA^® will reduce problematic fat, it is unlikely that the treatment will produce significant skin retraction or tightening.

Older patients, or patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight, may not achieve their desired neck contour without the addition of a skin reduction procedure like a neck lift. Dr. Glicksman is a board-certified plastic surgeon and has been performing liposuction and neck lifts since 1992. As a surgeon, she will honestly evaluate each patient’s neck and face and determine who will get the best results with KYBELLA^®.

The KYBELLA^® Procedure and Recovery

Patients are instructed to avoid Aspirin^® or anti-inflammatory medications for five days before the injection procedure. Ice may be applied for several minutes to help reduce discomfort. The area to be treated is then cleaned, marked, and a small amount of local anesthetic is injected. A grid is applied with a water-based stick-on tattoo. The number of dots within the markings is counted, and this determines the dosage of KYBELLA^® required.

The exact number of injections and the number of planned treatments is tailored to treat each individual patient. Approximately six to eight weeks after the initial treatment, patients will return to be evaluated. Photos are taken at each visit, and a second treatment is performed when necessary. While most patients benefit from a second treatment, some patients may require only one session.

Risks of Using KYBELLA^®

As with any injectable procedure, there are benefits as well as risks. The risks associated with the injection of KYBELLA^® may include damage to the surrounding skin, muscle, or nerve tissue if the KYBELLA^® is inadvertently injected into these areas. Because KYBELLA^® can cause serious side effects, including nerve injury in the jaw and trouble swallowing, it is very important that the physician injecting KYBELLA^® be well trained and comfortable with both the superficial and deep anatomy of the chin and neck. Dr. Glicksman underwent advanced training to help ensure patient safety. The most common side effects of KYBELLA^® are minor and include some swelling, possible bruising, tenderness, and numbness in the treated area. Redness and areas of hardness in the treatment area may persist for several weeks.

Scheduling an Appointment

Dr. Glicksman performs all of her consultations for KYBELLA^® in her Sea Girt, NJ, office. The doctor will evaluate each patient, and if he or she is a good candidate for KYBELLA^®, a second appointment will be scheduled for the procedure. All patients should be mindful of their work and social calendar as they may have some temporary bruising and swelling for a period of one to two weeks after the procedure. Patients who are travelling from a significant distance may wish to undergo the procedure on the same day as their consultation.

Every Patient. Every Visit.

Dr. Glicksman is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been committed to delivering expert, state-of-the-art care for her patients for over 25 years. The doctor performs all of her own consultations, procedures, and treatments and does not use “practice extenders” to care for her patients.

Book a Consultation

Call 732-974-2424