Kybella®
What is Kybella?
Kybella® is an FDA-approved injectable treatment designed to permanently reduce submental fat, commonly known as a double chin. Using deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body, Kybella breaks down and dissolves fat cells, which are then eliminated through the body’s natural metabolic process. Unlike liposuction or surgical fat removal, Kybella offers a non-invasive, non-surgical solution for contouring the jawline and defining the chin, with minimal downtime and permanent results. At Natural Image Skin Center, we offer Kybella as an effective treatment to help you achieve a more defined, youthful-looking jawline.
The Benefits of Kybella
- Non-surgical fat reduction: No incisions or anesthesia required.
- Permanent results: Once fat cells are destroyed, they do not return.
- Customizable treatment: Tailored to each patient’s unique fat distribution.
- Quick procedure: Treatments take 15-30 minutes with no significant downtime.
- Improved jawline contour: Creates a slimmer, more defined profile.
Kybella is an ideal solution for those seeking a contoured, sculpted chin without undergoing surgery.
Who Is a Candidate for Kybella?
Kybella is suitable for adults who:
- Struggle with excess fat under the chin (double chin).
- Want a non-surgical alternative to liposuction.
- Have good skin elasticity, allowing the skin to retract after fat reduction.
- Are close to their ideal weight, but have stubborn submental fat that won’t go away.
- Prefer a gradual improvement over multiple sessions.
Kybella is not recommended for individuals with loose, sagging skin or those with an active infection in the treatment area. A consultation will determine if Kybella is the best option based on your skin type, fat distribution, and desired results.
The Kybella Procedure - What to Expect
- Consultation & Evaluation: A provider assesses the amount of submental fat and discusses treatment goals.
- Marking the Treatment Area: A grid-like pattern is drawn under the chin to ensure precise placement of the injections.
- Numbing & Preparation: A topical numbing agent or ice pack may be used to minimize discomfort.
- Kybella Injections: The solution is injected into multiple points under the chin, targeting fat cells directly.
- Post-Treatment Care: Patients may experience mild swelling, redness, or tenderness, which subsides within a few days.
Each session takes about 15-30 minutes, and multiple treatments may be required for optimal results.
Recovery & Downtime
Kybella has minimal downtime, but swelling and tenderness are common as the body begins breaking down fat. Most patients can return to normal activities within 24-48 hours, though some swelling may persist for up to a week.
Common Side Effects:
- Swelling and mild tenderness (most noticeable after the first treatment).
- Redness or numbness in the treated area.
- Temporary firmness or slight bruising, which resolves within a few days.
- Swelling peaks within the first 48 hours and gradually subsides as the fat dissolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Once Kybella destroys fat cells, they do not regenerate, making results permanent as long as weight remains stable.
Visible improvement can be seen after 2-3 treatments, with full results appearing within 8-12 weeks after the final session. Since Kybella permanently destroys fat cells, results are long-lasting, provided the patient maintains a stable weight.
Swelling peaks in 48 hours and gradually subsides over 1-2 weeks. Swelling tends to be more noticeable after the first session.
Currently, Kybella is FDA-approved for submental fat (under the chin). However, some providers may use it off-label for small fat pockets in areas like the jowls, bra fat, or abdomen.
Most patients require 2-4 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, to achieve their desired jawline contour. Some may need up to 6 treatments, depending on the amount of submental fat.