Kybella is an injected treatment that targets fat stores below the chin (double chin). It is one of the best available, non-surgical treatments for double chin, and the knowledgeable dermatologists at U.S. Dermatology Partners are proud to offer this minimally invasive cosmetic dermatology option for our patients who are interested in improving the appearance of their jaw and facial structure without undergoing unnecessarily invasive surgical interventions. If you’re interested in learning more about Kybella, please take a few moments to fill out our appointment request form to schedule a consultation. One of our team members at the office nearest you will be in touch to discuss the details of your visit.
Kybella is a colorless, sterile injectable solution made from deoxycholic acid that is used to decrease the appearance of the submental fat, which hangs below the chin and is often referred to colloquially as a “double chin“.
Kybella is administered through a series of injections, this medication targets and destroys fat cells in the chin over time. This leads to a gradual improvement in the appearance of the target area as the medication continues to work for at least a month after the injection. Patients will receive a series of up to six Kybella injections. This treatment is a very effective, minimally invasive solution.
Kybella injections treat the appearance of fat below the chin.
To determine if Kybella is a good treatment option for you, the first step is to contact U.S. Dermatology Partners for a consultation. During this initial session, your dermatologist will go through your medical history and medications. We’ll also complete an examination of the area to ensure there are no additional risk factors we need to consider and that Kybella will provide the treatment results you’re seeking.
Kybella is only recommended for men and women over the age of 18, and it is not recommended if you are pregnant, nursing, or are allergic to deoxycholic acid. You also need to consult with your doctor if you have a history of cosmetic treatments on your neck and face, or if you have a thyroid disorder, difficulty swallowing, or swollen lymph glands in your neck. You should not receive Kybella treatment if you have an infection in the treatment area or you frequently struggle with infections in this area. Our knowledgeable dermatologists can help you find the right treatment even if Kybella isn’t the best option for your specific situation.
People Who Most Benefit from treatment with Kybella include:
Your Kybella treatment visit will involve injecting the deoxycholic acid directly into the skin in the targeted submental fat deposits beneath your chin. You will receive several injections along the jawline and under the chin. Your dermatologist will determine the ideal placement for injections during your consultation appointment.
Successful treatment requires a series of injections administered over the course of several sessions about four to six weeks apart, which includes multiple injections each time. While every treatment plan will be different, most people see the desired results within six sessions. To decrease discomfort during and after your treatment, you may be given a topical numbing medicine and/or an ice pack. Each treatment session will usually be completed in 15 to 30 minutes, so we usually tell patients to plan to be in our office for about an hour from start to finish.
After the injections are administered, the real work of Kybella begins. The active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, begins to destroy the excess fatty tissue. Deoxycholic acid naturally occurs in the body, and its sole purpose is to breakdown and absorb fat cells. When the deoxycholic acid is injected into the fatty tissue, it targets and destroys the submental fat cells. This offers a two-fold positive outcome. First, it removes the existing fat stores, and second, the deoxycholic acid causes the cells to stop storing and accumulating fat. Because deoxycholic acid prevents the accumulation of fat deposits, the majority of patients don’t need additional follow-up treatments once their initial treatment plan is complete, making Kybella an effective long-term solution.
The most common side effects are swelling, bruising, pain, redness, and numbness in the treatment areas. For the most part, these symptoms are mild and will clear up within a week or two of treatment. If side effects of treatment linger, get worse, you develop new symptoms, or you experience any of the following warning signs, it is important to seek immediate medical attention:
Because the active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, completely destroys the submental fat stores and prevents them from accumulating more fatty deposits, the effects of Kybella are permanent. In rare cases, patients may need retreatment after a few years. This can be necessary after weight gain, hormonal fluctuations, or other bodily changes that lead to the development of new submental fatty deposits.
Learn more about how Kybella can help you reduce a double chin and restore a healthier, more attractive appearance by scheduling an appointment today. We have multiple locations throughout the country, so fill out our simple online form to get in touch with us. One of our local team members will reach out to you shortly to answer your questions or schedule an appointment for you to visit us soon.
*Results may vary by individual
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