Kybella: Say Goodbye to Double Chin Without Surgery!

April 10, 2025

Kybella is an FDA-approved non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure that targets the double chin (Submental fat) by using deoxycholic acid injections. It helps in getting rid of the chin fat permanently. While this procedure has minimal serious side effects, the risks are still there. Common side effects include redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, it can also lead to nerve damage and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). You can resume light physical activity within 24 hours of the treatment. However, swelling and bruising might take weeks to subside completely.

What is Kybella Treatment?

Kybella is a technique used to target the fat beneath the chin. It is an injectable procedure that uses a series of injections to target the fat cells beneath the chin. Kybella is the commercial name for synthetic deoxycholic acid. a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps absorb and break down dietary fat molecules. When injected into the submental fat, deoxycholic acid disrupts fat cells, preventing them from storing fat in the future.

Over time, the body naturally processes and eliminates the damaged fat cells, leading to a noticeable reduction in fullness beneath the chin. Since Kybella permanently destroys fat cells, retreatment is typically not needed once the desired results are achieved. However, multiple sessions (typically two to six) may be required for optimal results. Unlike surgical procedures, Kybella does not require incisions, making it a less invasive alternative for chin contouring.¹

Kybella – Injectable treatment for chin fat

Candidates for Kybella

The best age to get Kybella is after 18 years of age when you have moderate to severe fat beneath your chin. Any person who is planning to have facial surgery has a history of facial surgery, is obese or pregnant, has trouble swallowing, or has an infection near the site of injection should avoid Kybella.

Preparing for Kybella

Medical History:

Before getting Kybella, it is necessary to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider to make sure it is safe for you. Discuss your medical history and any procedures or surgeries done near your face. Tell your medical practitioner about any bleeding or swallowing problems you have.

Pregnant & Nursing Mothers:

The effect of Kybella on pregnancy and nursing females is not completely understood. The research is ongoing. Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or nursing and if you are planning on a pregnancy shortly. Do not plan the session close to a wedding or big event.²
It is better to avoid harsh scrubs, retinoid compounds, and bleaching creams on your face 2 days before and 2 days after treatment. Kybella is a non-surgical procedure, so it requires little to no preparations in advance. Just make sure you book your appointment well ahead of time.

Precautions before Kybella:

Wash your face properly before the appointment and avoid taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen to prevent bruising after the procedure. Avoid alcohol intake for 24-48 hours before the appointment, as it thins the blood and can cause bruising. Shave the beard before treatment and eat to prevent lightheadedness. Kybella is FDA-approved in the submental area only.³

Procedure of Kybella

Kybella is a relatively quick procedure that typically takes less than 30 minutes. During the treatment, your practitioner will numb the area with either local anesthesia or a topical numbing agent. Then, they will administer a series of injections—usually up to 50—in the submental area (under the chin). Each treatment session typically uses up to 10 mL of Kybella, with each injection being 0.2 mL spaced 1 cm apart.
The number of injections depends on the amount of fat in the area being treated. While Kybella is generally well-tolerated, it can cause a slight burning sensation during the procedure. Typically, two to four sessions are required to achieve noticeable results, though the number of treatments may vary depending on the individual’s needs. Once the desired results are achieved, additional sessions may no longer be necessary.

Doctor injecting Deoxycholic acid to a girl in the double chin

Kybella Recovery & Aftercare

The recovery process following Kybella is relatively simple, and most people can resume their regular activities immediately after the procedure. However, some individuals prefer to stay at home until the swelling reduces, while others choose to use a scarf to cover the treated area. The aftercare is minimal. Your doctor may prescribe you a compression garment to help with swelling. The aftercare of Kybella includes the following:⁴

Avoid spicy foods, as they can exacerbate swelling.
Refrain from heat exposure (including hot showers) for 24 hours.
Avoid heavy exercise for 1-2 days, as it can worsen swelling.
Take pain medications only on the prescription.
Do not massage the treated area, as this can cause irritation and discomfort.
Sleep on your back and raise your head while sleeping.
Rest for a few days to allow for proper healing.

Results become visible 6-8 weeks after the procedure maximum results in 12 weeks.

Side Effects of Kybella

Kybella can cause the following side effects:

Inflammation
Swelling
Bruising
Infection
Pain
Redness
Temporary numbness in the chin
Harness around the site of injection
Nausea
Headache
Itching

Swelling and itching are the normal responses to the procedure and take a few days to go away.⁵

Serious Side Effects of Kybella:

While rare, there are more serious side effects that can occur, including:

Dysphagia – Difficulty swallowing⁶
Temporary or permanent loss of beard hair
Nerve injury affecting the jaw, leading to an uneven smile⁷
Infection or Open sores at injection sites

Is Kybella Permanent?

Deoxycholic Acid destroys the fat cells in the chin area permanently. Once these fat cells are eliminated, they cannot accumulate fat again, which means the results are generally permanent. However, it’s important to note that if you gain significant weight after the treatment, you may still accumulate fat in the chin area, as the remaining fat cells can expand.⁸

Is Kybella Safe?

Kybella is generally considered a safe procedure, with minimal aftereffects and a smooth healing process for most patients. The typical side effects—such as swelling, bruising, and redness—usually resolve within 24-48 hours. Serious side effects like nerve injury or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) are rare but can occur, and they require prompt medical attention.

Kybella vs. CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate fat cells. This procedure is called Cryolipolysis.⁹ Coolsculpting can be used in other parts of the body in addition to the chin.
Kybella, on the other hand, is specifically designed for smaller areas of fat, such as the submental (under-chin) area, and is injected directly into the fat. It works by destroying fat cells, providing permanent results in the treated area. While both treatments are FDA-approved and effective, CoolSculpting can treat larger areas of fat (e.g., lateral neck fat) and may have fewer side effects, as it is non-invasive.

Take Away

In conclusion, Kybella offers an effective, non-surgical solution for reducing submental fat and improving the appearance of a double chin. It has the ability to permanently destroy the fat cells and is generally safe. However, it’s important to understand the potential side effects and consult with a healthcare provider to determine if Kybella is the right option for you.

Refrences

1
Liu, M., Chesnut, C., & Lask, G. (2019). Overview of Kybella (Deoxycholic Acid Injection) as a Fat Resorption Product for Submental Fat. Facial plastic surgery: FPS, 35(3), 274–277. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-1688943
2
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Kybella (deoxycholic acid) injection, for submental fat. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/206333s002s003lbl.pdf
3
Drugs.com. (2015, April 29). FDA approves Kybella (deoxycholic acid) to treat submental fullness, or ‘double chin’. https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/fda-approves-kybella-deoxycholic-acid-submental-fullness-double-chin-4207.html
4
Shamban, Ava T. “Noninvasive Submental Fat Compartment Treatment.” Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open vol. 4,12 Suppl Anatomy and Safety in Cosmetic Medicine: Cosmetic Bootcamp e1155. 14 Dec. 2016, doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001155
5
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 Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2021 Mar;14(3):383-397. doi: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1884070. Epub 2021 Feb 13. PMID: 33523775.
6
Teller, Craig F et al. “Best Clinical Practices with ATX-101 for Submental Fat Reduction: Patient-related Factors and Physician Considerations.” Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open vol. 9,7 e3668. 12 Jul. 2021, doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000003668
7
Chi, David et al. “71. Peripheral Nerve Injury After Deoxycholic Acid (Kybella) Injection.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open vol. 12, Suppl 48. 19 Apr. 2024, doi:10.1097/01.GOX.0001015376.43935.b3
8
Deeks E. D. (2016). Deoxycholic Acid: A Review in Submental Fat Contouring. American journal of clinical dermatology, 17(6), 701–707. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-016-0231-3
9
Ingargiola, M. J., Motakef, S., Chung, M. T., Vasconez, H. C., & Sasaki, G. H. (2015). Cryolipolysis for fat reduction and body contouring: safety and efficacy of current treatment paradigms. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 135(6), 1581–1590. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000001236

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