Are Double Chin Injections Safe?
Double Chin Treatment, Maidstone, Kent
A crisp jawline is a sign of youth and beauty, and until a few years ago, the best way to get rid of submental fat – as double-chin fat is known – was liposuction under the chin or a face-lift or neck lift. But in recent years, we have seen a rise in non-surgical treatments that claim to effectively break down fat in this area. Belkyra (Kybella) is one of these treatments, and it involves no scalpels, or incisions, just injections. So, how exactly does this treatment work, how does it compare to other fat dissolving treatments, and is it safe? Read on for everything you need to know.
Understanding the causes of a double chin
There are many reasons for having a double chin including genetics, a small chin and jawbone, weaker neck muscles, obesity, and bad posture. Whilst a double chin can be related to carrying excess body fat, it’s absolutely possible to be a very normal, healthy weight and still have a double chin. All of us have different fat distributions which are determined genetically and during our development in puberty.
For some people, one of these fat pads sits underneath the chin. Another contributing factor can be having a small chin and jawbone, which can mean that the fat underneath the chin doesn’t have much support and so looks like a double chin.
The platysma muscle – which goes around the neck and into to the lower face – ages quicker than any other muscle and these changes can also contribute to a double chin forming.
What is Belkyra?
Simply put, Belkyra is a nonsurgical injection that dissolves fat. The main ingredient in the injection is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance in your body that helps with emulsification and fat absorption. When injected into the body, the deoxycholic acid permanently dissolves fat in the subcutaneous tissue.
It’s injected into the subcutaneous tissue directly into fatty deposits. Through a localised reaction, it literally breaks open fat cells or adipose cells. This causes a transient stinging for about two minutes, and then, over the course of six to eight weeks, the lysed fat cells, or the burst fat cells, will get cleared by the body that results in the slimmer overall contour.
Are fat-dissolving injections safe?
Belkyra has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults with moderate-to-severe fat below the chin, which means it has undergone extensive testing to make sure it’s safe for patients. Side-effects are relatively minor and easily managed. The treatment can cause some swelling that lasts for up to 10 days, although this kick-starts the skin’s healing processes, improving its quality over time.
What is a good candidate for Belkyra?
The best candidate for Belkyra is a patient with a modest amount of submental fullness who prefers a nonsurgical approach. They should also keep in mind what Belkyra does and doesn’t treat: Belkyra treats fat pockets, not skin laxity (excess or loose skin), which is an important distinction to make. Start by talking to your practitioner about the best approach. They will evaluate the area to determine the extent to which you have excess fat versus lax skin or both and talk to you about your options, depending on your unique anatomic characteristics and your desired outcome.
Perhaps even more important than the procedure itself is the patient’s attitude. A great candidate is someone who understands the limitations of Belkyra and has realistic expectations. While Belkyra is very effective, if you have a significant amount of fullness under the chin, other treatments may be more suitable – like Profound RF, CoolMini, or even liposuction.
If you’d like to learn more about the options, click here to enquire or to book a free consultation.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
