Plastic surgeon warns about popular cosmetic treatment: ‘It’s a mess’

Introduction to the Warning

A trendy cosmetic treatment might sculpt your jawline now — but it could spell trouble if you’re eyeing a face-lift later in life. That’s the warning from Dr. Prem Tripathi, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, who said a popular nonsurgical procedure used to dissolve stubborn chin fat could turn future surgery into a nightmare that looks a lot like your lunch.

Understanding the Procedure

“If you take apart a sandwich — the bread, the cheese, the meat — they separate from each other very nicely,” he said in a recent TikTok video. “But if you toast it, everything is melted together. If you try to rip it apart, it just tears.” Dr. Prem Tripathi is warning against using the treatment if you want a face-lift in the future. Tiktok/@drpremtripathi

The Effects of Kybella

“That is what happens when you do Kybella,” Tripathi continued. “So when we’re trying to separate layers during a face-lift that you’re getting twenty years later, it’s a mess.” Kybella is a first‑of‑its‑kind injectable used to reduce the appearance of submental fullness, also known as the dreaded double chin. It’s a popular nonsurgical alternative to liposuction, offering less downtime and a quicker recovery.

How Kybella Works

Kybella’s key ingredient, deoxycholic acid — a substance your body naturally produces — works by breaking down fat cell membranes when injected under the chin. This causes the fat cells to rupture and release their contents, which your body naturally flushes out, leaving behind a more sculpted jawline. Tripathi compared the effects of Kybella under the skin to the melting of a sandwich. George Dolgikh – stock.adobe.com

Long-Term Results and Complications

Once destroyed, those fat cells can’t store fat again, so results can last for years — as long as you avoid excessive weight gain, according to Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery. But the process is slow, with results typically showing up over the course of several months. Some people see improvements after two to four treatments, but many need up to six sessions to get the look they want. Kybella has been on the US market since 2015. New Africa – stock.adobe.com

Patient Experiences and Concerns

While plenty rave about their results, some patients say it’s far from perfect. “Kybella is a joke,” one TikTok user commented on Tripathi’s post. “I have never heard of anyone who liked their results — myself included — so now I’m future f – – ked too?!?!” “I regret my Kybella already, this is just icing on the cake,” another chimed in.

Complications with Future Surgeries

In a separate TikTok, Tripathi explained that Kybella and similar injections can cause scar tissue to form, complicating future cosmetic surgeries. If significant scarring forms, it could make it harder for surgeons to reposition tissue and achieve a smooth, sculpted look with a face-lift or neck-lift, Dr. Carlos Mata, a board-certified plastic surgeon, explained on RealSelf.com. In some cases, the presence of scar tissue can also increase the risk of bleeding, swelling and irregularities both during and after a face-lift.

Similar Effects from Other Procedures

Tripathi mentioned he has observed similar effects on face-lifts in patients who previously underwent a thread lift — another minimally invasive procedure that uses dissolvable sutures to lift and tighten sagging skin. “Here’s the honest truth: Double chins are a surgical issue,” he wrote in an Instagram post.

Conclusion

The warning from Dr. Prem Tripathi about the potential long-term complications of Kybella and similar treatments is crucial for individuals considering these procedures, especially if they anticipate needing a face-lift in the future. Understanding the risks and benefits of cosmetic treatments is essential for making informed decisions about one’s health and appearance.

FAQs

• Q: What is Kybella?
  A: Kybella is a first‑of‑its‑kind injectable used to reduce the appearance of submental fullness, also known as the dreaded double chin.
• Q: How does Kybella work?
  A: Kybella works by breaking down fat cell membranes when injected under the chin, causing the fat cells to rupture and release their contents.
• Q: Can Kybella cause complications with future surgeries?
  A: Yes, Kybella and similar injections can cause scar tissue to form, complicating future cosmetic surgeries like face-lifts.
• Q: Are there alternative treatments for a double chin?
  A: Yes, alternatives include surgical options like liposuction or a surgical face-lift for more permanent and comprehensive results.
• Q: Should I consult a doctor before undergoing Kybella or any cosmetic treatment?
  A: Yes, it is highly recommended to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or a qualified healthcare professional to discuss the potential risks and benefits and determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs and goals.