Many people have the non-threatening “buddy-chin,” more commonly known as the double chin.
Although having a double chin isn’t a problem for one’s health, the Food and Drug Administration found it to be a big enough issue to find a solution to get rid of it, according to the LA Times.
7 in 10 Americans reportedly say they have the double chin problem, and now there is an injectable substance called deoxycholic acid, which will be marketed as Kybella, that can be used as a treatment that will take care of the “moderate-to-severe fat below the chin.”
“I think this is just another tool that we’ll have, but it isn’t going to be a panacea for all double chins,” explained plastic surgeon Dr. Leo McCafferty.
The synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which is a chemical that is naturally produced by the body to help it absorb fat, will destroy fat cells by breaking down the cell membrane, according to CBS News. Once the cells dissolve, the body will “absorb them and metabolize them,” according to medical contributor Dr. Holly Phillips.
Although the treatment may be tempting for those who have a double chin, the process may be quite extensive. A full course of treatments could reportedly last for six months and involves multiple injections each month, even as many as 50 injections in one sitting.
“It’s not for the faint of heart,” explained Phillips.
Even though the process is long, it may be worth it. Researchers reportedly believe that because the fat cells are actually destroyed with the use of these injections, the results will be long-lasting or permanent.
Patients reportedly saw changes in their chins last for at least two years, according to previous studies. This new solution may cater to the needs of the new generation of people looking to get work done.
“The trend has been finding things that are non-invasive, with little to no risk, little to no down time, that can make an improvement,” stated McCafferty.
