KYBELLA®

Excess skin and fatty tissue can accumulate below the jawline as a result of aging, genetics, or weight gain. Submental fat (fat under the chin), also referred to as a double chin, can add years onto the appearance and cause some men and women to feel overweight.  Despite diet and exercise, submental fat is often unresponsive and, when caused by genetics, it does not go away with weight loss.

Model

KYBELLA®

Kybella logo

Although submental fat is a common complaint, the double chin is one of the least treated areas of the face.  Until recently, improving submental fat meant a surgical liposuction procedure with recovery time.  The results from more traditional procedures can be dramatic, but not everyone is ready for surgery.  Fortunately, the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery has an exciting alternative to submental liposuction, KYBELLA in Rochester, NY.

How It Works

KYBELLA is the first and only injectable approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce submental fullness.  Created from deoxycholic acid, this naturally occurring molecule is used by the body to help in the breakdown and absorption of unwanted fat.  Injected into prominent fatty tissue under the chin, KYBELLA will slowly dissolve targeted fat cells.  As the fatty tissue is broken down, the body safely reabsorbs the cells.  The skin will become smooth and taut, creating a sculpted contour underneath the chin.

The KYBELLA Consultation

While KYBELLA can benefit almost any patient, the procedure is not for everyone. Potential patients should schedule a consultation with Dr. Quatela, Dr. Koenig, or Dr. Lee before beginning treatment. At this appointment, the doctor will assess your facial structure and review your aesthetic goals. Dr. Quatela, Dr. Koenig, or Dr. Lee will fully explain what to expect from the KYBELLA procedure and the intended results.  If the double-chin treatment is determined to be the right procedure, a personalized treatment plan will be created.

The Ideal KYBELLA Candidate

Anyone unhappy with the appearance of a double chin may benefit from KYBELLA.  Successful patients will be in good health and fully understand the non-invasive KYBELLA treatment plan.  Ideal candidates will also hold realistic expectations for their results.  Any ethnicity and skin type can see effective results from KYBELLA.  Contraindications to KYBELLA include patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, those who have a bleeding disorder, or those who have an active infection.  In these cases, KYBELLA will not be administered.  In addition, patients with excess skin or scar tissue under the chin may not be suited for the injectable fat elimination treatment.

image showing full lips and shoulders of female model

The KYBELLA Treatment

The KYBELLA procedure will be performed in one of the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery’s comfortable treatment rooms.  A session will take less than 30 minutes to complete from start to finish.  Once the target area has been determined, a series of up to 50 injections will be applied.  KYBELLA is not considered a painful procedure, although patients may choose to have a topical or local anesthetic prior to treatment.

More than one KYBELLA session is usually required for optimal results.  Depending on the severity of submental fat, most patients will receive between two and six KYBELLA treatments, spaced four weeks apart. Dr. Quatela, Dr. Koenig, and Dr. Lee can recommend additional treatments to complement the KYBELLA results to design a personalized treatment plan that may include dermal fillers to treat lines and wrinkles in the lower face or BOTOX® Cosmetic to smooth forehead lines.

After a KYBELLA Treatment

There is no downtime required after a KYBELLA session.  Patients can immediately return to their normal activities, including exercise.  Although the results from KYBELLA can be dramatic, they will not be immediately evident.  Most patients will see benefits begin to appear after one to two KYBELLA treatments, although individual experiences vary. As the fatty tissue is absorbed by the body, the contours of the submental area will steadily improve.

The fat cells that are affected during a KYBELLA treatment will not return. Therefore, no follow up appointments are anticipated to maintain results.  Once the series of KYBELLA injections is finished, the results are expected to be long lasting.

While serious complications are rare after KYBELLA, as with any procedure, there is always a small risk involved.  It is not uncommon for mild bruising or swelling to occur, but these minor issues will resolve in just a few days.  Although less common, some patients may experience temporary numbness, difficulty swallowing, or excessive bleeding.

Choose an Experienced KYBELLA Provider

The submental area is one that must be treated carefully due to the neck and jaw structures and anatomy.  To ensure successful results, patients interested in the newest treatment for submental fat should place their trust in a knowledgeable and experienced KYBELLA provider.  Dr. Vito Quatela and Dr. William Koenig both have more than 23 years of experience in surgical and noninvasive aesthetic procedures.  They are both double board-certified and have trained in the science and technique behind KYBELLA. Dr. Heather Lee is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and a board-certified otolaryngologist.

Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery surgeons Dr. Quatela, Dr. Lee, Dr. Montague
Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
Vito C. Quatela, M.D., FACS
Specializes in Facial Procedures
Vito C. Quatela, M.D., FACS

Dr. Vito C. Quatela is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing facial rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Quatela is a past president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is highly respected by his peers as a recognized expert in all areas of facial plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, facelift, and other facial procedures.

Heather Lee, M.D.
Specializes in Facial Procedures
Heather Lee, M.D.

Dr. Heather Lee is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist who has trained extensively with Dr. Quatela. She specializes in both aesthetic and functional procedures and is known for her meticulous surgical results and compassionate care.

Alex Montague, M.D.
Specializes in Facial Procedures
Alex Montague, M.D.

Dr. Alex Montague is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist who trained under Dr. Quatela for a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship. He has exemplary skills in both technique and patient care and specializes in aesthetic and functional procedures.

KYBELLA FAQ

What is KYBELLA?

KYBELLA is the only FDA-approved injectable designed to reduce submental fat, also known as a double chin.

How do KYBELLA injections work?

KYBELLA contains deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule, used by the body to rid unwanted fat.  When applied to the target area, KYBELLA will dissolve fat cells, which are then safely metabolized by the body.

Will I be a good candidate for KYBELLA at the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery?

KYBELLA has been approved by the FDA for patients over the age of 18. The ideal candidate for KYBELLA will be in good health, fully understand the treatment, and hold reasonable expectations for their results.

Get the Latest News and Specials

How long does KYBELLA take to perform?

At the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery, a KYBELLA treatment session will take less than 30 minutes to perform.

How many KYBELLA treatments will be needed?

Depending on the desired results and severity of submental fat, between two and six KYBELLA treatments are necessary for optimal results.

Is KYBELLA painful?

While KYBELLA is not considered painful, there may be mild discomfort and pressure below the chin.  For this reason, a topical or local anesthetic can be used prior to treatment.

What are the risks of KYBELLA injections?

Approved by the FDA to safely address submental fat, KYBELLA holds few risks when used by an experienced provider.  The most common side effects of a KYBELLA treatment can include swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness.

Woman looking up from phoneModel
For Our New York Neighbors
Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery

The Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery in Rochester is proud to serve patients from throughout Upstate NY. We are honored to be the area’s premier plastic surgery center, and give every patient our undivided attention and the quality of care they deserve. Learn more about how we support our New York patients on their surgical journeys:

Contact