Submental fullness, also known as double chin, is a result of multiple different factors including weight gain, genetics and aging. Kybella® is a one of a kind injectable treatment for adults with submental fullness who do not want to undergo surgical correction.

At Kessel Dermatology, servicing the Hamilton Square, Trenton, and Mercer County areas in New Jersey, we offer a number of dermal filler options , including Kybella®.

Kybella® Double Chin Reduction

Injectable Treatment for Submental Fullness

Submental fullness, commonly known as a “double chin,” can occur for a number of reasons, including genetics, aging, and weight gain. It can affect people at a variety of weights and may persist despite diet and exercise.

Kybella® is an FDA-approved injectable treatment by AbbVie for adults with moderate to severe fat beneath the chin who are looking for a nonsurgical treatment option.

What Is Kybella?

The active ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid.

Deoxycholic acid is a molecule that occurs naturally in the body and helps break down and absorb dietary fat.

When Kybella is properly injected into the fat beneath the chin, it destroys targeted fat cells. The body then gradually clears the treated cells, reducing submental fullness and improving the contour beneath the chin.

Are Kybella Results Permanent?

Once Kybella destroys the treated fat cells, those cells can no longer store or accumulate fat.

For this reason, the reduction in treated fat is considered long-lasting.

However, Kybella does not prevent changes in the surrounding tissues caused by aging or significant future weight gain.

What Happens During a Kybella Treatment?

Before treatment, the area beneath your chin will be evaluated and marked according to your anatomy.

A series of small injections is then administered directly into the submental fat.

Treatment generally takes approximately 20 minutes.

The number of injections used during each session depends on the size and distribution of the treatment area.

How Many Kybella Treatments Will I Need?

Most patients require more than one treatment to achieve their desired result.

Treatments are generally spaced approximately one month apart, and the number of sessions recommended will depend on the amount and distribution of submental fat and your individual treatment goals.

Your treatment plan will be determined during your evaluation.

What Should I Expect After Kybella?

Significant swelling beneath the chin is expected after Kybella treatment, particularly following the first treatment.

Other temporary effects may include:

• Numbness
• Tenderness or discomfort
• Bruising
• Firmness
• Redness

These effects gradually improve as the treatment area heals.

Because swelling can be noticeable, it is important to consider your schedule when planning treatment.

Is Every Double Chin Caused by Fat?

No. This is an important part of determining whether Kybella is appropriate.

The appearance of a double chin or poorly defined jawline can be influenced by:

• Submental fat
• Loose or lax skin
• Chin and jaw anatomy
• A recessed or under-projected chin
• Age-related changes
• A combination of these factors

Kybella specifically treats fat. It does not tighten significantly loose skin or change the underlying structure of the chin or jaw.

An evaluation can help determine what is contributing to your profile and whether Kybella is the appropriate treatment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Kybella?

Kybella may be appropriate for adults who have unwanted fat beneath the chin and prefer a nonsurgical approach to reducing it.

Your anatomy, amount of submental fat, skin quality, medical history, and aesthetic goals will be evaluated before treatment.

Kybella may not be the best option when skin laxity or facial structure rather than fat is primarily responsible for the appearance of the area.

Why Does Injector Experience Matter?

The area beneath the chin contains important nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and other structures.

Proper patient selection, knowledge of anatomy, and precise placement of Kybella within the appropriate fat layer are important for both safety and results.

Our aesthetic medicine expert, Savy Guthrie, MPAS, PA-C, has over 20 years of dermatology experience and extensive experience performing cosmetic injectable treatments.

Is Kybella Right for You?

If unwanted fat beneath your chin is affecting your profile, Kybella may provide a nonsurgical way to reduce submental fullness.

Schedule an aesthetic consultation at Kessel Dermatology to determine what is contributing to your submental fullness and whether Kybella is the appropriate treatment for you.

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