In June 2015, the FDA gave its seal of approval to KYBELLA®, a new injectable proven safe and effective in combating submental fullness, also known as double chin. We caught up with Dr. Capizzi, Charlotte aesthetic and plastic surgery Top Doc, to get the facts on KYBELLA®.

Q: First, why do people get double chins?

Dr. Capizzi: Many men and women are genetically predisposed to submental fullness – the formal name for what most of us call double chin. But Father Time is also a factor. For many, the aging process is exposed in the neck. The double chin is a sign of aging. Additionally, weight gain may also increase submental fullness.

Q: Do you have a solution?

Dr. Capizzi: Make that plural. At Capizzi MD, we have solutions. One is a very exciting, newly FDA-approved injectable called KYBELLA®.

Q: What is KYBELLA®?

Dr. Capizzi: The active ingredient in KYBELLA® is a synthetic of deoxycholic acid, specially calibrated to target submental fullness. It’s important to know deoxycholic acid is already present in the human body. It’s a naturally occurring molecule that helps metabolize dietary fat.

Q: How does KYBELLA® work?

Dr. Capizzi: KYBELLA® melts away chin fat via a series of injections over a 4-8 week period. When injected properly by experts – like my team of R.N.s – KYBELLA® disrupts the outer membrane of fat cells in the neck. This causes the cell to release its fatty content. Then, one’s body naturally eliminates the waste – the fat responsible for the double chin – over time.

Q: How long before I see results?

Dr. Capizzi: In your personal consultation, we’ll develop a KYBELLA® treatment plan specifically for you. KYBELLA® does not work instantaneously, but it DOES work. You will see incremental improvement and then full results in 3-4 months.

Q: Will the fat come back?

A: No. The fat targeted during treatment is gone forever. However, new fat can accumulate.

Dr. Capizzi: What about loose skin at the neck – the turkey waddle. Does KYBELLA® melt that away too?

Dr. Capizzi: What you’re describing – skin laxity – is another issue. A neck lift, often performed with a facelift, is a very effective option.

Q: A KYBELLA® injection in the neck…. Ouch. Does it hurt?

Dr. Capizzi: Patients who have had experience with injectables like JUVÉDERM® (and other dermal fillers) and even BOTOX®, compare the KYBELLA® injection to these. There is some slight, momentary discomfort, but it subsides quickly.

Q: Is there any downtime?

Dr. Capizzi: There is no downtime with KYBELLA® injections – at least not at Capizzi MD. KYBELLA® is only just now available, since it was FDA approved in June 2015. The Capizzi MD nurse injectors have been trained by the experts – and, in fact, collectively have decades of experience and demonstrated expertise with injectables. While KYBELLA® is an all-new solution to submental fullness (double chins, as you now know), my team has the technical expertise to offer the best results starting day one.