Kybella

Liposuction is a procedure that involves using a blunt-tipped cannula to remove fat from a layer that is just below the skin. This is commonly performed in the submental area to treat a “double chin” as an alternative to Kybella. Submental liposuction is usually able to achieve adequate results with a single treatment, but does require creating a small (<1 cm) incision in the natural crease underneath the chin. On the other hand, Kybella does not require any incisions, but does typically require more than one treatment.

The most common risks associated with Kybella are the risks of swelling, bruising, discomfort, redness, or numbness. These symptoms may last for a couple of days after treatment but are usually temporary. More significant risks can include injury to one of the nerves that affects muscle movement around the mouth, difficulty with swallowing, or tissue damage in the area of injections, but these are very rare. In general, Kybella is a safe, non-surgical treatment option for submental fullness with minimal risks.

Most patients who have fullness in the submental region under the chin will see noticeable improvement after a series of treatments with Kybella. The number of treatments required to achieve a desired outcome is different for each patient, and this is something that will be discussed during your consultation.

If you have fullness in the submental area underneath the chin that is bothersome to you, particularly if this remains full despite a healthy diet and exercise with an otherwise stable weight, Kybella may be an option for you. Each patient is unique. Many patients are excellent candidates for Kybella but may also be better candidates for other treatments as well. Our expert injectors will go over your options and what's best for you.

Kybella is injected through a very small needle directly into the fatty tissue under the chin to reduce the double chin. The treatments are usually performed with the assistance of a small amount of numbing medication for patient comfort, and can be performed in the office in just a few minutes. A series of treatments (at least 2) is recommended for most patients.

Kybella injections are not usually particularly painful. A very small needle is used for injection, and numbing medication is often used during the procedure to assist with patient comfort. Some patients may experience some mild soreness following the treatment, but this typically resolves within a few days.

In the time period immediately following Kybella injections, most patients will experience some swelling that may take a few days to resolve. After that, results will slowly begin to become evident as the fat dissolves, and the results of any given treatment should be fully visible about 4-6 weeks after injection. For this reason, if you decide to undergo a series of Kybella injections, these are usually spaced at least 4-6 weeks apart, and your final results will not be fully apparent until 4-6 weeks after your final treatment.

After each treatment, patients can expect some swelling and occasionally some mild discomfort and bruising for a few days. There may also be some numbness and tingling of the area that is usually temporary. Most patients are able to go back to work within a day or two if they are able to tolerate some mild swelling of the submental area.