Stubborn fullness under the chin can be frustrating, especially when diet and exercise have not changed the area the way you hoped. A double chin can affect how you feel about your profile, photos or video calls, even when you are otherwise happy with your weight.
If submental fat, or fat beneath the chin, is the main cause of the fullness, Kybella may offer a nonsurgical treatment option. This injectable treatment uses deoxycholic acid to destroy targeted fat cells beneath the chin.
At Goodskin Dermatology, our providers can evaluate the area, discuss your concerns and help determine whether Kybella is an appropriate aesthetic treatment for you.
Note: Kybella is one of several injectable treatments available at Goodskin Dermatology. If you are interested in improving your overall facial profile, your provider can also discuss whether treatments such as dermal fillers may complement your goals.
What Is Kybella?
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable containing deoxycholic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body and helps break down dietary fat. It is approved for adults with moderate to severe fullness associated with submental fat .
Kybella is not a weight-loss treatment. Instead, it targets fat cells in the area beneath your chin. It may be an option if you are at or near a stable weight but still have fullness caused by submental fat.
How Kybella Reduces Submental Fat
Kybella works by breaking down the membranes of targeted fat cells. Your body then gradually clears the treated cells over time.
During treatment, a provider places a series of small injections into the submental fat. The injection sites are carefully planned to treat the area while avoiding nearby structures.
Because your body needs time to clear the treated fat cells, results develop gradually rather than appearing right away. Kybella destroys the fat cells treated during the procedure. However, the remaining fat cells can still enlarge with weight gain, so maintaining a stable weight can help you maintain your results.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of Kybella treatments you need depends on the amount and location of submental fat and your treatment goals. Some patients may be satisfied with fewer treatments, while others may benefit from additional sessions.
The FDA-approved treatment schedule allows for up to six treatments, with each session spaced at least one month apart. Your provider will assess your progress and determine whether additional treatment may help you reach your goals.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Kybella is intended for adults with moderate to severe submental fullness caused by fat beneath the chin. However, having a double chin does not automatically mean Kybella is the best treatment for you.
Fullness beneath the chin can have different causes. Your skin quality, overall health and the amount of submental fat all play a role in choosing the right treatment. During a consultation, your provider can examine the area and help determine whether Kybella or another treatment better matches your concerns.
You may be a good candidate for Kybella if you:
- Are an adult with visible fullness beneath the chin
- Have moderate to severe submental fat
- Are at or near a stable weight
- Have realistic expectations for gradual improvement
- Do not have significant loose skin or another concern that may be better addressed with a different treatment
Kybella treats fat, not loose skin. If skin laxity or another concern contributes to fullness beneath the chin, your provider may recommend a different treatment.
Kybella may not be appropriate for everyone. Tell your provider if you:
- Have an active infection near the treatment area
- Have had previous procedures involving your chin or neck
- Have difficulty swallowing
- Have medical conditions or take medications that could affect treatment or healing
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Your provider will review your health history and the treatment area before treatment to help determine whether Kybella is a safe and appropriate option for you.
Your Kybella Treatment at Goodskin
Your Kybella treatment begins with an evaluation of the area beneath your chin. Your provider will assess whether submental fat is the main cause of the fullness and discuss whether Kybella is an appropriate treatment for your concerns and goals.
If Kybella is a good fit, your provider will determine where the injections should be placed to target the submental fat. Kybella is administered through a series of small injections beneath the chin. Your provider will also review aftercare instructions and explain what you can expect as the treated area heals.
The goal is gradual improvement in the appearance of fullness beneath your chin while maintaining a natural-looking profile.
Swelling, Downtime & Recovery
Swelling is one of the most common effects after Kybella treatment. You may also experience:
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Numbness
- Firmness in the treated area
Swelling may be noticeable for several days and can sometimes last longer. Most people can return to their usual activities after treatment, but you may prefer to keep your schedule lighter while swelling and tenderness improve.
Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions and let you know what to expect based on your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kybella Permanent?
Kybella destroys the fat cells treated during the procedure. However, it does not prevent the remaining fat cells from enlarging with weight gain. Maintaining a stable weight can help you maintain your results.
How Long Is Recovery After Kybella?
Swelling is usually the most noticeable part of recovery and may last for several days or longer. Bruising, tenderness, numbness and firmness may also occur. Some people return to their normal activities right away, while others prefer to allow more time for swelling to improve.
How Long Does It Take to See Kybella Results?
Kybella results develop gradually as your body clears the treated fat cells. Your provider can explain what kind of improvement you may expect based on the amount of submental fat being treated and your treatment plan.
Does Kybella Hurt?
Kybella involves multiple small injections into the area beneath the chin. You may experience discomfort during treatment, along with tenderness or sensitivity afterward. Your provider can discuss ways to improve your comfort during the procedure.
Book a Consultation
If you have been frustrated by stubborn fullness beneath your chin, a consultation can help you understand what may be causing it and whether Kybella is the right treatment. One of our board-certified dermatologists can evaluate the area, discuss your goals and explain your options.
Goodskin Dermatology has four convenient locations in Clackamas, Troutdale, Beaverton and Hillsboro. Schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns and find out whether Kybella may be right for you.