American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 

Minimally invasive Kybella may improve your neckline


Noninvasive aesthetic procedures have come a long way in the last ten years. The American Society of Plastic Surgery’s yearly statistics continue to demonstrate strong demand for procedures such as neuromodulators (Botox and Dysport), and hyaluronic acid filler agents (Juvederm, Voluma, Restalyn). Recently, noninvasive contouring systems that perform the techniques of cryolipolysis, such as CoolSculpting, and radiofrequency skin-tightening Ultherapy, have emerged in the marketplace. Now Allergan has added Kybella to the mix as a noninvasive injectable material to dissolve fat under the chin.

The key to success with these treatments is consulting a comprehensive center that offers a full array of noninvasive and surgical options, and will direct you to the ideal treatment modality for your unique circumstances. Just as with any medical and surgical procedure, there are appropriate candidates and patients with contraindications.

The most important step to avoid dissatisfaction is to be evaluated by a physician who is properly trained to perform a comprehensive evaluation and care for all patients with a particular aesthetic concern.

Board-certified plastic surgeons have the most comprehensive education and background experience to correctly evaluate your anatomy and determine which treatments will yield the best outcomes. The statement "if all you have is a hammer the whole world is a nail" rings true for medical spas and dermatologist offices which only have one option, such as Cool Sculpting or Kybella. Just because a treatment option is noninvasive does not mean it is inexpensive. If you factor in the cost of multiple treatments, it may be as expensive as surgery and still fall short of expectations.

When is Kybella the right choice?

With the current status of the injectable form of deoxycholic acid (Kybella) the ideal candidate must have reasonably tight skin with only mild to moderate adipose excess in the submittal and chin neck angle. The patient should not have a significant mandibular jaw discrepancy with the midface or have a particularly steep mandibular plain angle.

When is Kybella the wrong choice?

Any patient with lax skin of the neck or a significant deflation of the neck related to weight loss with demarcated platysmal bands is not a candidate. Taking away fat in this circumstance only worsens the deformity. Any patient with a deep underbite and a small chin with a very oblique chin-neck angle should also avoid Kybella. Deoxycholic acid is mostly created to dissolve fat but does produce some inflammation with the caustic material to encourage collagen production and skin retraction. Skin excess with an oblique chin neck angle and recessed chin will not yield overwhelming positive results.

Instead of Kybella, the better option is placement of a chin implant (genioplasty) with aggressive liposuction to encourage skin retraction. A middle facial third with significant skin excess and deflation combined with loose-hanging skin with platysmal bands is best treated with a corset platysmaplasty in conjunction with a neck/face lift.

Noninvasive aesthetic procedures can be a wonderful adjunct to helping people age gracefully with limited downtime. Kybella in the right situation may improve necks and make people happy with the results.

Avoid being pushed into this option without a thorough three-dimensional analysis of your face to determine if it's right for you. Nothing is more frustrating than spending a great deal of money and not realizing your desired results. Even with surgery, some deformities may not be able to be corrected. Take advice from a board-certified plastic surgeon to maximize your goals and to feel good in your own skin.

For more information, including a list of ASPS plastic surgeons in your community, please use our Find a Plastic Surgeon tool.


The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Logo

Surgeons In Your Area

Shlomo Widder Headshot

Shlomo Widder, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 630, 8230 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22182-2641
United States

1703506-0300

Larry Lickstein Headshot

Larry Lickstein, MD

U.S. Board Certified
21021 Sycolin Road, Suite 001
Ashburn, VA 20147
United States

1571440-5005

Amir Ghaznavi Headshot

Amir Ghaznavi, MD

U.S. Board Certified
STE 130, 13454 Sunrise Valley Dr
Herndon, VA 20171
United States

1703239-3190

Alex Mesbahi Headshot

Alex Mesbahi, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 400, 7601 Lewinsville Road
McLean, VA 22102
United States

1703287-8277

Michael Brown Headshot

Michael Brown, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 125, 45155 Research Place
Ashburn, VA 20147
United States

1703726-1175

Timothy Mountcastle Headshot

Timothy Mountcastle

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 430, 44095 Pipeline Plaza
Ashburn, VA 20147
United States

1703858-3208

Munique Maia Headshot

Munique Maia, MD

U.S. Board Certified
8100 Boone Boulevard, Suite 730
Tysons Corner, VA 22182
United States

1703574-4500

Fadi Nukta Headshot

Fadi Nukta, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 100, 20745 Williamsport Pl
Ashburn, VA 20147
United States

1703574-2588

Logo

Patient Care Center