Submental Liposuction: How Does it Compare With Kybella?

Understanding Submental Liposuction

Many patients are unhappy with submental fat and loose skin under their chin. The extra skin and fat can significantly age your face and even make it appear as if you've gained weight.

If you are struggling with nuisance fat under your chin, you're not alone. Many individuals find it challenging to get rid of excess fat in the submental area, commonly known as the double chin. A survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery found that 67 percent of people are unhappy with the appearance of their chin due to excess fat in the area.

Fortunately, effective treatment options can help you achieve a more defined and sculpted jawline. 

One popular method is submental liposuction, a standard surgical procedure designed to remove fat from the chin and neck area. This procedure requires the creation of small incisions to insert a cannula, a suctioning tube used to remove unwanted fat. Submental liposuction provides immediate and noticeable results, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more contoured facial profile. That said, it requires extensive recovery time and, in some cases, general anesthesia. 

On the other end of the spectrum are nonsurgical fat removal treatments, which require several sessions and provide much less dramatic changes. These procedures have fewer risks, but the tradeoff comes in the less noticeable results available. 

Injection lipolysis procedures like Kybella are another form of chin fat removal procedure popular today. This post will focus on submental liposuction and Kybella, exploring their pros and cons and how each can help sculpt a chiseled chin. 

The Causes Of Submental Fullness

Many associate excess submental fat with weight gain, but that's not the sole reason. It turns out that aging is also a typical reason for the appearance of the double chin.

As we age, our skin loses elasticity and begins to sag, giving us the appearance of a double chin. Genetics also determines skin elasticity, making removing a double chin more challenging through natural means. 

Exploring the Benefits of Kybella

Kybella is a non-surgical injectable treatment approved by the FDA. Kybella contains a naturally occurring substance called deoxycholic acid, which helps break down and absorb of dietary fat. When injected into the chin, Kybella destroys target fat cells, resulting in a more defined jawline over time.

One of the key advantages of Kybella is that it does not require incisions or anesthesia, making it a less invasive alternative to submental liposuction. The procedure involves a series of injections administered by a qualified healthcare professional. While Kybella may require multiple treatment sessions, patients can expect gradual improvements in their chin's appearance.

Kybella injectable treatments can be done quickly without any downtime. Patients might experience significant swelling the first few days after injection. Thus, some chose to undergo treatment around Thursday to rest on the weekend properly.

Patients also experience temporary numbness, trouble swallowing, and, in more severe cases, injury to the marginal mandibular nerve. You won't have much to worry about if the providers perform the injections correctly.

A complete Kybella treatment requires multiple sessions spaced at least two months apart. Therefore, if you're looking for immediate results, liposuction may be the better choice. Additionally, patients with significant amounts of submental fat are better equipped for liposuction. 

Submental Liposuction As A Solution

Submental liposuction is a surgical procedure where the patient is provided local or under general anesthesia. The process involves placing small incisions under the chin and behind the ear to suction the fat with a cannula.

It's important to understand that liposuction is still surgery; therefore, one could undergo certain risks. Potential complications could be the following:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Scarring

• Nerve Injury

• Contour irregularities

Successful chin and neck liposuction will give you a more youthful-looking neck in about three months after all the swelling has subdued. Unlike Kybella, you'll only need one liposuction session for better results.

Liposuction is recommended for younger patients between 20 and 50 years old. This is because the skin is more elastic, meaning it will contract to your chin's thinner shape.

Patients above 50 can still receive submental liposuction but may need to pair it with a skin-tightening add-on for best results. 

After your liposuction procedure, you'll have to wear a chin strap for about two weeks to ensure everything heals properly. 

Comparing the Two Treatment Options

When deciding between submental liposuction and Kybella, it's essential to consider several factors, including effectiveness, invasiveness, and recovery time.

Effectiveness: Both submental liposuction and Kybella can effectively reduce submental fat. However, submental liposuction typically provides more immediate and noticeable results, while Kybella offers gradual improvements over multiple treatment sessions.

Invasiveness: Submental liposuction is a surgical procedure that requires incisions and anesthesia. While it offers significant and immediate fat reduction, it involves a more extended recovery period. On the other hand, Kybella is a non-surgical treatment that involves injections. It is less invasive, requires no downtime, and allows patients to resume regular activities shortly after the procedure with minor swelling and discomfort.

Recovery Time: Submental liposuction may involve a few weeks of bruising, swelling, and pain. Patients are typically required to wear compression garments during the recovery period. In contrast, Kybella injections may cause swelling and mild discomfort, but these effects are generally short-lived, with minimal downtime.

Cost: A single session of Kybella should cost less than fat removal surgery. That said, if you have much excess fat and need multiple treatments, liposuction may be more cost-effective. Generally, chin liposuction prices are between one and three times the cost of a Kybella session.

Submental Liposuction Vs Kybella: Choosing the Right Option

Ultimately, the decision between submental liposuction and Kybella depends on your specific needs, preferences, and desired outcomes. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon or dermatologist is crucial to determine which treatment option aligns with your goals.

During your consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your chin and neck area, discuss your expectations, and recommend the best treatment approach. They will consider factors such as the amount of fat present, skin tightness, and overall facial harmony to help you make an informed decision.

Conclusion: One Additional Treatment That Beats Both

In addition to considering the treatment options, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for long-term results. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help you manage your weight and prevent fat accumulation in the submental area.

Whether you opt for submental liposuction or Kybella, both treatments effectively reduce submental fat and achieve a more defined jawline. Submental liposuction provides immediate results but involves surgery and extended recovery. Kybella, on the other hand, offers a non-surgical alternative with minimal downtime but requires multiple treatment sessions for gradual improvements.  

One middle-ground option beyond submental liposuction and Kybella is the precision-engineered process that is Chin AirSculpt®. This minimally invasive process doesn't use a scalpel, needle, stitches, or general anesthesia to provide outstanding results in one session.

That means no noticeable scarring or long recovery times are produced with AirSculpt®, which delicately removes fat through tiny openings just two millimeters wide. Unlike traditional liposuction, which removes fat with a manual scraping motion, this gentle plucking technique leaves minimal scarring or bruising behind.

Contact the fat removal specialists closest to you to learn more and schedule a free consultation.