Many people struggle with submental fullness, otherwise known as a double chin. Sometimes, no matter how much you diet and exercise, that stubborn fat just won’t go away.
If that sounds familiar, you might want to consider Kybella, an FDA-approved injectable treatment designed to target and reduce fat under the chin. Kybella offers a nonsurgical way to reduce submental fullness, and the results can be impressive.
The “Kybella before and after” photos speak for themselves, showing visible improvements and increased confidence in people who have undergone the treatment.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to Kybella, explaining how it works, what to expect during and after treatment, and the potential results you can achieve. If you’re considering Kybella, this is your go-to resource for understanding the procedure and determining if it’s the right choice for you.
Understanding Kybella: The Science Behind a Slimmer Profile
If you’re self-conscious about a double chin, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with submental fullness, and Kybella offers a nonsurgical way to address it.
What is Kybella?
Kybella is an injectable treatment specifically designed to target and reduce submental fat, which is the fat beneath the chin. It’s FDA-approved, meaning it’s been rigorously tested and found safe and effective for its intended use. Perhaps best of all, Kybella offers these benefits without surgery.
How Kybella Works: Deoxycholic Acid
The active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid, a molecule that your body naturally produces. Deoxycholic acid helps break down and absorb dietary fat.
When injected into the submental area, Kybella works by destroying fat cells. Once those fat cells are gone, they can no longer store or accumulate fat. That’s why the results of Kybella are considered permanent.
Are You a Good Candidate for Kybella?
Kybella might be right for you if you’re an adult over 18 who’s bothered by a double chin. The best candidates usually have moderate to severe submental fat and want to avoid surgery.
Kybella can also work better if your skin still has some elasticity, which helps it tighten up after the fat is gone.
However, Kybella isn’t for everyone. You shouldn’t get Kybella if you have an infection where they’d inject it, if you have a bleeding disorder, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
It’s really important to talk to a qualified healthcare provider before getting Kybella. They can tell you if it’s a good choice for you and explain the risks and benefits thoroughly.
Kybella versus other fat reduction methods
You have options when it comes to reducing fat in the submental area. Here’s how Kybella stacks up against two popular alternatives:
Kybella vs. Liposuction
Kybella is nonsurgical and minimally invasive, while liposuction is a surgical procedure. Liposuction provides more immediate and dramatic results, but you can expect more downtime and a higher risk of complications.
Kybella vs. CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is another nonsurgical option. It uses an external applicator to freeze fat cells. Kybella is injected directly into the fat. Kybella provides more targeted fat reduction than CoolSculpting.
Benefits of Choosing Kybella
- No incisions or general anesthesia
- Minimal downtime
- Gradual, natural-looking results
The Kybella Procedure: What to Expect During Treatment
If you’re thinking about getting Kybella, here’s what the treatment process looks like.
Consultation and Assessment
The process always starts with a consultation. During this appointment, the provider will assess whether you’re a good candidate for Kybella injections. They’ll examine the area under your chin and decide how much Kybella you’ll need to get the results you’re looking for. You’ll also discuss your medical history, and the provider will talk to you about any potential risks of the procedure.
The Injection Process
Before the injections begin, the provider will clean the area under your chin and mark it with a grid pattern. They may mark anywhere from 20 to 50 small areas for injection. Then, the Kybella will be injected into the fat beneath your chin. You’ll receive multiple injections per treatment session.
Number of Treatments
Most people need more than one treatment session to get the results they want. Typically, people need about 3 to 6 treatments, spaced about six weeks apart.
Kybella Aftercare and Recovery: Minimizing Downtime and Maximizing Results
Okay, so you’ve had your Kybella injections. Now what? Here’s what you can expect and how to manage it.
Immediate Post-Treatment
Expect some swelling, redness, and maybe some bruising. It’s not pretty, but it’s normal. Ice packs are your friend – apply them frequently to keep the swelling down. When you sleep, prop your head up with an extra pillow for the first few nights.
Managing Side Effects
If you’re feeling uncomfortable, over-the-counter pain relievers should do the trick. The swelling can hang around for several days, even up to ten days. You might also experience some numbness or hardness in the treated area – also totally normal.
Important Aftercare Instructions
Take it easy for a few days and skip the strenuous workouts. Don’t massage or poke at the treated area, just leave it alone. Your doctor might recommend a compression bandage to help with the swelling.
When to Contact Your Provider
If you notice anything weird or severe, don’t hesitate to call your doctor. Better safe than sorry!
Kybella Before and After: What Kind of Results Can You Expect?
It’s important to have realistic expectations about Kybella. It’s not a quick fix, and results vary from person to person. You’re not going to wake up one morning with a brand-new jawline.
Kybella works gradually over several weeks, and you’ll likely need a few treatments before you notice any real difference. Some people see very little change after only one session.
If you stick with the treatments and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you’ll likely be happy with the results. In clinical trials, about 72% of patients saw significant improvement after six treatments, and 79% reported they were satisfied with their new profile.
The best way to see what Kybella can do is to look at before-and-after photos. You’ll notice a more defined jawline and less fullness under the chin.
Addressing Common Kybella Myths and Misconceptions
It’s important to have realistic expectations about Kybella. Here are a few common myths and the reality behind them:
- Myth: Kybella is a one-time fix.
Reality: You’ll probably need multiple treatments to get the results you want. - Myth: Kybella works for everyone.
Reality: Kybella works best on some people more than others. Your doctor can help you determine if you are a good candidate for Kybella. - Myth: Kybella is only for double chins.
Reality: Kybella is primarily used to eliminate submental fat (double chin), but some doctors use it “off-label” in other areas. - Myth: Kybella results are instant.
Reality: You’ll see results gradually over weeks or months.
How much does Kybella cost?
The final price tag depends on a few things:
- How many treatments you need.
- How much Kybella your doctor uses each time.
- Where you live and what your provider charges.
On average, a single treatment might cost around $1200. For most people, the total cost ends up being about $3000.
Unfortunately, insurance usually doesn’t cover Kybella.
Talk to your doctor’s office about payment plans or financing options to make the treatment more affordable.
Wrapping Up
Kybella offers a non-surgical way to reduce fat under the chin. It has minimal downtime, gives you gradual, natural-looking results, and permanently destroys fat cells.
Remember to have realistic expectations and maintain a healthy lifestyle to get the best results from Kybella.
If you’re considering Kybella, a consultation with a qualified professional can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
With Kybella, you can move toward achieving a more sculpted profile and feeling more confident in your appearance.