Kybella®: Sculpt a Defined Jawline
Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment that permanently destroys fat cells under the chin, helping to contour and define the jawline without surgery or downtime.
Non-Surgical Fat Reduction for a More Defined Jawline
Submental fullness, commonly known as a “double chin”, can affect people of all ages and body types. Whether caused by genetics, aging, or weight fluctuations, excess fat beneath the chin can be difficult to reduce with diet and exercise alone.
At Balikian Plastic Surgery, Kybella offers a non-surgical way to dissolve stubborn fat and sculpt a more refined jawline.
What Is Kybella®?
Kybella® is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment designed specifically to target and reduce submental fat. It’s made of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that helps the body break down and absorb fat. When injected under the chin, Kybella destroys fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body over time.
Once those fat cells are gone, they can no longer store or accumulate fat, making the results long-lasting with proper weight maintenance.
How Does Kybella® Work?
During a Kybella session, a series of small injections are administered into the fat beneath the chin. Each treatment typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, and most patients report only mild discomfort. The number of injections and sessions needed will depend on your unique chin profile and treatment goals.
Patients typically require two to four treatments spaced one month apart, though up to six sessions may be recommended for optimal results.
Benefits of Kybella®
Kybella offers a powerful yet minimally invasive way to eliminate submental fat without the need for surgery or recovery time.
- Non-surgical fat reduction with no incisions or anesthesia
- Quick treatment time (15–20 minutes)
- No downtime, return to daily activities right away
- Gradual, natural-looking improvement
- Permanent fat cell destruction once desired results are achieved
With consistent treatments, you can achieve long-lasting contour and confidence, no scalpels, stitches, or downtime required.
Kybella® Results Revealed
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Before beginning treatment, your aesthetic specialist will evaluate the area under your chin and develop a customized plan. After cleansing the area and applying a numbing agent, the Kybella solution is injected in a precise grid pattern to target unwanted fat evenly and effectively.
You may experience mild swelling, redness, or firmness in the area for a few days post-treatment. These side effects are temporary and indicate that the fat breakdown process has begun.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Because everyone’s anatomy and fat distribution are different, the number of Kybella treatments varies.
Most patients see visible improvement after 2–4 sessions. Each session must be spaced at least 4 weeks apart, and no more than 6 sessions are recommended.
Am I a Good Candidate for Kybella®?
You may be an ideal candidate if you:
- Have moderate to severe fat beneath the chin
- Want to avoid liposuction or surgery
- Are in overall good health and at a stable weight
- Prefer a gradual, natural-looking result
During your consultation, our experienced injectors will evaluate your chin and neck profile and determine if Kybella is the best solution for your goals.
Cost of Kybella®
The cost of Kybella treatment is based on the number of sessions needed and the amount of product used. After your personalized assessment, we’ll provide an exact quote tailored to your goals.
Our team will also discuss financing options and reward programs to help make your treatment more affordable.
Kybella® FAQs
How does Kybella work?
Kybella contains deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that breaks down and absorbs dietary fat. When injected into the area under the chin, it destroys fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by your body.
How many Kybella sessions will I likely need to see a noticeable reduction?
Clinical data from the REFINE trials show that most patients see meaningful improvement in 2 to 4 treatments, even though up to 6 sessions were allowed.
Is Kybella permanent?
Yes. Once Kybella destroys the fat cells, they cannot regenerate. With a stable weight, the results are considered long-lasting or permanent.
What does Kybella feel like? Is it painful?
You may feel a brief stinging or warmth during injection. A numbing agent or ice pack is typically used beforehand to minimize discomfort. Mild swelling and tenderness are common for a few days afterward.
Are side effects like swelling and bruising normal, and when do they resolve?
Yes. Swelling, bruising, numbness, tenderness, and firmness are common early after treatment. In the REFINE trials, the majority of these side effects were mild to moderate and resolved over days to weeks.
Does Kybella only work for the area under the chin, or can it be used elsewhere?
Although Kybella is FDA-approved for submental fat (the “double chin”), off-label applications—like reducing fat in small facial or contour areas—are being explored. Early reports show similar safety and satisfaction in select cases.
How long do the results last? Will fat return under my chin?
Follow-up studies show that most patients maintain submental fat reduction for at least 3 years after their final Kybella session.
Will Kybella treatment be very painful or uncomfortable?
In trials, patients generally rated peak pain within 1 to 5 minutes as mild on visual analog scales. Using techniques like buffered lidocaine with epinephrine and preemptive cold packs can reduce pain by up to 40%.
What is the mechanism by which Kybella works to reduce fat?
Kybella contains deoxycholic acid, which causes adipocytolysis—the breakdown of fat cell membranes. The body then clears the cell debris naturally, and tissue remodels over time.
Are there risks of nerve weakness or asymmetric smile after Kybella?
Yes, in clinical trials there were isolated cases of temporary marginal mandibular nerve weakness, which manifested as an asymmetric smile. Most resolved on their own within days to months (median ~44 days).
How should I prepare before a Kybella appointment to reduce side effects?
Common recommendations include stopping anticoagulant or antiplatelet supplements ~7–10 days before injection, applying cold packs, and using buffered local anesthesia. These measures help reduce bruising, swelling, and discomfort.
The Balikian MedSpa Experience
Patients love the MedSpa at Balikian Plastic Surgery for its welcoming atmosphere, advanced technology and natural results.
Learn More About Our MedSpa Treatments
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