Kybella in Charlotte

Medically reviewed by Richard Paul Greenberg, MD on 1/19/24

Submental fullness is a gathering of excess fat beneath the chin, commonly known as “double chin.” It can be something you’ve had your whole life due to genetics, or start to appear as you get older or if you gain weight.

Kybella is a prescription medicine and is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called “double chin.” When injected into the fat beneath the chin, Kybella destroys fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, so further treatment is not expected once you reach your desired aesthetic goal.

What is Kybella and How it Works

The key active ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. Kybella disrupts the cell membrane of fat cells beneath the chin, causing them to rupture and release their contents.

The body then naturally metabolizes and eliminates the destroyed fat cells over time, leading to a gradual reduction in the appearance of a double chin. The treatment typically involves a series of injections, with each session spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.

Kybella is considered a safe and effective non-surgical alternative to more invasive procedures like liposuction for addressing excess fat under the chin.

Benefits of Kybella

Kybella offers several advantages, contributing to its popularity as a solution for reducing submental fat and improving one’s facial profile:

Overall, Kybella provides a non-surgical, precise, and gradual approach to reducing submental fat, contributing to an improved facial profile and increased confidence for those seeking a more contoured and youthful appearance.

Kybella Treatment Process

The Kybella treatment process typically begins with a thorough consultation between you and Ageless Remedies physician, Dr. Greenberg. During this initial session, we’ll assess your medical history, examine the submental fat in the chin area, and discuss individual goals and expectations. This dialogue is crucial to determine whether Kybella is a suitable option for you and to tailor a personalized treatment plan.

Once the decision is made to proceed with Kybella, the actual treatment involves a series of injections administered directly into the targeted areas beneath the chin. The number of injections and sessions will vary based on the amount of submental fat and the desired outcome. You may receive up to 6 treatment sessions, spaced at least 4 to 6 weeks apart. The procedure is relatively quick, typically taking around 15 to 20 minutes.

After the injections, recovery is generally minimal and clients can usually resume their regular activities.

What to Expect

While some clients may experience mild discomfort during the injections, the procedure is generally well-tolerated. After the injections, recovery is generally minimal and clients can usually resume their regular activities, though some may experience temporary swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection sites.

The body gradually processes and eliminates the destroyed fat cells over the following weeks, leading to a gradual improvement in the appearance of the chin area.

Clients should also understand that the full results of Kybella are not immediate. The process involves the gradual breakdown and elimination of fat cells by the body’s natural metabolic processes. Therefore, noticeable improvements in the reduction of submental fat may take several weeks to months. Patience is key, as the final outcome becomes more apparent over time.

It’s important for clients to follow post-treatment care instructions provided by their healthcare professional. This may include avoiding strenuous physical activity immediately after the procedure and adhering to any specific guidelines for minimizing swelling or bruising. Additionally, clients should attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor progress and determine whether additional sessions are necessary to achieve their desired results.

Comparing Kybella to Other Fat Reduction Treatments

Kybella, Emsculpt, SculpSure for body fat, and WarmSculpting Profile Treatment for chin fat, are all distinct fat reduction treatments with unique approaches and target areas. Kybella is specifically designed for submental fat reduction, addressing the double chin. It involves injections of deoxycholic acid to break down fat cells gradually. The cost of Kybella varies based on the amount of Kybella needed for your desired result and the number of sessions required.

Emsculpt, on the other hand, is focused on muscle toning and fat reduction, primarily in the abdomen and buttocks. It utilizes high-intensity electromagnetic technology to induce muscle contractions. Multiple sessions are usually recommended for optimal results.

SculpSure is a laser-based treatment suitable for various body areas, such as the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. It targets and disrupts fat cells through controlled heating. The cost can vary based on the treated area and the number of sessions needed. WarmSculpting Profile Treatment, a subset of SculpSure, is used primarily for chin fat.

In terms of effectiveness and duration of results, individual responses vary. Kybella and SculpSure offer permanent fat reduction, while Emsculpt provides both muscle toning and fat reduction. Suitability varies among individuals, as does the treatment recommendation the medical team at Ageless Remedies may make depending on your aesthetic goals. However, many of these treatments can also be used in conjunction with each other for a more comprehensive renewal of your appearance. Because Kybella is concentrated on the chin, other treatments may in fact be necessary to target other problem areas of your body. A combination of treatments can help you feel your most confident.

Before & After

*Individual results may vary

Kybella FAQs

How many Kybella treatments are needed?

The number of sessions required depends on the volume of fat present and your desired goals, but typically, you will undergo 1-3 sessions.

What is the cost of Kybella?

The cost can vary based on the amount of Kybella used and the number of sessions required for your current chin profile.

Is Kybella painful?

You are unlikely to experience pain during the treatment, but as Kybella is an injection into the skin, you may feel a pinch or twinge. Soreness may be felt after the treatment, which can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice.

What are the potential side effects of Kybella?

Common side effects of Kybella include temporary swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness at the injection sites.

How long does Kybella last?

The results of Kybella are typically permanent, as the treatment permanently destroys fat cells, providing lasting improvement in the reduction of submental fat.

Additional Med Spa Services to Consider

Combining Kybella with other cosmetic treatments can offer a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation and aesthetic enhancement.

Laser Hair Removal

Another confidence booster may come thanks to laser hair removal. Laser hair removal effectively reduces or eliminates hair growth in any area of the body, complementing the contouring effects of Kybella.

Learn more

Thermage FLX

Pairing Kybella with Thermage FLX skin tightening can be a synergistic approach to tackle both fat reduction and skin laxity. While Kybella eliminates submental fat, Thermage FLX utilizes radiofrequency technology to stimulate collagen production and tighten loose skin, providing a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Learn more

Fillers

Additionally, Kybella can be combined with facial fillers to achieve a harmonious and balanced facial contour. Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based products, can be strategically injected to restore volume in areas like the cheeks or jawline, complementing the fat reduction achieved by Kybella and contributing to an overall youthful and contoured appearance.

Learn more

The team at Ageless Remedies can develop a customized treatment plan to address multiple aspects of facial aesthetics, providing patients with a tailored and holistic approach to achieving their desired results.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Consultation

To discuss your Kybella goals and options, or to consider other treatments as part of your desired appearance, contact Ageless Remedies online or by calling 704-364-3332 to schedule an appointment. We’re a professional, welcoming Charlotte Med Spa that you can trust with a simple and straightforward treatment experience.

Hours:

Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:00 – 6:00
Tue, Thu: 9:00 – 7:00
Sat: 9:00 – 5:00
Sun: Closed

$25 Off Your First Treatment

* Discount valid for first time patients only. May not be used towards product purchases.

10% OFF Gift Cards purchased in December. Redeemable beginning in January 2025. Can be used towards any treatment offered.