The submental fat pocket under the chin is an annoyance for both men and women, and it cannot be easily corrected by diet and exercise alone. As a non-surgical alternative to surgical procedures like liposuction or neck lift, Kybella® is composed of synthetic deoxycholic acid, the same substance found in the human body that absorbs dietary fat in the G.I. tract. This powerful ingredient is used in Kybella to destroy fat cells and improve definition in the chin profile and jawline.
Currently, Kybella® is only approved for submental fat reduction, but has been used by trained professionals like board-certified dermatologists on other parts of the body to treat small fat collections like the bra fat area. Kybella should be discussed with your provider as an option when considering other non-surgical or minimally invasive body contouring treatments, like CoolSculpting or BodyTite with Dr. Timothy Janiga.
The benefits of Kybella go beyond physical enhancement. The dreaded double chin affects many people, even if they are at a healthy weight. The natural aging process, genetics, and other factors can all lead to the development of excess chin fat. Because of their double chin, many people feel embarrassed, which can impact self-confidence in social settings and at work.
Additionally, Kybella offers a minimally invasive option to liposuction, meaning a shorter recovery and less time away from social events and work. There are no incisions or scars after the procedure.
Before receiving treatment, patients will meet with Dr. Janiga or her associates at an initial consultation, where she will examine their medical history, assess the treatment area, and discuss their aesthetic goals to determine whether they are a good candidate for Kybella. Men and women in overall good health with localized fat deposits below the chin are ideal candidates for Kybella. Before receiving injections, patients should avoid alcohol and certain blood-thinning medications and herbal supplements, since these can cause excessive bruising.
When injected directly into the fat beneath the chin, Kybella® breaks down fat cells, ultimately causing the fat pocket to shrink for reduced submental fullness. Your provider will make multiple small injections placed about one centimeter apart for even fat removal and a smooth contour. The exact number of injections needed is based on the size of the fat pocket as well as the patient’s desired results. Kybella® can be performed in less than 30 minutes in our Reno/Tahoe offices and does not require anesthesia.
Kybella® treatments are performed in the Janiga MDs Reno offices, and the procedure generally takes about 15 to 30 minutes. How many treatments a patient needs will vary based on the amount of accumulated fat being removed. Most patients require at least three treatment sessions.
Mild to moderate discomfort is common for up to an hour following the procedure, and most patients experience a unique “jiggly” type of swelling in the area for a week after the procedure. You may also experience bruising around the injection sites for a few weeks, which is usually worse with the first treatment and improves with the subsequent treatments in your session. There is minimal downtime, and most patients return to work and their normal routine the day after their Kybella treatment.
Once you’ve undergone your full treatment of Kybella® injections, the treated fat cells cannot return, and patients will see a tighter, more youthful neck, chin, and jawline. However, the remaining fat cells in the surrounding areas can grow with significant weight gain. For optimal results, patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle after treatment.
At JanigaMDs Plastic Surgery & Cosmetic Center, patients benefit from the combined expertise of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy Janiga and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Janiga. This collaborative environment allows for a comprehensive approach to facial and body contouring procedures, with surgical and non-surgical solutions all focused on aesthetics and long-term rejuvenation.
Dr. Jennifer Janiga brings a strong foundation of training and experience to injectable treatments such as Kybella. She completed her dermatology residency and advanced fellowships in laser and light therapies at the Henry Ford Health System, as well as a research fellowship on psoriasis at the University of Michigan. Her patient-centered philosophy emphasizes attentive listening, thoughtful planning, and individualized care to achieve outcomes that complement each patient’s unique features. Patients appreciate her honest, humble approach and her commitment to finding the right solution for individual concerns.
Dr. Janiga’s professional awards and recognitions reflect her dedication to excellence in cosmetic dermatology. She has been named Best of Reno Dermatologist and Best of Reno Medical Spa, and earned multiple awards for Castle Connolly Top Doctor in Dermatology. She has also received honors such as Exceptional Women in Medicine and inclusion in the American Registry’s America’s Most Honored Professionals — Top 5%. These accolades speak to her skill, experience, and reputation among patients and peers.
With Dr. Janiga’s expertise in cosmetic injectables and a wide range of medical and aesthetic dermatology services, you can expect a thoughtful treatment plan focused on achieving a more refined jawline and facial harmony.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jennifer Janiga or her associates, please send us an email or call 775-364-0224.
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JanigaMDs is the only practice in Reno where patients can consult with both a board-certified dermatologist and a board-certified plastic surgeon in one visit.
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Founded in 2010, the team at JanigaMDs has been proven to provide the utmost care for all patients. With a 4.7 rating over almost 700 reviews, JanigaMDs is the premier aesthetic practice in Northern Nevada.
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