Goodskin Dermatology

Kybella Chin Injection Treatment

As you’ve gotten older, have you started to lose definition in your jaw due to extra fat? Or maybe you have a stubborn double chin that won’t go away no matter how much weight you drop.

If so, you’ll want to learn more about Kybella.

Men and women around the world are excited about the results they’re getting from this one-of-a-kind treatment. And once you read about it, you’ll be ready to get in on the action as well.

We’ll fill you in on what Kybella is, how it works, what to expect from treatment, and more.

What Is Kybella?

Kybella is a non-surgical dermatology service designed to reduce excess fat under the chin (otherwise known as submental fat, or a double chin in layman’s terms). This treatment consists of deoxycholic acid, a substance found naturally in the body’s digestive system, that is injected under the chin.

Kybella is the only FDA-approved injectable drug used for this purpose, and many people seek it out as an easier and less invasive alternative to liposuction for targeted chin fat reduction.

How Kybella Injections Work

Kybella works through a process called injection lipolysis. This means that the substance shot into your chin fat works to eventually break it down. 

Basically, Kybella injections kill the fat under your chin. The acid destroys the cells so they can no longer store fat, resulting in a smoother and leaner facial appearance. 

These cells are metabolized by the body over the next few weeks after treatment.

Various studies have shown that anywhere from 68-100% of observed patients saw a reduction in the fat under their chin with the use of Kybella. And the majority of people who received this treatment felt happier with how their faces looked as a result.

Areas Where Botox Can Be Used

At this time, the FDA has only approved Kybella for use in the submental area (under the chin).

Ideal Candidates for Kybella

Ideal candidates for Kybella treatment are looking for non-surgical ways to reduce fat under the chin and contour the lower face. This procedure works best if you:

  • Are over 21
  • Are medically healthy
  • Have good skin elasticity
  • Haven’t gotten the results you want from diet and exercise; and
  • Want lasting outcomes

Don’t plan to get Kybella if you:

  • Have an infection in the treatment area
  • Are allergic to the ingredients contained in the injection; or
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have a history of swallowing disorders such as dysphagia or eosiniphilic esophagitis 

Consult with a provider at Goodskin Dermatology to find out for sure if you’re an ideal candidate for Kybella.

what is kybella

What to Expect During Your Kybella Treatment

At Goodskin Dermatology, we focus on patient-based care. Patient comfort is our number one priority, so we will go over every step of treatment before we begin and prepare you for what to expect.

Before the procedure starts, your nurse will examine the area under your chin and map out the injection sites with a marker. They will numb the area with any combination of an ice pack, topical cream, and injections such as lidocaine. 

The nurse will use one to three vials of Kybella and generally make anywhere from 20 to 50 injections in the submental area.

How Long Does Kybella Treatment Take?

The injections themselves are fairly quick, and the whole process usually only takes about 20 minutes.

How Long Do Kybella Results Last?

You may have to schedule multiple sessions to get the look you want — but once those fat cells under your chin are metabolized, the result is permanent and they won’t grow back!

FAQs About Botox

This treatment can only be administered by trained medical professionals. Kybella may be given in a variety of settings such as a medical spa, cosmetic surgery office, or dermatology practice.

Every patient has a different reaction to the injections — some don’t feel them at all, and some experience slight discomfort. Your nurse will do everything possible to make you comfortable during the procedure, including numbing the area with cream, ice, and possibly an injection.

Some patients also feel mild burning sensations for a brief time after the injections.

Results vary, but you may experience any of the following side effects after your Kybella treatment:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Pain/tenderness
  • Bruising
  • Temporary numbness at injection sites

Your nurse may provide you with compression bandages or garments to help with swelling. Most of these symptoms will go away within a few days to a few weeks.

It is rare, but Kybella injections may cause nerve damage in the lower jaw, although this typically results in a crooked smile that resolves itself within a few months.

There isn’t much to do to ensure a successful Kybella session, but here are a few things you should keep in mind:

  • Don’t schedule your injections right before a big event due to possible swelling and bruising.
  • Don’t drink alcohol for 48 hours before the procedure.
  • Don’t take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help avoid bruising.
  • Wash your face thoroughly before the appointment to help reduce the risk of infection.

Though you may experience mild side effects from your treatment, Kybella doesn’t really require any downtime. You should be able to continue all or most of your normal activities as usual.

If you’ve tried to get rid of your double chin the traditional way to no avail and you would feel confident with a more sculpted-looking chin area, Kybella may be right for you. It’s also a safe and effective treatment option for those looking to avoid surgical procedures such as liposuction.

If you think you’re interested in Kybella, schedule a consultation at our Clackamas or Troutdale locations.

You may need up to six sessions of Kybella injections to achieve the results you want, but most people are able to stop after two. The sessions will be scheduled from four to six weeks apart for optimum efficacy.

Yes! Once you’ve had the optimum number of Kybella treatments to achieve the aesthetic results you want and the solution has dissolved the fat under your chin, those cells will not come back.

However, please keep in mind that if you gain weight, new fat cells could appear in this area.

The total cost of your Kybella treatment will depend on the severity of your double chin, how many sessions you need, how your body reacts to the injections, etc.

For an accurate estimate of the cost, contact Goodskin Dermatology and schedule a consultation for more information.

Kybella has many benefits, such as: 

  • It gives you a more youthful appearance.
  • It gets rid of stubborn chin fat.
  • It is FDA-approved.
  • It is non-invasive and not usually painful.
  • It has little to no downtime.
  • It can be done in six treatments or less.
  • The results usually don’t take long to appear.
  • The results are long-lasting/permanent.
  • It is low risk.
  • Most people are good candidates for the injections.

If genetics has given you a double chin, or diet and exercise haven’t taken care of the problem the way you’d like, Kybella injections are a terrific treatment option.

Although there is relatively no downtime with Kybella, you should avoid strenuous activities or exercise for a couple of days after the procedure.

You can also do the following to help with recovery:

  • Use compression wraps or garments to reduce swelling.
  • Ice the area regularly.
  • Take Tylenol or arnica tablets to help relieve pain and swelling.
  • Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for the first few nights.
  • Don’t rub or poke the treatment area.

And don’t get frustrated if you don’t see results right away. Remember, it may take a while for the swelling to go down, and you will need more than one Kybella treatment to receive optimum results.

Keep in mind that treatment results vary for each person. If you know someone else who has had this procedure, you may need more or fewer sessions than they had to get the same results.

Contact Our Goodskin Dermatology Clackamas and Troutdale Locations for Your Kybella Treatment Needs

Goodskin Dermatology’s Clackamas and Troutdale offices are proud to offer cosmetic services designed to help you look and feel your best. 

If you’re interested in getting Kybella injections to help dissolve the fat in your double chin, we’d love to take care of that for you.

Our highly-trained staff and physicians will offer you expert customized care to provide you with the highest level of customer satisfaction. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your Kybella treatment

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.