What Is Kybella and How Does It Reduce Double Chin?

Introduction

Kybella® offers an innovative injectable solution targeting submental fat, or the “double chin” area. The treatment employs a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid to dissolve fat cells, resulting in enhanced jawline definition and a slimmer profile. Primarily designed for the chin area, Kybella is also explored by some providers for off-label uses, such as targeting small pockets of fat on the stomach, offering a versatile solution with costs that vary based on the treatment area and number of sessions needed.

How Does Kybella Work?

Kybella harnesses a lab-created version of deoxycholic acid, a substance naturally present in our bodies that helps process dietary fat. When administered beneath the chin, it eliminates fat cells, preventing future fat storage in the treated area. The body then naturally removes these destroyed cells, gradually revealing a more defined chin contour.

The Kybella Treatment Process

Here is a thorough rundown of what to anticipate from the Kybella therapy procedure:

Consultation: The treatment starts with a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider, usually a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. During this consultation, the provider will assess the area under your chin to determine if Kybella is the right treatment for you. The provider will discuss aesthetic goals, medical history, and procedure questions, creating a personalized Kybella treatment plan with expected sessions and outcomes.
Preparation: To lessen the chance of infection, the treatment region will be meticulously cleaned before the injections. To improve your comfort during the treatment, certain healthcare professionals might use a local anesthetic or use a topical numbing medication. A temporary grid of small dots may also be marked on the skin to guide the precise placement of the injections.
Injections: Several microscopic injections are given into the fat under the chin as part of the Kybella injection procedure. The amount of fat already there and the intended degree of reduction will determine the precise number of injections needed. Typically, a single session involves 20-50 injections, with the entire process taking 15-20 minutes to complete, varying from patient to patient.
Post-Treatment Care: After the injections, the treated area may exhibit some swelling, bruising, redness, or numbness—these are common side effects and generally subside within a few days to a week. Your provider will offer tailored aftercare guidelines, potentially including cold compress application and temporary avoidance of strenuous activities. Kybella’s minimal downtime allows most patients to resume their regular routines immediately, making it an attractive choice for those with demanding schedules.
Follow-Up and Additional Sessions: Kybella treatments are typically spaced about a month apart. Most patients require 2 to 4 sessions to achieve optimal results, with up to 6 sessions being necessary in some cases. Your provider will monitor your progress and determine if additional treatments are needed based on your response to the injections.
Results: Kybella’s effects are gradual, as the body gradually eliminates fat cells, leading to a reduction in fullness under the chin. It may take several weeks to see significant changes, and the full results usually appear after completing the recommended series of treatments. Since the fat cells are destroyed permanently, the effects usually remain for a long time after the desired result is obtained.

Kybella Before and After: What to Expect

Before undergoing Kybella, you’ll have a consultation with a healthcare professional who will evaluate your chin area and discuss your goals to determine if the treatment is suitable for you. The provider will then create a personalized plan tailored to your needs. During the treatment, multiple small injections are administered into the fat beneath your chin, with the procedure being relatively quick but potentially causing mild discomfort.

After the procedure, you might experience temporary side effects like swelling, bruising, or numbness, which typically diminish within a few days. In the weeks that follow, you’ll start to see a gradual reduction in chin fullness as your body naturally processes and removes the treated fat cells. Many patients observe noticeable improvements after a few sessions, with results that reveal a more defined jawline, which can be maintained long-term with a stable weight.

Kybella for Other Areas: Belly Fat and Stomach

Kybella is renowned for its effectiveness in reducing double chin, and some providers also successfully use it for off-label treatments targeting small pockets of fat in areas like the belly or stomach. While Kybella is FDA-approved specifically for under the chin, exploring its potential in other areas can be beneficial with proper guidance. A detailed consultation with a healthcare provider ensures you fully understand the benefits and considerations of off-label use, helping you make an informed decision.

Kybella Cost: Understanding the Investment

Kybella pricing reflects the customized nature of the treatment, taking into account factors like provider expertise and the number of sessions tailored to your specific goals. With prices that vary to meet different geographic locations and individual requirements, this customized approach guarantees that you receive the best care for your particular needs. On average, a single Kybella treatment session typically costs between $1,200 and $1,800, with most patients requiring 2 to 4 sessions—potentially up to 6—resulting in a total cost ranging from $2,400 to $10,800, so consulting with a provider for a personalized estimate is essential.

If you’re considering Kybella for treating belly fat or the stomach, it’s important to note that the cost may be higher due to the larger treatment area, and additional sessions might be needed. Having a thorough consultation with your provider is essential to gain a clear understanding of the potential costs involved. This personalized discussion will help you achieve the best possible results tailored to your needs.

Is Kybella Right for You?

Kybella is an excellent option for those seeking a non-surgical way to reduce a double chin, especially for individuals with stubborn fat deposits who don’t respond to diet and exercise and are close to their ideal weight. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with significant skin laxity, larger fat areas, or certain health conditions. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare provider is crucial to determine if Kybella is the best option for you.

Conclusion

Kybella offers a non-surgical, effective solution for reducing submental fat and enhancing facial contours, making it essential to understand the treatment process and costs. At MD Beauty Spa, we offer Kybella, the only FDA-approved non-surgical injectable that uses naturally occurring deoxycholic acid to safely and effectively remove excess submental fat for a more youthful, defined chin. Unveil a more sculpted and confident you with Kybella, the non-surgical solution to eliminate stubborn double chin fat.