Kybella

Kybella (KYBELLA®) is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for adults that destroys fat cells under the chin to improve your profile, whether you have a moderate amount of chin fullness or far more than you would like. Kybella may be right for you if you are bothered by fat under the chin, also known as submental fullness. If you eat well and exercise regularly but are still burdened with submental fullness or a “double chin,” then Kybella can help you achieve the results you want to see without surgery.

If you would like to explore the benefits of a Kybella treatment and learn more about your options, then schedule a consultation with one of our expert providers at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery. We are one of San Diego’s leading cosmetic facilities, and we can help you achieve your ideal body through customized procedures focused on your satisfaction. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule your appointment over the phone, please call our office at (858) 455-7557.

About Kybella

Kybella is a revolutionary injectable treatment that helps reduce submental fullness, commonly known as a “double chin.” This innovative treatment contains deoxycholic acid, a substance naturally produced by the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. Kybella is FDA-approved specifically for the improvement of your chin profile through non-surgical fat removal, allowing individuals to achieve a more contoured facial appearance without the need for invasive surgery. ⁽¹⁾

Many people struggle with stubborn fat deposits below the chin. Genetics, aging, and weight fluctuations can all contribute to submental fullness, leading to feelings of self-consciousness regarding one’s profile. Historically, the only solutions for addressing a double chin involved surgical procedures, such as liposuction or neck lifts. However, clinical trials have demonstrated that deoxycholic acid, when injected into fat tissue, effectively dissolves fat cells. ⁽¹⁾ Kybella has become increasingly popular as a treatment option with millions of injections administered worldwide.

Benefits

Kybella offers numerous benefits to individuals seeking a non-surgical solution for double chin reduction. When patients receive treatment at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery, we help them improve their appearance through:

Candidates

Ideal candidates for Kybella treatment are adults who have moderate to severe submental fullness and are looking to sculpt the area under the chin. Candidates should be in good overall health and not have any underlying conditions or allergies to medications that could interfere with treatment. Patients who smoke should be willing to refrain during their treatment period and recovery. Candidates should also have a proven record of regular exercise and healthy diet habits, as some cases of submental fullness can be reduced through traditional weight loss.

Personal Consultation

A personal consultation with one of the providers at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery is the first step in your Kybella treatment. This appointment will determine if Kybella is right for your chin reduction goals, or if another procedure will be more beneficial. Our team will also evaluate your medical history, discuss your objectives, and assess the areas targeted for treatment. By examining the fat distribution under your chin and considering factors such as skin elasticity and overall facial contours, we can create a personalized injection plan that will deliver optimal, satisfactory results. Most patients will receive their first Kybella injections immediately after this initial consultation.

Preparation

Because Kybella is an injectable, non-surgical treatment, less preparation is required than its surgical double chin reduction counterparts. You may be required to avoid blood-thinning medications and substances like aspirin and alcohol. We recommend drinking plenty of water before the procedure to keep your skin healthy. Please discuss any allergies or sensitivities you may have with your provider before your treatment. ⁽¹⁾

Procedure

The active ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. ⁽²⁾ When injected into the fat beneath the chin, Kybella destroys fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin. Once destroyed, these cells will be naturally absorbed by the body. Because fat cells cannot return after they are removed, patients will oftentimes not require further treatments after they have reached their aesthetic goals.

Before starting treatment, your healthcare specialist will examine the area under and around your chin to determine if Kybella is right for you. Then, your specialist will tailor your treatment to the amount of fat under the chin and your aesthetic goals. Treatment can only be administered by a trained injector. At each treatment, you will receive multiple small injections under your chin, and the injection process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Since everyone’s chin profile is different, the number of treatments varies from patient to patient. ⁽¹⁾ Your healthcare specialist will help determine how many treatment sessions you need based on the amount and distribution of your submental fat and your personal treatment goal. Each treatment session is given 1 month apart, and you should not receive more than 6 treatments.

Recovery

After treatment, you will likely have some swelling, bruising, or numbness under your chin. These can be mitigated with cold compresses, light walks, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, and more, and typically resolve in no more than 2 weeks. Unlike surgical procedures, you will not have to avoid chewing or sticking to a liquid diet during your recovery, but it may be recommended to consume softer foods for the first few days. Overall, most individuals can return to their daily routines immediately after treatment. However, it is recommended to avoid intense exercise for the next few days to not disrupt the injection site.

Results

​​Patients can anticipate seeing visible improvements in the definition of their jawline within a few weeks post-treatment as Kybella gradually breaks down fat cells. Optimal results may take up to three to four months to manifest fully, depending on the individual and the number of sessions received. Kybella destroys fat cells, but your body can store new fat at your chin, so it is important to practice a healthy lifestyle to maintain your newly sculpted profile. ⁽³⁾

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

While Kybella can produce impressive results, some patients may require surgical corrections for their chin. Chin reshaping surgery, also known as mentoplasty, is a commonly performed procedure at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery. In these procedures, the chin is reshaped with either implant placement or bone reduction. These procedures can also reduce the presence of a double chin by removing fat and excess skin and by tightening facial muscles. Chin surgery helps patients achieve proportional, balanced chins that enhance their image. In male patients, chins are sculpted to have a prominent projection and enhance a sharp jawline. In female patients, chins are typically reduced to have a delicate, feminine look.

Cost of Kybella in San Diego

The cost of Kybella treatments can vary widely based on the number of sessions required and the extent of submental fullness being addressed. When you meet with your provider to discuss your chin reduction goals, you will receive an accurate cost estimate that reflects all necessary expenses in your personalized procedure. Alexander Cosmetic Surgery also offers financing options for all of our services. If you have any questions about arranging this, or any questions regarding payments, prices, procedures, or more, please call our San Diego office at (858) 455-7557 and speak with one of our experts.

FAQ

References

1. Deeks ED. Deoxycholic Acid: A Review in Submental Fat Contouring. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2016;17(6):701-707. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-016-0231-3
2. PubChem. Deoxycholic acid. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Deoxycholic-acid
3. Cunha KS, Lima F, Cardoso RM. Efficacy and safety of injectable deoxycholic acid for submental fat reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology. 2021;14(3):383-397. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/17512433.2021.1884070