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Fat Reduction

"At Artistry Wellness Hawai ‘i we offer Kybella, first-f-its-kind, to define and contour chin and jawline."

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Kybella

Kybella

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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS KYBELLA?

Kybella is an injectable prescription medicine used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called "double chin."

HOW DOES KYBELLA WORK?

The active ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, Kybella® destroys fat cells, and once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat. This results in a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin, revealing an improved chin profile.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Your provider will create a tailored treatment plan. At each treatment, you will be given multiple small injections under your chin. You may receive up to 6 treatment sessions, spaced at least 1 month apart. Many patients experience visible results in 2 to 4 Kybella treatments.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS & RISKS?

The most common side effects are swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness and areas of hardness around the treatment area. These are not all of the possible side effects of Kybella. Consult with your provider for more informaiton before receiving treatment.
 

Although rare, Kybella can cause serious side effects, including injection site problems such as bruising, hair loss, open sores (ulcers), and damage and tissue cell-death (necrosis) around the injection site or trouble swallowing and nerve injury in the jaw that can temporarily cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness.

HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST?

When injected into fat under the chin, Kybella causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. After reaching your desired aesthetic, further treatment is not expected.

Your Visit

BEFORE YOUR VISIT

One Week Prior 

  • Avoid taking medications or supplements that thin the blood—Aspirin, Fish Oil, Vitamin E, and any NSAID’s (Non Steroidal Anti inflammatory agents such as Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Naproxen). Please consult with your primary care physician/practitioner prior to discontinuing any medications. 

 

2 Days Prior

  • (Optional) You may start pre-treating with Arnica. It may help to lessen bruising and/or swelling.

 

24 Hours Prior

  • Do not drink alcohol. 

  • Avoid caffeine.
     

  • Plan your appointment well in advance and make sure you are not attending a party or a wedding venue for at least 4 weeks

  • If you develop a cold / flu, cold sore, blemish, or rash, etc. in the area to be treated prior to your appointment, we recommend that you please reschedule your appointment until it resolves.

DAY OF YOUR VISIT

  • Please arrive at the office with a "clean face"—makeup-free and washed

  • A topical anesthetic or "numbing cream" may be applied to the treatment area to maximize your comfort. Please arrive on time as this process may take anywhere from 15-30 minutes. 

  • Hydrate.

AFTER YOUR VISIT

  • Swelling is completely normal following Kybella injection, and is expected to worsen in the first week. Avoid taking NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, etc.).

  • You may apply a cool compress to the treatment area for the first 24-48 hours as needed (in intervals of 20 minutes).

  • Avoid massaging or manipulating the treatment area.

  • Sleep with your head slightly elevated, preferably for 2-3 nights.

  • You may shower and wash your face as you regularly do.

  • You may apply your normal skin care regimen to the area, including cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, etc. You may apply makeup 4-6 hours after treatment.

  • It is absolutely normal to feel and see mild to moderate swelling, numbness, tingling, redness and tenderness, and the area may feel firm to touch at the site of injections. You may see bruising or small bleeding that should resolve spontaneously.

  • Some men might see an area of no hair growth after Kybella injection, which is temporary and will return to normal in 4-6 weeks.

  • If you develop difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, skin discoloration or scabbing, you should inform your nurse injector immediately.

  • Apply (over the counter) Arnica gel to the treatment area to help decrease the bruising, swelling, and discomfort.

  • Take (over the counter) acetaminophen/Tylenol if needed for any discomfort.

  • Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water and fluids after treatment.

  • Avoid vigorous exercise, sun and heat exposure for 3 days post treatment.

  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, Niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods and cigarettes 24-48 hours after your treatment. These items may contribute to increased swelling or bruising.

  • Avoid cosmetic treatments such as injectables, laser, ultrasound, peels, facials or micro-dermabrasion to the Kybella treatment area for 3-4 weeks.

  • Please report to your provider immediately if you develop an asymmetric smile, difficulty swallowing, facial muscle weakness, skin ulceration, discoloration, or scabbing in the treatment area.

  • After your Kybella treatment, you should expect some swelling and redness. You may also experience bruising, tenderness, numbness and firmness in the injection site. This will normally last less than 5 days, but for some patients, may last up to 14 days. You may have swelling of the treatment area for up to a month.

Warning: If excessive swelling or signs of infection occur, please contact the office immediately. (Moderate swelling immediately post treatment is normal). Signs of infection include: 

  • Drainage that looks like pus

  • Increased warmth and/or redness around the treatment area 

  • Significant tenderness or pain around the treatment area 

  • Fever - Temperature of 100.5F or greater

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