Kybella
Kybella in Chicago, IL
Submental fullness, more commonly known as a double chin, is one of the most common aesthetic concerns among our patients, and one that can be remarkably resistant to diet and exercise. Kybella offers a targeted, permanent solution without surgery or general anesthesia. At Therahaus Wellness Medspa in South Loop, Chicago, our expert injectors use Kybella to help patients achieve a more defined, contoured jawline and renewed confidence in their profile.
Kybella (deoxycholic acid) is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment specifically designed to reduce submental fat. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, it permanently disrupts the fat cell membranes, causing the cells to break down and be naturally cleared by the body's lymphatic system. Once destroyed, those fat cells cannot store or accumulate fat again, meaning results are permanent as long as a stable weight is maintained.
How Kybella Works
Kybella's active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, works by disrupting the structural integrity of fat cell membranes in the submental area. Once the membranes are compromised, the fat cells lyse and their contents are gradually absorbed and eliminated through the lymphatic system over the weeks following treatment. The surrounding tissues, including skin, muscle, and nerves, are not damaged because they do not have the same lipid-rich cell membranes. The result is a progressive, permanent reduction in submental fat that becomes increasingly visible over six to eight weeks following each treatment session.
Your provider will assess the amount of submental fat, skin laxity, and jawline anatomy to determine whether Kybella is the right treatment for you and how many sessions will be needed to achieve your goals.
A topical numbing cream and/or ice packs are applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort. A grid is drawn on the chin area to map out precise injection points.
Multiple small injections of Kybella are administered in a precise grid pattern beneath the chin. Each session takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Most patients require two to four treatment sessions spaced four to six weeks apart.
Swelling under the chin is expected and is actually a sign that the treatment is working. The swelling will peak within two to three days and gradually subside over the following two to four weeks as the body eliminates the treated fat cells.
Who Benefits Most from Kybella
Kybella is best suited for adults with moderate submental fullness who want a non-surgical, permanent solution. It works particularly well for patients whose double chin is more related to fat accumulation than skin laxity, though patients with mild to moderate skin laxity can also benefit.
Ideal for patients who:
- Have moderate submental fat that has not responded to diet and exercise
- Want a permanent, non-surgical alternative to liposuction for the chin area
- Are bothered by the appearance of a double chin in photos or their side profile
- Are in good general health and have realistic expectations about gradual results
- Want to complement a jawline filler treatment with improved chin and neck definition
The Benefits of Kybella at Therahaus
Kybella offers something that most aesthetic treatments cannot: permanence. Once the treated fat cells are gone, they are gone for good, making Kybella a true long-term investment in your facial contour and confidence.
Permanently destroys submental fat cells that cannot return, even if some weight is gained later.
No surgery, no general anesthesia, and no scalpels required for a meaningfully slimmer chin profile.
Treatments are completed in under 30 minutes, fitting comfortably into a regular workday schedule.
Reduces the appearance of a double chin, enhancing your profile and jawline definition significantly.
Works progressively over multiple sessions, allowing for gradual, natural-looking fat reduction.
Builds confidence in photos, videos, and everyday life by addressing a concern many find deeply personal.
Kybella Aftercare: What to Know
Swelling beneath the chin after Kybella is expected and is a normal sign that the treatment is actively working. The area may feel tender, firm, and warm for several days following each session. Swelling typically peaks within 48 to 72 hours and gradually resolves over two to four weeks. Some patients also experience numbness or a tingling sensation in the treated area, which is temporary and resolves as healing progresses. Results become more visible as swelling subsides over six to eight weeks. Do's:
Any Questions?
Kybella injections can cause some discomfort during administration, which is managed with topical numbing cream and ice applied to the treatment area beforehand. Post-treatment swelling and tenderness are common and manageable with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
Yes, Kybella permanently destroys the treated fat cells, which are then naturally cleared by the body and cannot return. Maintaining a stable weight after treatment helps preserve the contouring results long-term.
Kybella is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment specifically designed to permanently destroy submental fat cells beneath the chin, effectively reducing the appearance of a double chin. Once the treated fat cells are eliminated by the body, they cannot store or accumulate fat again, making results permanent.
Most patients require two to four Kybella sessions spaced four to six weeks apart to achieve their desired level of submental fat reduction. The exact number of sessions depends on the volume of fat present and your aesthetic goals, which your provider will assess during your consultation.
Kybella is best suited for adults with moderate submental fat who want a permanent, non-surgical alternative to liposuction for the chin area. Patients with good skin elasticity tend to see the most satisfying results, and your provider will assess your candidacy during a thorough consultation.
Swelling beneath the chin following Kybella is significant and expected, as it is a normal sign that the treatment is actively working to break down fat cells. The swelling peaks within 48 to 72 hours and gradually subsides over two to four weeks as the body processes the treated cells.
We have answers. Whether you are new to medical aesthetics or simply want to know more about what to expect at Therahaus Wellness, we are here to make sure you feel informed, comfortable, and completely confident before you ever book your first appointment.
A Full-Spectrum Wellness Experience
At Therahaus Wellness Medspa, you are in the hands of a team led by Dr. Angeline N. Beltsos, a double board-certified physician with decades of specialized expertise in women's health, hormone medicine, and medical aesthetics. Every treatment we offer, from injectables and laser therapies to wellness programs and specialty care, is delivered with the clinical precision and personalized attention that only comes from a team that genuinely invests in your outcomes. We are conveniently located on Michigan Avenue in the South Loop, Chicago, making expert aesthetic and wellness care accessible to patients across the city. When you walk through our doors, you are not just a patient, you are a person, and everything we do is built around helping you look, feel, and live your best.
Ready for Your Transformation?
Schedule a private consultation at our South Loop office to discuss your goals and develop a customized treatment plan with our medical team.
