[dropcap size=small]T[/dropcap]he holidays are coming up, and people want to look good for all the social events coming up. There is a new treatment for those of us with that pesky double chin.

It’s called Kybella, and it has been used to dissolve the fat under the chin, also called submental fat. Sixty-seven percent of people surveyed said they are bothered by the fat under their chin. It can get worse due to age, weight gain and genetics plays a part as well. Deoxycholic acid is the active ingredient in Kybella, and it is a naturally occurring molecule in our bodies that breaks down fat and aids in absorption. Kybella destroys fat cells at the site of injection.

Once the fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store fat or accumulate it. If you do not gain weight, you will not need more treatment in the future. The procedure is done in a series of up to three treatments, done four to six weeks apart. The treatment will be determined by your physician and your desired goals.

“67 percent of people surveyed said they are bothered by the fat under their chin”

The treatment consists of multiple small injections under the chin. There is immediate swelling, numbness and mild burning that goes away after a few days. Then the fat reabsorption begins and your double chin starts to go away. The amount of injections and the number of treatments depends on the amount of fat under your chin and the desired results.

It is a great addition to the other cosmetic treatments we offer at the South Texas Eye Institute, including Botox, Fillers and eyelid lifts. If you are interested in losing that submental fat, or just improving your overall profile, please contact us so we can schedule your Kybella treatment.

Lisa Martén, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist at the South Texas Eye Institute. For more information visit www.southtexaseyeinstitute.com or call 210.692.1388. The South Texas Eye Institute is located at 2424 Babcock Road, Suite 101 in San Antonio, TX 78229.