Kybella vs. CoolSculpting: Differences Explained

Sometimes, neither exercise nor diet can help eliminate a double chin. Luckily, there are two excellent non-surgical solutions can reduce neckline fat, contour the jawline, and produce a well-defined profile with lasting results.

Kybella and CoolSculpting are FDA-approved, minimally invasive treatments that target stubborn neck fat.

This article compares CoolSculpting vs. Kybella to help you make an informed decision about the most suitable solution.

What Is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting or CoolMini is a non-surgical cosmetic solution for fat cell reduction and body contouring. It targets smaller pockets of fat, such as the double chin, with a fat-freezing technique called cryolipolysis (i.e., cold therapy).

The CoolSculpting device freezes fat cells, and after they break down, the body eliminates them.

What is Kybella?

Kybella is an injectable specifically designed to combat the double chin. Its active ingredient is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid that our bodies naturally produce to break down fat cells.

Once injected into the double chin, Kybella dissolves a fat cell membrane and destroys the cell. The dead cells are metabolized, and the body naturally excretes them.

This procedure is also known as injection lipolysis (fat breakdown).

CoolSculpting vs. Kybella: How Do They Differ?

The following table presents the key differences between CoolSculpting and Kybella.

CoolSculpting vs. Kybella Procedure

Both procedures are quick, minimally invasive, and require little to no downtime but use different techniques to reduce submental fat, commonly known as “double chin.”

CoolSculpting

A CoolSculpting applicator is a hand-held vacuum device that freezes and permanently destroys fat cells in various body areas, including the neck.

Note: For more information, refer to our guide to CoolSculpting areas.

The provider places the applicator under the chin, producing a controlled cooling effect that freezes unwanted fat deposits. The lymphatic system metabolizes the frozen fat cells, excreting them as waste in the weeks following the treatment.

The procedure is typically performed in a clinic or a medical spa. The approximate duration of a CoolSculpting treatment is 35 to 60 minutes. When asked whether CoolSculpting hurts, most patients report the sensation as uncomfortable rather than painful.

Note: Discover the differences between CoolSculpting vs. CoolTone.

Kybella

The Kybella procedure involves using one syringe of deoxycholic acid with 20 to 50 shots per treatment, depending on the amount of fat and the desired look.

The provider first numbs the area with a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort. They then administer the injectable in the under-chin area in a grid-like pattern along dots that are one centimeter (1/3 inch) apart.

The treatment takes 15 to 20 minutes. It is considered painless but may produce a slight stinging sensation.

CoolSculpting vs. Kybella Results

Both treatments deliver results that are permanent but not immediately visible. They appear gradually over weeks or months, producing similar chin-slimming effects.

CoolSculpting

Patients usually require one to three sessions one month apart. The first results appear after four to five weeks, and the final ones 12 weeks after the treatment.

CoolSculpting permanently reduces neck fat by 20-25%. The outcome is a strong jawline and an improved angle at which the neck intersects with the jaw.

Kybella

Most patients report moderate fat reduction after two sessions and significant improvement after four sessions. Treatments are a month apart, so the entire process takes at least four months.

Patients with more neck fat deposits may need six treatments for optimal results.

Kybella produces a 10% fat reduction after six weeks and a permanent 25% fat reduction after the full series of treatments. The final result is reduced sag under the chin and an enhanced profile.

Note: Find out how quickly Kybella works and how to maintain results.

CoolSculpting vs. Kybella Side Effects

The treatments usually cause mild to moderate and temporary side effects. You can prevent or minimize most of them by learning how to prepare for CoolSculpting and Kybella.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting patients experience no downtime and can continue with their everyday activities right away. The most common side effects include the following:

• Redness
• Tingling
• Soreness
• Numbness
• Swelling
• Bruising

Rare risks include the following:

• Nerve pain
• Muscle cramping
• Diarrhea
• Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH)

PAH affects less than 1% of patients and involves abnormal fat cell increase instead of an expected decrease after the treatment.

Kybella

Kybella side effects are usually mild to moderate and disappear after several days. In rare cases, they last for up to 30 days.

Patients may experience these side effects at the injection site:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Itching
• Bruising
• Numbness
• Skin sensitivity

The following side effects are less common:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Nausea
• Hypertension
• Nerve injury
• Tissue death (necrosis)
• Infection
• Open sores (ulcers)

CoolSculpting vs. Kybella Aftercare

Adhering to proper aftercare is crucial as it can lessen potential side effects, speed up recovery, and prolong the desired results.

CoolSculpting

The following CoolSculpting aftercare tips will help you get the most out of your treatment:

• Massage the treated area.
• Apply warm compresses.
• Wear a compression garment.
• Wear breathable, lightweight clothes.
• Drink more water.
• Avoid sugary, processed food.
• Avoid alcohol for seven days.
• Stay active with gentle exercises.
• Use OTC painkillers (e.g., Tylenol).

Kybella

Maximize results with the following Kybella aftercare guidelines:

• Refrain from touching, pressing, or rubbing the treated area.
• Avoid NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) to reduce the risk of bruising.
• Sleep on your back with your head elevated.
• Stay hydrated and increase your fluid intake.
• Avoid vigorous exercise.
• Avoid direct sun or heat exposure.
• Avoid using supplements that can increase bleeding or bruising (e.g., niacin, ginkgo biloba, garlic, flax oil, cod liver oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, fatty acids, etc.).
• Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeinated or sugary drinks.
• Stay away from refined carbs, processed, and spicy food.

CoolSculpting vs. Kybella Cost

Vibrant Skin Bar offers both of these fat-reduction treatments at competitive prices. The total cost depends on the number of sessions needed for your specific beauty goals.

CoolSculpting

The cost of CoolSculpting treatments varies depending on the condition of the patient’s double chin and the location of their chosen provider.

Are you looking to book a CoolSculpting treatment in the Phoenix area? At Vibrant Skin Bar, one CoolSculpting cycle costs $900.

Treat yourself or a loved one with a Vibrant Skin Bar CoolSculpting gift card.

Note: Before buying a gift card, consult our team to determine the required number of CoolSculpting treatments.

Kybella

The price of Kybella treatment varies depending on the state of your double chin and the number of treatments.

Looking to get Kybella in the Phoenix area? At Vibrant Skin Bar, one Kybella treatment costs $600.

Treat yourself or a loved one to a Vibrant Skin Bar Kybella gift card.

Note: Before buying a gift card, consult our team to determine the required number of Kybella treatments.

CoolSculpting vs. Kybella: Which One Is Better?

If you can’t get rid of fat bulges under your chin with diet or exercise, you may have a genetic predisposition for sagging jowls that can only be fixed with CoolSculpting or Kybella.

Kybella sessions take less than half an hour and are ideal for busy people. CoolSculpting treatments can last over an hour. Also, when small pockets of fat cannot fit into the CoolSculpting device, Kybella is a better option.

Skip Kybella if you are afraid of needles or would like to resume your daily activities immediately because you may experience temporary bruising or swelling that will require post-treatment downtime.

Consult with a specialist to determine which treatment best suits your goals.

Can You Do Kybella After CoolSculpting?

You can slim down your chin with a Kybella procedure following a CoolSculpting session. CoolSculpting first reduces the overall fat, while Kybella treatments contour the neckline. The result is a more defined jawline.

Your doctor might recommend combining these two jawline contouring treatments based on your needs, recovery speed, and clinical profile.

Since the body needs time to reabsorb dead fat cells after a CoolSculpting session, doctors may suggest waiting for the side effects to fully subside before scheduling another procedure.

Note: Explore the differences between the SculpSure and CoolSculpting fat reduction treatments.

Conclusion

Kybella and CoolSculpting are both FDA-cleared to remove sagging tissue in the chin area and produce a slimmer jawline. These non-surgical, scientifically proven treatments produce similar outcomes using different techniques. Both Kybella and CoolSculpting provide permanent results with mild side effects and minimal downtime.

Our board-certified medical aestheticians at Vibrant Skin Bar can help you choose the best cosmetic treatment based on your needs, preferences, and condition.