Double Chin Reduction: Will CoolMini or Kybella^® Work Better for You?

The dreaded double chin is not necessarily due to excess fat. One dermatologic survey estimated that up to 70% of the U.S. population sports a double chin. It’s no wonder, then, that tactics to reduce or eliminate this pocket of “submental” fat get plenty of attention. 

While some may consider following the advice of “facercise” experts – who suggest you spend 10 minutes a day slapping your chin with the back of your hand – there are other, far more reliable, and less wacky methods of relieving yourself of your double chin. 

Two of the most popular techniques plastic surgeons use to give their patients a toned, shapely, non-amphibian-like neck are Kybella^® injections or CoolMini. Both procedures are non-surgical, FDA-approved for fat removal, and treatments last less than an hour. But what are the differences between the two techniques, and how do you know which is better for you?

What Is the Difference Between CoolMini and Kybella^®?

 Although CoolMini and Kybella^® both serve to remove fat from under the chin non-surgically, they are very different techniques. The popularity of non-surgical fat reduction techniques is growing, and procedures such as CoolMini and Kybella^® have become the third most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States.

CoolMini 

CoolMini refers to a clinical device your doctor applies under your chin. This device performs cryolipolysis, or fat freezing. Supercooling your skin freezes fat cells in the targeted area. Later, the body will eventually eliminate the dead cells.  

When your doctor applies the CoolMini device to your chin, it will permanently cool around 25% of the fat cells in the area.  

You will initially feel a cold sensation during the treatment, but after your skin numbs, you won’t feel anything. During treatment, you can read a book, watch a movie, or use your computer, and after approximately one hour of the device being on your chin, your doctor will massage the targeted area for a few minutes.  

There is no need for anesthesia or pain medication with the CoolMini, and after you finish treatment, you can resume your day as usual. On the other hand, as Kybella^® requires multiple injections, doctors will administer a local anesthetic before the procedure.

Kybella^®

Kybella^® is an injectable treatment that literally burns away fat. The primary ingredient in Kybella^® is deoxycholic acid, which breaks down dietary fat in your digestive tract. Once injected into the desired area, Kybella^® destroys fat cells.  

In a single session, your doctor may administer up to 50 injections, taking care to place each needle in a targeted area to maximize effectiveness. Each session takes roughly 20 minutes, but to see ideal results, patients may require up to six separate sessions over two months.

How Do I Choose Between CoolMini and Kybella^® to Eliminate My Double Chin?

The amount of fat tissue under your chin is one of the primary factors you must consider when choosing either Kybella^® or CoolMini. 

Kybella^® is more useful for patients who have medium to large double chins. Results take around two months to reveal themselves fully, but Kybella^® does remove significant amounts of fat cells. CoolMini, on the other hand, is more suited for candidates who are closer to their ideal weight and require more tone and skin tightening in the area.  

CoolMini usually only takes a single session to achieve the desired results. It normally takes a series of Kybella^® treatments to obtain the best results, and because of that, you need to consider the amount of time you have to spare when weighing the pros and cons of Kybella^® and CoolMini.

Ultimately, both Kybella^® and CoolMini procedures help patients move away from their turtlenecks and wear more flattering clothing. The severity of the double chin and scheduling are two primary factors in determining the appropriateness of each procedure for you.  

At Etre Cosmetic Dermatology & Laser Center in New Orleans, Dr. Lisa Donofrio and Dr. Kyle Coleman offer the highest standards of expertise available. Both doctors have been involved in clinical trials for treatments such as CoolMini and BOTOX^®. As president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Donofrio is one of the most esteemed individuals in the industry.

To get our advice on which chin-reduction procedure best suits your needs, please don’t hesitate to call our New Orleans clinic at 504-227-3873, or fill out our convenient online contact form to arrange your consultation. We look forward to assisting you.