Kybella

What is Kybella?

Kybella is an injectable treatment for moderate to severe fat below the chin, the area commonly known as a double chin or submental fullness. It is the first and only FDA-approved injectable for this concern in adults. The active ingredient is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When carefully injected beneath the chin, Kybella destroys the fat cells in the treated area. Once those cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat, which is why the improvement is considered lasting and why further treatment is generally not expected once you reach your goal. Submental fullness is common, and for many people it has little to do with weight. It can be inherited, and it often resists diet and exercise. Kybella offers a non-surgical option for sharpening the profile and the line of the jaw without incisions or the recovery of surgery. Treatment is tailored to your anatomy and goals, with the number of sessions planned during your consultation. Dr. Kurtzman is a national Kybella trainer, which means he teaches the technique to other physicians and brings that depth of experience to every treatment he performs.

Ideal Candidates

Kybella can be a good option for adults bothered by fullness under the chin who would prefer to avoid surgery. During your consultation, we evaluate the area, discuss your goals, and confirm that Kybella is the right approach for you:

• Adults bothered or self-conscious about moderate to severe fat below the chin
• Those whose submental fullness persists despite a healthy diet and regular exercise
• Patients who prefer a non-surgical alternative to liposuction or a neck lift
• People with good skin elasticity that can be expected to tighten as fat is reduced
• Patients in good overall health with realistic expectations about gradual results
• Those who can accommodate a series of treatment sessions spaced at least a month apart
• Anyone who wants to refine the profile and jawline without incisions or significant downtime

The Procedure

Kybella is an in-office treatment that takes only a short time per visit. Most patients return to their usual routine the same day. Here is what to expect:

Recovery & Results

Recovery from Kybella is straightforward and most patients have little to no interruption to their daily lives. The most common effects are swelling, bruising, numbness, redness, and areas of firmness under the chin. Swelling is expected and is actually a sign the treatment is working. It often peaks within the first day or two and then gradually settles, with most of it resolving over one to two weeks. Some patients notice mild tenderness or numbness in the area that fades over the following weeks. You can typically return to work and normal activities the same day, though many patients schedule treatments when a few days of visible swelling will not be a concern. As with any injectable near the jaw, there are rare but serious risks, including nerve injury that can cause an uneven smile or trouble swallowing, which is why having an experienced injector matters.

Results develop gradually as the body clears the destroyed fat cells. Many patients begin to notice a difference within several weeks, with continued improvement over the course of the treatment series and for some months after the final session. Because the fat cells in the treated area are destroyed and can no longer store fat, the improvement is considered lasting, and once you reach your goal further Kybella treatment is generally not expected. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve your results over the long term.