Diminish the Double Chin: What to Know About KYBELLA®
If you’ve ever tilted your chin down for a photo to hide a little extra fullness underneath it, you’re not alone. Submental fullness — commonly called a “double chin” — is one of the most common aesthetic concerns we hear about at Gunn Plastic Surgery, and it doesn’t always respond to diet and exercise. That’s because the fat cells sitting under the chin can be stubborn no matter how healthy your lifestyle is.
That’s where KYBELLA® comes in.
What is KYBELLA®?
KYBELLA® (deoxycholic acid) injection is a prescription medicine used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin. It was the first FDA-approved, nonsurgical injectable treatment of its kind, and it works differently than fillers or Botox: rather than adding volume or relaxing muscles, KYBELLA® is designed to permanently destroy fat cells in the treatment area. It has not been studied for use outside the submental area or in anyone under 18.
What does a KYBELLA® treatment plan look like?
Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual. During your first visit, your specialist will examine the area under your chin and talk through your medical history and aesthetic goals. From there, most patients receive between 2 and 6 treatment sessions, spaced at least one month apart, with multiple small injections given at each visit. In clinical studies, 59% of patients received all 6 treatments to reach their goals.
Patients are generally grouped into two categories:
- “2+” candidates, who can expect to reach their goals in 2–3 treatments
- “4+” candidates, who may need 4, 5, or 6 treatments for their desired results
Your specialist will help determine which path is right for you.
What should I expect afterward?
The most common side effects of KYBELLA® include swelling, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness in the treatment area. These are typically temporary. As with any injection, there are more serious possible side effects, including nerve injury in the jaw (which can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness), trouble swallowing, and other injection-site issues such as bruising, hair loss, or infection. Your provider will walk you through the full safety profile before treatment and will want to know about your full medical history, including any planned facial surgery, bleeding disorders, or pregnancy/breastfeeding status.
Is KYBELLA® right for you?
If moderate to severe fullness under the chin has been bothering you and hasn’t responded to lifestyle changes, KYBELLA® may be worth a conversation. The best way to find out is a one-on-one consultation, where we can look at your anatomy, walk through the safety information in full, and build a treatment plan around your goals.
Ready to talk about your options? Contact Gunn Plastic Surgery to schedule your KYBELLA® consultation.
KYBELLA® (deoxycholic acid) Important Safety Information: Do not receive KYBELLA® if you have an infection in the treatment area. Tell your provider about all medical conditions and medications, including blood thinners. Possible serious side effects include nerve injury in the jaw, trouble swallowing, and injection-site problems such as bruising, hematoma, hair loss, ulcers, necrosis, or infection. The most common side effects are swelling, pain, numbness, redness, and hardness in the treatment area. This is not a complete list of side effects — please see full Prescribing Information at rxabbvie.com/pdf/kybella_pi.pdf or talk with your provider.