Excess fat under the chin can be as frustrating as that lingering belly fat that sticks around long after the holidays. Historically, liposuction has been the primary method of dealing with fat tissue that doesn’t seem to get metabolized no matter how much you watch your diet and how often you visit the gym. Today, more people are restoring shape to their jawline without surgery. In our Denver office, we offer both Kybella and CoolSculpting for submental fullness. Why? Because a singular treatment can’t meet every person’s needs.

What is Kybella?

Kybella is an injectable treatment the FDA approved specifically for submental fullness, or the double-chin. The solution is formulated with a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid, a substance that the body naturally produces to dismantle dietary fat during the digestive process. Kybella works on the spot, injecting deoxycholic acid directly into an area where fat cells have accumulated. When fatty tissue is infused with the acid, the walls of local fat cells deteriorate and the body naturally clears these destroyed cells. Deoxycholic acid targets only fat cells so all surrounding tissue remains unaffected by this treatment.

CoolSculpting for the Chin

You may have heard of CoolSculpting as an effective new body-contouring treatment. Initially, this device was primarily used to reduce abdominal fat. Now, thanks to the development of smaller panels, CoolSculpting is routinely performed on the chin. This method may be referred to as CoolMini. It works on the same premise as standard CoolSculpting, by targeting localized fat cells with cryotherapy, or freezing temperature. The affected fat cells crystallize, causing the same basic response as Kybella in which fat cells are metabolized and eliminated forever.

Similarities and Differences

Both Kybella and CoolSculpting are proven treatments to eliminate a double-chin. They are similar in that they provoke the same natural response in the body by disrupting the integrity of targeted fat cells. Neither treatment requires anesthesia and both may cause similar short-lived side effects such as redness, bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort. Also, it is possible that multiple sessions of either technique will be necessary to achieve optimal results.

One of the most significant differences between Kybella and CoolSculpting is that Kybella is an injectable treatment. This detail in itself has advantages and disadvantages. While some patients shy away from Kybella and its multiple injections, this treatment is slightly more refined and can hone in on small, isolated areas of fat cells. CoolSculpting, on the other hand, treats a larger area beneath the chin.

Double-chin fat needn’t change the frame of your face. Call our Denver office at (303) 839-1616 to schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment options.