Certain parts of the body tend to be “problem areas” for excess fat, flab, and tissue. These areas not only accumulate sagging skin but also tend to be less responsive to diet and exercise. One of the most common problem areas of all is the submental region… basically, the chin and upper neck. When excess flab builds in your submental region, it can lead to the dreaded “double chin.”
There are a number of treatment options that can help remedy this, with CoolSculpting® and Kybella® standing out as two of the best options. We’re proud to provide both treatments at Charlotte Plastic Surgery. The question is, which treatment is right for you?
If you have a double chin that you’re just itching to get rid of, we invite you to learn more about the pros and cons of CoolSculpting® vs. Kybella®.
Why are Double Chins Such a Problem?
Before we get into the best treatments for the double chin, it may be worth thinking about what causes this problem in the first place. Why does the submental region tend to be a problem area for so many women and men?
There are a number of reasons why fat accumulates below the chin. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of weight gain. And yet, you don’t have to be overweight to struggle with a double chin. Sometimes, it’s strictly a matter of genetics. And in other cases, it may be that age has caused your skin to lose some of its elasticity, resulting in saggy folds of skin hanging down from your chin.
CoolSculpting® vs. Kybella® – What’s the Difference?
No matter the cause of your double chin, it’s natural that you’d want to find the quickest, most lasting solution. CoolSculpting® and Kybella® can both be excellent options. Let’s take a look at each treatment, one at a time.
CoolSculpting®
CoolSculpting® is one of the most popular non-surgical body contouring methods on the market today. Essentially, CoolSculpting® involves freezing your fat cells. Once frozen, the fat cells in your target treatment area will die, and then they can simply pass through your body as normal waste.
The key thing about CoolSculpting® is that it offers different sizes of applicators, ideal for different parts of the body. To treat submental fat and tissue, your provider would likely use the small CoolMini applicator, which is great for targeting fat cells in a smaller or more sensitive area, like under the chin.
Coolsculpting® Patient Results
Kybella®
By contrast, Kybella® is a simple injection. It’s designed specifically to eliminate fat and excess tissue under the chin. Kybella® uses a naturally occurring acid to help break down and absorb dietary fat in the target area. Basically, when you inject it under the chin, it kills the fat cells, which can result in a very visible reduction of fullness.
Like CoolSculpting®, Kybella® represents a non-invasive way to deal with stubborn flab in one of the most problematic parts of the body.
Kybella® Patient Results
The Benefits of CoolSculpting® vs. Kybella®
Now we come to the key question: How do you know which of these treatments is best for you?
When seeking to determine between CoolSculpting® vs. Kybella®, your best bet is to make an appointment for a consultation with one of our providers. These solutions are not one-size-fits-all, and by examining your chin and talking with you about your aesthetic goals, we can help you determine a more individualized solution.
Generally speaking, both procedures can be effective options for younger patients, especially those who are not obese and who simply have a genetic predisposition toward submental fat.
For older patients, whose primary problem is skin laxity (as opposed to actual fat), there are probably better options to consider; ask your provider for some alternative solutions.
The Pros and Cons of Kybella®
Of the two options, Kybella® is probably the best for treating smaller areas of fat. Many patients like it because the injection is very quick (usually taking no more than 10-15 minutes for your appointment) and relatively painless. Additionally, it can help tighten the skin in your submental region, helping you to achieve a slimmer appearance.
One of the biggest downsides to Kybella® is that it usually results in some intense swelling. While swelling is a side-effect, it should not be painful or interfere with your daily activities. Pro-tip: a well-placed scarf or turtleneck is just the ticket to cover your swelling!
Also, be aware that Kybella® may require a couple of sessions in order to produce optimal results.
The Pros and Cons of CoolSculpting®
CoolSculpting®, on the other hand, is a better option for debulking larger necks and more substantial submental fat deposits. CoolSculpting® treatments are painless, though some patients do report an intense feeling of cold. And, unlike Kybella®, CoolSculpting® does not require any downtime whatsoever. Many patients who get CoolSculpting® head immediately back to school or to work.
As for downsides, CoolSculpting® sessions are a little bit lengthier than Kybella® appointments; you can expect to be here for at least 45 minutes, with the potential of being here for an hour and a half.
Deciding Between CoolSculpting® vs. Kybella®
Nobody likes living with a double chin, and thankfully, there’s more than one way to address the problem, without the need for surgical intervention. To learn more about these treatment options, we recommend coming in for a consultation with one of our providers. During this one-on-one meeting, your provider will tell you more about the options, analyze the specific types of fat and tissue you have under your chin, and advise you on how to obtain your desired aesthetic results. Additionally, we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have about either treatment.
Charlotte Plastic Surgery boasts decades of experience helping patients look and feel their best. Part of that involves our commitment to the most advanced and effective treatment methods, including new innovations like CoolSculpting® Elite. We’d love to tell you more. To schedule an appointment with one of our providers, reach out to Charlotte Plastic Surgery at any time.
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