Dr. Mark Crawford, facial cosmetic specialist with the Aesthetic Center in The Eye Clinic, is the first to offer the new FDA-approved Kybella, the first and only injectable treatment that safely and effectively reduces and improves the appearance of moderate to severe fat below the chin without surgery.

This common problem affects both men and women. According to a 2015 survey conducted by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, 67% of people said they’re bothered by under-the-chin fullness, or double chin.

“Some people try their whole adult lives to eliminate fullness under the chin with little or no success. A fuller chin profile can also make a person look older and heavier than they really are,” says Dr. Crawford. “Until now, the only treatment option was surgery, but Kybella effectively resolves the issue without the downtime that comes with surgery. Patients see permanent results after only a few sessions.”

He explains that the active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. “Once injected into the area, Kybella causes the destruction of fat cells, which are then eliminated naturally by the body.”

During the initial consultation, Dr. Crawford performs a carefulexamination of the area and develops a customized treatment plan to address the anatomic needs and goals of the patient. He says treatment requires multiple sessions – anywhere from two to six – scheduled about a month apart.

The injection process takes about 20 minutes. Afterward, there is no down time; patients can return to normal activities, although Dr. Crawford says some tenderness, swelling and possibly slight bruising, is normal. Results should begin to be noticeable within a few weeks, with the final outcome apparent after a few months.

“Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat, so the results of Kybella are permanent,” says Dr. Crawford. “It is very exciting to have a minimally-invasive way to contour a double chin or fatty neck with no surgery, no downtime and relatively little discomfort.”

For more information about Kybella injections at the Aesthetic Center, call (337) 310-1070 or visit www.facehealth.net.