Excess fat under the chin ruins photos, makes us self-conscious, and won’t go away with diet and exercise. The Photoshop-savvy can delete the double chin from a photo, but not from mirrors and our perception of how others see us.
Fortunately, the beauty industry has advanced enough to offer just what we need for this part of the body: Kybella.
This article explains Kybella, what to expect from the treatment, and how long the results last.
What Is Kybella?
Kybella is an injectable specifically designed for double chin removal. It is made from a substance called deoxycholic acid that destroys fat cells in this area when injected, contouring the jawline and chin and rejuvenating the area.
Kybella is a safe, non-surgical treatment with little to no downtime – similar to other popular injectables like Botox and fillers. The procedure is FDA-approved for treating submental fullness, or fat under the chin. More than 20 clinical studies with 1,600 patients have proved it works.
How Does Kybella Work?
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body. The compound in Kybella is a synthetic formulation, but it mimics the acid’s natural function: it breaks down and absorbs fats. Once the fat cells targeted with Kybella injection are destroyed and flushed out, they can no longer store new fat in the treated area. To reach optimal results, one should undergo a series of Kybella injections spread out through several weeks.
Kybella Treatment Areas
Kybella is FDA-approved for submental (under-chin) fat. However, medical providers use it in off-label procedures to melt stubborn fat in other areas, including:
- Upper arms
- Elbows
- Knees
- Love handles
- Stomach fat
- Inner thighs
These procedures are safe and effective when performed by experienced medical professionals.
Kybella: The Procedure
You can expect the following during the Kybella treatment:
- The injector first takes baseline photos for your medical chart to document the progression of the results.
- They clean the target area and prepare it for the injections.
- They may apply an ice pack or a topical numbing cream on the treatment area to ease potential pain and discomfort.
- The provider marks the injection spots with a special marker.
- You may receive up to 50 injections per session. If your provider thinks a cannula is more suitable, they insert it in the target area and proceed with the injection through the cannula.
The treatment takes 15–20 minutes. Swelling after injection is common and subsides over 3-7 days. Ice and anti-inflammatory medications are discouraged because swelling usually correlates with a better result. There is little downtime, and you may resume your normal daily activities 24-48 hours after treatment.
Kybella Aftercare
Medical providers advise patients to follow a few precautionary measures to ensure desired results and reduce the risk of side effects.
- Don’t rub, scratch, or apply pressure on the treated area.
- Sleep with an elevated head for 3-5 days to reduce swelling.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid the sun and other sources of heat.
- Avoid alcohol and nicotine.
- Take Tylenol for pain, if needed.
Note: Read our article Kybela Aftercare: 12 Tips to Ensure the Best Results for more details on how to behave after the treatment.
Kybella Side Effects
Common Kybella side effects are mild and include:
- Light to moderate swelling
- Redness in the injection area
- Bruising
- Temporary numbness
- Minor pain
- Firmness in the injection areas
They usually occur after the first treatment and go away within one week.
More severe side effects include:
- Facial muscle weakness
- Crooked smile
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Significant swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips
These side effects rarely occur, but they point to a potential nerve injury or allergic reaction. You need to see a doctor immediately.
Kybella Results
Kybella patients typically notice decreased submental fat four to six weeks after the treatment. Most patients require multiple sessions to achieve the desired effects. Excess fat under the chin is gone after a series of treatments and the skin in this area is smooth and firm.
Note: Learn more about the factors that affect how quickly Kybella works and find out how to speed up the process.
How Long Does Kybella Last?
Kybella provides permanent results, unlike Botox and fillers which require touch-up treatments. The injectable is designed to destroy targeted fat cells for good. However, the treatment can’t eliminate all fat cells that exist in the area. If the patient continues to overeat or is prone to other unhealthy lifestyle habits, the remaining fat cells can expand again and lead to excess under-chin fat.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Kybella?
Most people are suitable candidates for Kybella. They need to be healthy, at least 18 years old, and have a moderate amount of excess neck fat.
Who Should Not Receive Kybella?
Some health conditions and therapies can increase the risk of side effects after the treatment. They include:
- Pregnancy and nursing
- Bleeding problems
- Difficulty swallowing
- Previous neck surgery
- Antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication
During consultation, tell your medical provider about all medications, supplements, and previous cosmetic and surgical treatments to determine if Kybella is a safe option for you.
How Much Does Kybella Cost?
The price of Kybella injections depends on the medical provider’s location, how many treatments are required, and how much product is used in each treatment.
For reference, at Vibrant Skin Bar in Phoenix, Arizona, a vial of Kybella costs $600.00, and people usually need two vials per treatment. Since Kybella is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance.
Kybella FAQ
Potential Kybella patients are most interested in the treatment’s safety and effectiveness. The following information can help you decide if the treatment is right for you.
Is Kybella Safe?
Kybella has been FDA-approved for the treatment of submental fullness since 2015. Side effects may occur but are minimized when the treatment is performed by a certified medical professional.
How Many Kybella Treatments Do I Need?
Patients usually need between two and six sessions with 4-6 weeks between each session. The number of required treatments depends on the amount of submental fat.
How Often Should I Get Kybella?
After the initial series of up to six treatments, patients don’t need any maintenance treatments. The results are permanent.
Can Kybella Work After One Treatment?
Patients with mild excess fat may achieve their goals after one or two treatments. However, most patients require six treatments.
What Are Kybella Alternatives?
CoolSculpting and laser are alternative non-surgical treatments for submental fat. CoolSculpting freezes and permanently destroys fat cells, while laser heats and breaks down fat cells, significantly reducing double chin.
Liposuction is a surgical method of permanently eliminating double chin. It requires general anesthesia and comes with all downsides of surgeries, such as extended recovery period and more aftercare.
Note: Learn how CoolSculpting and liposuction differ and which treatment may offer better results.
Conclusion
Kybella is the only FDA-approved injectable for submental fat. It is a quick, minimally invasive, and safe procedure that can provide permanent results.
Contact our friendly medical team at Vibrant Skin Bar to get a personalized treatment plan for your double chin and enjoy your new look!
