Double chin, also known as submental fullness, is a common problem and can be very difficult to get rid of. Some people, whether due to genetics or weight gain, cannot lose fat in this area no matter how generally fit they are. A combination of fat deposits and loose skin can cause a bulge and a crease which gives the appearance of a second, lower chin. Excess skin and lax muscles in the neck area are generally best treated with a neck lift which allows for surgically tightening muscles and removing excess skin. This can be done in conjunction with liposuction to permanently remove unwanted fat cells in the area. When Toronto patients decide to pursue a cosmetic solution for fat under the chin and they desire non-surgical options, there are two great procedures they may compare.
In the USA, Belkyra is called Kybella and is the only injectable to gain approval by the FDA for eliminating moderate to severe submental fat. Kybella is the trade name for ATX-101, which is a synthetic version of a naturally-occurring bile salt called deoxycholic acid that aids in digestion and the breaking down of fats. Basically, what deoxycholic acid does to fat is disrupt the fat cell membrane.
This is also known as cell lysis. The immune system responds to damaged fat cells and works to break down and redistribute the cell contents. Minor swelling is expected during this inflammatory process. Depending on the individual and extent of fat removal required, 2-6 sessions may be recommended, with up to 50 injections in the treatment area each session (don’t worry, numbing cream is applied first).
This means that the cost can vary somewhat per patient and results may be visible between 1 and 4 months after beginning. Fat removal with Belkyra is permanent.
The FDA has also granted approval of CoolSculpting for small, target areas of body fat. The CoolMini is a new, smaller applicator which allows the practitioner to target the submental, “double chin” area with CoolSculpting technology. This works best with moderate to severe submental fullness and sufficient excess skin and fat for the applicator to grab a hold of.
COOLSCULPTING
CoolSculpting utilizes, “cryotherapy” to eliminate unwanted fat. The concept is that delivering controlled cooling to the target fat cells, freezes and damages them. Damaged cells are naturally removed through the body’s metabolic process. Most patients will require multiple sessions of CoolSculpting to see their optimal results. Just like Belkyra, CoolSculpting is a non-surgical treatment designed to target unwanted fat which can be done in-office, without the use of anesthetic.
In the USA, Belkyra is called Kybella and is the only injectable to gain approval by the FDA for eliminating moderate to severe submental fat. Kybella is the trade name for ATX-101, which is a synthetic version of a naturally-occurring bile salt called deoxycholic acid that aids in digestion and the breaking down of fats. Basically, what deoxycholic acid does to fat is disrupt the fat cell membrane.
Both Toronto double chin treatment options may result in temporary swelling at the procedure site, bruising, redness and contour irregularities. These will generally resolve within a few days to one week.
There is no needle or injection required for CoolMini treatments, however, the treatment areas are broader and Belkyra, because it is an individualized injection, can target small areas with more precision.
The two procedures are priced similarly with Belkyra typically costing only slightly more per session. The number of sessions required by each patient will vary and so overall costs will vary for either.
