Kybella vs. CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction for Double Chin Removal
What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of a Double Chin?
If you’re bothered by a double chin, you’re not alone. Submental fullness affects people of all ages and body types, and it’s often resistant to diet and exercise. Thankfully, modern aesthetic treatments offer multiple options to reduce that stubborn fat pocket. But which one is right for you?
Let’s break down the three most popular double chin treatments, Kybella, CoolSculpting, and Liposuction, and explain why neck liposuction remains the gold standard for fast, permanent, and dramatic results.
Key Differences at a Glance
When considering double chin removal, it’s important to understand how Kybella, CoolSculpting, and liposuction compare in terms of technology, treatment time, recovery, and results.
Primary Goal
- Kybella: Fat destruction through injectable medication
- CoolSculpting: Freezes fat cells using cryolipolysis
- Neck Liposuction: Removes fat and sculpts jawline surgically
Technology
- Kybella: Deoxycholic acid injections
- CoolSculpting: Controlled cold exposure (cryolipolysis)
- Neck Liposuction: Manual fat extraction through a small cannula
Treatment Sessions
- Kybella: 2 to 4 sessions, spaced weeks apart
- CoolSculpting: 1 to 3 sessions depending on area
- Neck Liposuction: Typically one session only
Results Timeline
- Kybella: Gradual results over 6–12 weeks
- CoolSculpting: Visible results in 1–3 months
- Neck Liposuction: Immediate improvement, with refinement over 2–3 months
Downtime
- Kybella: Swelling and tenderness for up to a week
- CoolSculpting: Minimal downtime; possible numbness or soreness
- Neck Liposuction: 2–4 days of social downtime; mild bruising
Best Candidates
- Kybella: Small, targeted fat under the chin
- CoolSculpting: Mild to moderate submental fat
- Neck Liposuction: Moderate to significant fat, seeking sculpted results
Skin Tightening Effects
- Kybella: None
- CoolSculpting: Mild tightening in some cases
- Neck Liposuction: Moderate tightening; can be enhanced with additional procedures
Anesthesia
- Kybella: None
- CoolSculpting: None
- Neck Liposuction: Local anesthesia (in-office procedure)
While each option offers its own advantages, liposuction remains the most efficient and dramatic solution for those seeking immediate, sculpted, and long-lasting jawline definition.
Kybella Before and After Gallery
Kybella: Fat Dissolving Injections
Kybella uses deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, to break down fat under the chin. It’s FDA-approved and non-surgical, but results take time. After each session, you’ll likely experience noticeable swelling, tenderness, and temporary numbness.
Pros:
- Non-surgical
- Gradual fat reduction
Cons:
- Requires multiple treatments
- Swelling can last 1–2 weeks
- No skin tightening benefits
While Kybella offers a nonsurgical route to double chin reduction, results require multiple sessions and are best suited for patients with minimal skin laxity.
CoolSculpting Before and After Gallery
CoolSculpting: Freeze the Fat
CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis (fat freezing) to destroy fat cells without surgery. It’s often used for the body, but it can also be applied under the chin with a specialized applicator.
Pros:
- Non-invasive
- Short in-office sessions
Cons:
- May need repeat sessions
- Doesn’t sculpt or tighten
- Some report lingering numbness or swelling
CoolSculpting can be effective for select candidates, but results are gradual and may require follow-up treatments to achieve desired contouring.
Neck Liposuction Before and After Gallery
Neck Liposuction: Fast, Permanent Results
Neck liposuction removes fat immediately and permanently. It’s a minimally invasive, in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia. A small incision is made under the chin, and fat is gently suctioned out. You’ll see a noticeable difference right away, with further contouring over the next few months as the skin tightens.
Pros:
- One treatment only
- Immediate, visible results
- More sculpted and refined jawline
- Can be combined with neck tightening or skin rejuvenation treatments
Cons:
- Small incision (well-hidden)
- A few days of downtime
Neck liposuction remains the gold standard for precise jawline sculpting, delivering immediate, permanent results with minimal downtime.
Why Liposuction Wins
When it comes to impact, precision, and value, neck liposuction outperforms Kybella and CoolSculpting. It’s the best choice if you’re looking for:
- A sharper jawline
- Faster results
- Fewer treatments
- Long-term value
Kybella and CoolSculpting are great for patients who are needle-shy or want zero downtime. But for those who want defined, immediate results, nothing beats liposuction under the chin.
Ready to Say Goodbye to Your Double Chin?
If you’re ready to define your jawline and eliminate stubborn fat for good, schedule a consultation with our expert team.
Guided by double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Balikian, our experienced injectors and surgical staff will help you choose the most effective approach for your goals, and deliver results you’ll love.
Discover What’s Possible
Learn More About Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richard Balikian is a renowned facial plastic surgeon known for his dedication to patients throughout Southern California.
With more than two decades of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, he brings together surgical precision and an artist’s eye.
Dr. Balikian is among a select group of specialists whose advanced training is devoted entirely to procedures of the face and neck.
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
