Kybella for Under-Chin Fat: What You Should Know Before Treatment

Kybella® for Under-Chin Fat: What You Should Know Before Treatment

Ever catch yourself on Zoom or see a photo from the side and immediately think:

“THAT needs to go.”

I hear you.

That little pocket of fat under the chin is called submental fat, and it can be incredibly stubborn. Genetics play a big role, which is why I see it in plenty of patients who are otherwise very fit.

Sometimes diet and exercise simply don’t make much difference there.

For the right patient, this is where I really like Kybella®.

What Is Kybella®?

Kybella® is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for adults with moderate to severe fat beneath the chin. It is a nonsurgical option, meaning no liposuction or incisions.

Its active ingredient is synthetic deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a molecule naturally found in the body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat.

When Kybella® is injected into the fat beneath the chin, it destroys the treated fat cells. Once those cells are destroyed, they are permanently eliminated and can no longer store or accumulate fat, although maintaining a stable weight still matters.

That’s one of the things I like about this treatment.

We aren’t temporarily shrinking the treated fat cells. We’re actually destroying them.

Now for the Honest Part: You Are Going to Swell. And I Mean Swell!

You may have a bit of a “bullfrog” situation happening under your chin. 😂

Swelling is usually most noticeable during the first week, although some swelling or firmness can last longer. Bruising, discomfort, numbness and firmness in the treatment area are also common.

I tell my patients about this upfront because this is probably not the treatment I’d schedule three days before your high school reunion.

The swelling gradually improves as the inflammatory response settles and your body clears the treated fat cells.

There are also less common but important risks, including temporary nerve injury that can cause an uneven smile and difficulty swallowing. This is one of the reasons proper patient selection, a strong understanding of anatomy and appropriate injection technique matter.

And because every patient has different anatomy, the amount of fat and the condition of the skin matter too.

Kybella® isn't automatically the right treatment for every double chin. That assessment is important. 

Kybella® Isn't Necessarily One and Done

This is another thing I want patients to understand before treatment.

Depending on your anatomy and the amount of submental fat, you may need more than one Kybella® treatment to get the result we’re looking for.

I’d rather be upfront about that than have someone come in expecting one treatment to completely transform their jawline.

Who Do I Love Kybella For?

One of my favorite Kybella® patients is someone who is relatively fit but has that stubborn little pocket under the chin that just won't budge.

But I’m looking at more than fat.

I’m also looking at the jawline, skin laxity, platysma and overall facial structure.

Sometimes removing fat alone gives us what we want.

Other times, we need to think about what is underneath and around it too.

That is where combination treatment can make a big difference.

It's Not Always Just About Removing Fat

If we want to elevate the overall result, I may recommend improving the quality of the neck skin with Revision Nectifirm® ADVANCED.

For the right patient, I may also incorporate a biostimulator such as hyperdilute Radiesse® to improve skin quality and collagen support through the neck and lower face.

The goal isn't simply to make something smaller.

I want the chin, neck and jawline to look better together.

Why I Usually Recommend Doing Kybella® in Cooler Months

There is no medical rule that says Kybella® needs to be done in winter.

This is purely practical.

You're going to swell.

So if you can throw on a sweater, scarf or higher neckline while things settle down, most people are a little happier.

Really, the best time to start is when you can comfortably accommodate the downtime.

And Yes, I'm Trying It Somewhere Else

I’m currently using Kybella® off-label on my own love handles.

And this distinction is important: Kybella® is FDA approved specifically for submental fat beneath the chin. Its safety and effectiveness for treating fat elsewhere on the body have not been established.

So why am I telling you?

Because I’m curious too.

I spend a lot of time evaluating treatments before deciding where they fit into my practice, so I decided to try this one on myself first.

I’ll document my experience and share my results with you.

The good, the bad and, presumably, the swollen. 😂

If you're frustrated by the area under your chin, come in for a consultation.

I'll tell you whether I think Kybella® makes sense for your anatomy or whether your concern would be better addressed another way.

Laurie Peterson, RN, CANS

Aesthetic Nurse Injector | Carlsbad, California