Kybella™: New Injectable for the Dreaded Double Chin
Most of us have some area of our face or body that we consider less than ideal. The central upper neck – or dreaded “double chin” – is one of the most common areas that makes us feel more aged or over weight. Topical lotions or creams that claim to firm the neck really cannot deliver visible results. As we all are busy working, our personal time or “me time” seems to be less and less. Spending time recuperating from any procedure is less than desirable. When it comes to our bodies, we as a society are always looking for quick fixes that require limited time investment, reasonable cost, minimal downtime, and a visible result. BOTOX®, which we love, is a great example of this.
As Facial Plastic surgeons we have many different ways to address fullness of the neck, including minimally invasive procedures such as Ulthera, microsurgical procedures like ThermiTight, and traditional surgical treatments like liposuction or a neck lift. Having a variety of options to address submental fullness lets us tailor our treatment plan to each patient’s unique goals and anatomy. In most cases, results are proportional to the degree of invasiveness. For example, our practice used to perform Ultherapy which had almost no downtime, but also produced minimal or no results. When deciding on what procedure is best, predictable results are one of the many keys to a successful outcome. A happy patient usually equals a happy Facial Plastic surgeon.
Recently Kythera Biopharmaceuticals introduced Kybella™ into the cosmetic market. Kybella™ is dexoycholic acid, the same exact material that we all possess in our bodies that breaks down fat. It can be made in a laboratory, and thus contains no human or animal components, making it very safe. Kybella™ has been FDA approved to literally melt fat in the neck and “double chin” region.
Kybella™ injections are performed in the office. Kybella™ is precisely injected in tiny amounts beneath the skin into the fat of the neck. The discomfort and recovery are almost identical to receiving Botox, except that the injections are performed in the neck instead of the upper face. Each treatment session takes about 20-30 minutes. It takes 4 weeks to see the full results of the individual injections. Most patients will require 2-4 injections at 1 month intervals to achieve the best result, and patients with very substantial neck fat could require up to 6 injections. Down time is minimal and is limited to some swelling over the first few days following treatment. There is also a small chance of bruising that should be coverable with makeup.
Because Kybella™ literally kills fat cells, the results are permanent. Also, the amount of fat being melted is less than 1% of the total fat in the body, so patients do not need to worry about the melted fat simply “moving” to their belly or thighs. The melted fat is absorbed into the blood stream and excreted. The picture below is an example to the results that can be expected from Kybella™.
I was fortunate to be invited to attend Kythera’s first ever educational congress, a clinical injection training program in San Diego. As one of two trainers chosen in the state of Minnesota, Dr. Griffin and I are excited to introduce Kybella™ into our practice and to the medical community. Having Kybella™ as an additional non surgical option that has a predictable outcome will be a welcome addition to our treatment options for the management of the double chin. We will use our expertise as Facial Plastic surgeons to educate and train other physicians on the appropriate use of Kybella™ for their practice.
Dr. Tolan is pictured above at the Kybella Educational Congress. Dr. Tolan was chosen to be one of the first doctors in the country to become trained in administering Kybella.
Look no further. Dr. Tolan and the entire team is amazing. I’ve been a client for many years, and refer many friends and even my mother to their offices. Very professional and love the “less is more” approach. Sarah is my only go to for facials. If you haven’t tried a hydrofacial, book one soon. I can’t praise this clinic high enough, no need to look any further. This is the A team, on time and skilled all around. – AP
The staff is professional and personable. I have seen Dr. Tolan for several years and have been extremely satisfied with the results of treatments. I have facials with Amie, and it really feels like such a treat for myself. I would recommend this team to anyone who wants to look their best, without looking like they had help to get there. – KW
I saw Dr. Christopher Tolan at both the Woodbury and Eagan locations to remove a benign pillar cyst (bump from ingrown hair follicle) that had developed on the left side of the bridge of my nose, where glasses would sit. This was an extremely slow growing “hard ball” under the skin, that took 15 years to get big enough to be noticeable to others. I had asked my Mayo Clinic doctor about the bump a few years ago, and he said, “yea, it’s just a cyst.” Once it was large enough that it was bothering me and many were commenting on it, I knew it I wanted it to be removed and I asked my doctor who should I go to? Without any hesitation he said from his memory, “You want to go to Christopher Tolan”. After a free initial consultation, I felt confident in his skills, his facility, his reputation and his professional team. A few weeks later, the surgery took place in Woodbury at their surgery center, and it took about 1 hour. It was easy, painless and not scary. The entire surgery team was professional, friendly and put me at ease. I was not in much pain afterwords, and went to work the next day. They sent the cyst off to the lab, just to make sure it was benign, and they called a week later to confirm that. I am thrilled with the cosmetic look of the final look of the incision and scar. It will only keep getting more invisible as time goes on. It’s as good as I hoped and nearly invisible. I had three followup appointments with him at the Eagan location which is very close to my work. After about 4 months I am done with follow up appointments. Thanks Dr. Tolan! I am glad I found you and trusted my face to your expertise and surgery skills! – JG
Some of us inherit favorable family traits like our mother’s emerald green eyes, or our father’s dark full hair. But, what if the feature that is passed onto us is the dreaded ‘double chin’? Luckily, a new injectable on the market, Kybella, promises to make turtlenecks a thing of the past and let patients embrace a whole new profile.
“I knew I couldn’t escape it. My dad’s side of the family calls it the ‘Bullfrog Neck’, and while my sister was skipped, my brother and I succumbed to this unfortunate genetic legacy,” laughs Jackie, a Woodbury, MN healthcare professional who asked that her last name not be used for professional reasons.
“All joking aside, my chin was making me painfully self-conscious. I work out daily at the gym and eat clean, but the fat under my chin wouldn’t budge,” complains Jackie. “When I heard about this new fat melting injection, Kybella, on the news, I immediately made an appointment for a consultation with Midwest Facial Plastics.”
“We’ve been limited for years in non-surgical treatment options for the chin area,” says Dr. Christopher Tolan, an ENT & Facial Plastic Surgeon with Midwest Facial Plastics and a national physician trainer for Kybella. “We could, somewhat, downsize a double chin with tightening lasers, or mask the appearance by using dermal fillers along the jawline, but never consistently address it,” explains Dr. Tolan. “The addition of Kybella to our practice allows me to improve the appearance of the chin area for patients, and heighten their confidence,” he adds.
Kybella is the first, FDA approved, injectable for the treatment of sub mental fullness, or “double chin”. It is precisely injected, by your provider, into the areas of excess fat under your chin. In time, it progressively destroys the fat cells there, and your lymphatic systems clears them from your system permanently. Depending on the quantity of fat in the treatment area, multiple treatments may be needed. These are spaced 8 weeks apart, with full results seen 16 weeks after your initial injection.
“I still can’t believe the results,” exclaims Jackie, now a regular patient of Dr. Tolan. “I had quite a bit of fat there to start, so I needed the full 4 treatments, but I literally watched my chin change each month in the mirror. My results from Kybella have vastly improved my confidence in my appearance,” she continues.
“I even got Botox at my second Kybella appointment with Dr. Tolan,” Jackie proclaims. “I felt so much better about myself that I wanted to check out other treatments to make me look as young as I feel. That huge crease between my eyebrows was driving me crazy and people kept asking me if I was tired or mad at them. These are obviously NOT good questions from people when you’re a nurse,” laughs Jackie!
“Jackie is like many of our female patients, she initially comes to the practice with a specific concern, and once that concern is resolved, she becomes curious in other treatments to naturally improve her appearance, “explains Dr. Tolan. “It’s exciting to see the landscape of this industry change as women take a more proactive role in maintaining their skin’s health and appearance,” he continues.
Call today to schedule a consultation for Kybella, or any other treatment at Midwest Facial Plastics 651.632.9700! – Defy
I want to thank Dr. Tolan for doing such an amazing job with my rhinoplasty surgery. I absolutely love my nose! There doesn’t appear to be any swelling at all that I can see, but I know it takes awhile for it to heal. I feel fantastic! I’m able to breathe a lot better. Thank you so very much! – AS
I was very impressed with how prepared Dr. Tolan was for my appointment. While I hadn’t seen him in years (8-10) and I didn’t remember my own history, he took the time to review my incident and spoke very knowledgeably about my patient history, even providing pictures documenting my last visit. He clearly outlined my options, and explained the potential surgery process, which was helpful.
He was professional, personal, and instrumental in guiding me to making an informed decision. I am comfortable getting surgery under his care. – CG
I am loving the results! My best friend of 35 years told me that I look so relaxed and younger since I retired. She does not know about any of the procedures I’ve had. Everything is great, the filler for my tear troughs is something I will want to do again. I can’t thank you enough!!! – NR
I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Tolan and the Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery & Esthetic Skincare staff for the reconstructive surgery for my husband. Your team was a Godsend. My husband and I have been married for 28 years and have four kids. He’s always been a confident man, but occasionally I would see him become so self-conscious about his cleft lip and nose it tore at my heart. I know it pained him. This never happens anymore. It’s been over a year since his first initial surgery and I’ve wanted to share with you how much I appreciate you helping others to see (at least physically) what I’ve always seen (spiritually) about my husband…the wonderful handsome man he is! I know he views you as a dear friend and incredible doctor. Thank you for sharing your God given talent. – LC
I love the results. Love them, love them, love them. I am going to get the peels and Botox from Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery & Esthetic Skincare for as long as I live. Wonderful. FIVE STARS! LOVE IT! – KD
I have found Dr. Griffin to be a highly skilled surgeon who listened carefully to my requests and preferences, answered all my questions pre- and post- surgery, and provided clear information. I’m very please with the results of my surgery and with all of my interactions with Dr. Griffin and his staff.
I just want you to know how thankful I am to you for everything that you’ve done for me since my consultation, until now. You have helped me be optimistic throughout the entire process. I could not be happier with the results of my septorhinoplasty and I beam with confidence everywhere I go! Oh, and it helps that I can now breathe too
“Hello Dr. Girffin, I tried to send this via email but once again I am technology challenged. You operated on my husband _____ face on ________. His follow up caregivers have all told us they were expecting a bizarre looking person according to the facial fractures he sustained that were documented in the chart and were surprised at how perfect his face looks now. One of the therapists said ____ it looks like Michaelangelo must have operated on him. His eye site is improving also. I can’t say thank you enough Dr. Michaelangelo!” – Dr. Michelangelo
So often we fail to express appreciation for those who attend to our everyday needs. This is certainly true who service our medical needs. However I want to thank you and your associate for going “the extra mile” in diagnosing, planning, preparation details and expert surgery skills and healing care during my surgery. Thanks for your patience, kindness and overall medical care for this 96 yr (not easy to care for) patient. Please express my appreciation to the many staff members. – RC
My experience with this office was TOPS from the first phone call for setting an appointment, to the receptionist at the front desk when I arrived, to the nurse who took me back to the studio and prepared me, and to the doctor who did my surgical procedure. I am extremely grateful and happy for my entire experience with MFPS and the results of Dr. Griffin’s precision work which removed a lump from the center of my face with minimal scarring (in fact it is practically invisible, amazing). I am most pleased and delighted. It was the best health care experience I have had all year–a total success. I have been proud of Dr. Griffin’s work (since the moment I took off the bandage some days after the procedure), and I have been singing his praises ever since, referring my friends to Dr. Griffin for their future reference, should they ever need a facial plastic surgeon. Thank you so very much for your professional expertise and help! I feel greatly relieved, happy, and confident for all that we accomplished together. It was great team work, a winner solution. I cannot think of one thing to improve my experience. Keep up the great work. I will be happy to come again if/as needed. – LC
I want to commend Dr. Griffin for his demeanor and calming way as I was very anxious. He explained each step of the surgery on my nose. I had basal cell cancer removed. I felt comfortable and confident that I had someone who knew I was anxious and knew how to allay my fears. I was elated when he removed the stitches and I saw my nose looking as normal as it had before the cancer. He is truly an excellent surgeon and I would not hesitate recommending him to my family and friends. – JL
Dr. Griffin spent plenty of time with me and discussed lots of options. He was honest and direct about my appearance and ways to improve it. He was not at all pushy. I was very happy with the treatment and would recommend Dr. Griffin to anyone interested in facial plastics or esthetic skincare. – RW
I was recently in for face fillers and botox, performed by Dr. Griffin. I have been simply astounded by the results. My closest family and friends just keep telling me I look great, but not one of them knows I had work done unless told. Dr. Griffin is an artist, pure and simple, and has the best bed-side manner. I am thrilled with the results and the experience. Never felt better. I am so happy with the results. – SM
