Kybella

What is Kybella Injection Treatment?

Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment used to reduce moderate to severe fat beneath the chin, often called a "double chin." It works by destroying fat cells in the submental area, improving the contour of your jawline and neck.

How Does It Work?

Kybella contains deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps break down dietary fat.
When injected into fat under the chin, it causes the fat cells to rupture and be naturally eliminated by your body.
Treated fat cells are permanently destroyed, but maintaining a stable weight is important to preserve results.
Multiple treatment sessions are usually needed for best contour improvement.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

Avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and similar supplements for 10 days before treatment unless approved by your doctor.
Inform your provider of all medications, supplements, allergies, and medical conditions.
Avoid treatment if you have active infections, sores, rash, or inflammation in the treatment area.
Tell your provider if you have had prior surgery, cosmetic treatment, scarring, swallowing issues, bleeding problems, or anatomy concerns in the neck or chin area.
Plan for visible swelling, bruising, and tenderness after treatment, which may last several days to a few weeks.
Arrive with clean skin and ask questions before treatment if any instruction is unclear.

What to Expect During Treatment

Local anesthetic or numbing cream may be applied for comfort.
Multiple small injections will be administered under the chin.
You may experience sensations such as warmth, tingling, burning, or mild discomfort during injection.
Most treatments last about 15 to 20 minutes.
Swelling, redness, bruising, pain, numbness, or hardness in the treatment area are common and usually temporary.

Post-Treatment Care and Expectations

Apply cold compresses intermittently for the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling and bruising.
Keep your head elevated, especially while sleeping, for 2-3 days.
Swelling can be significant and may interfere with daily activities for a few days.
Bruising, tenderness, firmness, numbness, and swelling may last several days to a few weeks.
Maintain good hydration and follow any skincare routine recommended by your provider.
Contact your provider with severe or worsening symptoms.

What to Avoid

Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 48 hours after treatment.
Avoid alcohol and excessive sun exposure for at least 48 hours post-treatment.
Do not massage or apply pressure to the treated area unless instructed by your provider.
Avoid heat, saunas, hot tubs, and activities that increase swelling for the first 48 hours or as directed.
Avoid dental work, facial massage, or additional treatments in the area until cleared by your provider.
Avoid weight fluctuations when possible, as remaining fat cells can enlarge with weight gain.

Skin Care

Keep the treated area clean and avoid applying makeup over injection sites until the skin is closed and calm or as directed.
Use gentle cleanser and moisturizer if needed.
Avoid harsh exfoliants, retinoids, acids, scrubs, and irritating products on the treated area until tenderness and swelling improve.
Apply sunscreen daily to the neck and chin area when exposed to sun.
Do not pick at injection sites or irritated areas.

Additional Recommendations

Plan treatment at least several weeks before important events due to swelling and bruising.
Use cold compresses intermittently as recommended for the first 24-48 hours.
Sleep with your head elevated for 2-3 days if swelling is present.
Maintain stable weight through diet and exercise to prolong results.
Attend follow-up visits to assess response and determine whether additional sessions are needed.

Integrative Therapy Options

Lymphatic Drainage / Ballancer Pro Platinum may be discussed only after your provider determines it is appropriate and the treatment area is ready; do not massage the area unless cleared.
SkinTyte or other skin-tightening options may be discussed if skin laxity is present after swelling resolves.
Medical weight loss may be discussed if overall weight management is part of your contouring goals.
A Haus Ritual Facial or Hydrafacial may be recommended for facial skin maintenance away from the immediate injection recovery window.
Pharmaceutical-grade skincare and sunscreen may be recommended to support overall skin quality.

Risks and Possible Side Effects

While Kybella is generally well tolerated when performed by qualified providers, side effects may include but are not limited to:

Swelling, redness, bruising, pain, numbness, hardness, tenderness, warmth, or firmness in the treatment area.
Bruising and swelling that can be significant enough to interfere with daily activities for a few days.
Nerve injury that may cause temporary weakness or uneven smile; this usually resolves but may require follow-up.
Difficulty swallowing, which is rare and usually temporary; notify your provider immediately if it occurs.
Skin ulceration, sores, erosions, infection, tissue injury, or scarring, rarely.
Alopecia or hair loss in the treatment area, which may be permanent, especially in beard areas.
Allergic reactions, rarely.

Results vary individually and cannot be guaranteed.

When to Contact Your Provider

Please call our office if you experience:

Severe swelling or pain unrelieved by provider-approved medication.
Signs of infection such as spreading redness, warmth, fever, pus, drainage, or worsening tenderness.
Difficulty swallowing, choking, or new throat discomfort after treatment.
New or worsening facial weakness, uneven smile, or asymmetry.
Skin ulceration, open sores, blistering, or discoloration in the treatment area.
Any other unusual or concerning symptoms.

Seek Immediate or Emergency Care If

You experience difficulty breathing, throat tightness, chest pain, or severe difficulty swallowing.
You develop swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, face, or eyes.
You experience severe hives, dizziness, fainting, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
You develop rapidly worsening pain, spreading redness, fever, skin breakdown, or symptoms that feel urgent.

Follow-Up Care

Multiple treatment sessions, usually 2 to 6, are typically needed for optimal results.
Sessions are spaced at least one month apart or as recommended by your provider.
Please schedule your follow-up appointment so your provider can evaluate swelling, healing, and treatment response.
Maintaining a stable and healthy weight helps prolong results because remaining fat cells can enlarge with weight gain.
Discuss additional Kybella sessions, skin-tightening options, or alternative treatments such as liposuction or surgical neck lift if appropriate.

FAQ

Q: How many sessions will I need?

A: Multiple treatment sessions, usually 2 to 6, are typically needed for optimal results. Sessions are spaced at least one month apart.

Q: Is swelling normal?

A: Yes. Swelling, bruising, numbness, tenderness, and firmness are common and may last several days to a few weeks.

Q: Are results permanent?

A: Kybella permanently destroys treated fat cells, but remaining fat cells can grow if you gain weight. Maintaining a stable weight is important.

Q: Who is a good candidate?

A: Adults bothered by moderate to severe fullness under the chin or other areas as prescribed, and patients with good skin elasticity may be candidates. It is not recommended for severe skin laxity.

Q: Are results guaranteed?

A: No. Results vary by anatomy, treatment plan, healing response, and lifestyle factors.

Summary

Kybella can be a helpful non-surgical treatment option for appropriate candidates with moderate to severe fullness under the chin, realistic expectations, and appropriate aftercare.

If you have any questions or concerns before or after your treatment, please contact our office.