Fat-destroying injection eliminates ‘double chin’

No body shape or size, it seems, is immune to the “double chin”—that layer of subcutaneous 
fat that gives an appearance of having an extra chin.

But plastic surgeons at
 UT Southwestern Medical Center now have a nonsurgical way 
to treat the condition, using an FDA-approved drug that
 when injected into tissue destroys fat cells.

The drug, called Kybella, is identical to deoxycholic acid, which is naturally produced by the body to absorb fat. When properly injected, Kybella takes advantage of that fat-destroying activity to help people get a chin up on their desired appearance.

“This provides a new option 
to consider for those who are not ready for a surgical fix but are looking for an answer as to how to get rid of fat beneath the chin,” says Jeffrey Kenkel, M.D., Chair
 of Plastic Surgery, who began performing the procedure at UT Southwestern this summer, shortly after the FDA approved the treatment.

The procedure, available on an outpatient basis, involves
 a series of injections into
 the fat. As many as 20 to 30 injections can be made in a single treatment, with most patients being treated between two
 and four times to achieve the desired outcome.

Dr. Kenkel notes that Kybella is not intended for other chin-related issues such as sagging skin or “turkey neck,” nor is it approved for use outside the chin area.

“The drug destroys cell membranes, so it’s important to have an experienced, board-certified physician for your procedure so the drug is properly injected into only the fat cells in a safe and effective manner,” he says.

To schedule an appointment with the Plastic Surgery Clinic, call 214-645-8300.