Kybella™ may just be the new botox!

Don't Like Your Double Chin

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the first drug that melts fat with a simple injection, and the results are pretty amazing. Todd Koch, M.D., of Williamsville, says, “In the past, people had to undergo the knife to eliminate unwanted chin fat, but Kybella™ has changed that. Now we have a simple injection that melts away fat in much the same way that Botox makes wrinkles disappear.”

Brenda Mangan was one of the first patients to experience the results of Kybella™ after agreeing to participate in a nationwide FDA study led by researcher Holy Hake Harris, M.D. of Indiana. Mangan said very large double chins were common in her family, so she was concerned about her own growing chin pouch, believing that it would only get worse with age. She tells everyone, “For me Kybella™ was an absolute success. I didn’t have any reactions or problems with the procedure, and barely noticed any discomfort.” Mangan is also pleased to have been part of a study that will allow people to now undergo this approved minimally invasive procedure that will make them feel so much better about themselves.

“Kybella™ is a naturally occurring acid in our bodies, and works by breaking down fat cells and carrying them away through our body’s lymphatic system. The Kybella™ injection melts fat and gently tightens the skin. It is an in-office procedure that takes only 15-20 minutes,” explains Dr. Koch. He says, “On occasion more than one treatment may be required to accomplish optimum results, but the procedure is quick and easy with minimal risks. Patients say it literally melts the fat from their chin, and that they barely feel the injections.”

Dr. Koch adds, “Patients need to understand that the improvement they will notice is somewhat gradual, with most realizing a difference within three to four days following treatment. They look in the mirror and say, “I am definitely changing.”

The most common side effects of Kybella™ include some minimal swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and possible areas of hardness in the treatment area. In very rare cases Kybella™ can cause difficulty swallowing and temporary nerve injury in the jaw that appears as an uneven smile or facial weakness, similar to the effects of undergoing a dental injection. Fortunately, both of these effects are only temporary. Most effects resolve fully within 7-10 days. However, patients are able to return to work within just a few days or even sooner.

Now patients ask if Kybella™ will someday be able to be used for melting fat in other areas of the body. Dr. Koch says the treatment is very exciting, and that someday it might very well be possible, but for now it is only approved for the chin area.

WNY Resource:
Dr. Todd B. Koch is the first and only provider in Buffalo, New York that is certified to perform this procedure. If you, or someone you know has been bothered by a double chin call Dr. Koch today at 716-631-1220 to find out if Kybella™ is right for you.