A double chin can be frustrating, especially if you’re leading a healthy lifestyle. Submental fullness, or stubborn fat beneath the chin, often persists despite those efforts. Traditionally, surgery like liposuction was the solution, but Kybella is a modern non-surgical alternative. This injectable treatment targets fat cells under your chin, gradually dissolving them to create a more defined jawline and neck profile, with no incisions or extended recovery.
Why Do Some People Have a Double Chin?
Submental fullness can result from various factors, many of which exist beyond our control:
Genetics
Your genetic makeup significantly influences fat distribution throughout your body, including the submental area. If your parents or grandparents had fullness beneath their chins, you might be predisposed to developing similar characteristics regardless of your weight or fitness level.
Aging
As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity due to decreased collagen and elastin production. This loss of firmness, combined with weakening muscles in the neck area, can cause skin to sag and create the appearance of a double chin, even in individuals who maintain a healthy weight.
Weight Fluctuations
While submental fullness can affect people of all body types, weight gain often contributes to fat accumulation beneath the chin. Unfortunately, when weight loss occurs, this area frequently proves resistant to change. It can remain full even after other areas of the body have slimmed down.
Anatomy
The structure of your jawbone and neck can influence the appearance of a double chin. Some people naturally have shorter jawlines or less pronounced chin projection, which can create the visual impression of submental fullness even without excess fat.
Posture
Poor posture, particularly the habit of looking down at phones and devices for extended periods, can weaken neck muscles and contribute to the appearance of a double chin. This modern phenomenon has been dubbed “tech neck” by some aesthetic professionals.
What Is Kybella, the Non-surgical Fat Dissolver?
Kybella, the first FDA-approved injectable for reducing submental fat. It uses deoxycholic acid to break down fat cells so the body can destroy them. When injected beneath the chin, it disrupts fat cell membranes so they can no longer accumulate fat. The cells are then eliminated by the body’s natural waste processing system. Once fat cells are destroyed, they’re gone permanently, offering long-lasting results as long as you maintain a stable weight.
Who Makes an Ideal Candidate for Kybella?
Ideal Kybella candidates typically meet these criteria:
Moderate Submental Fullness
Kybella works best for individuals with moderate amounts of fat beneath the chin. Those with minimal fat or primarily skin laxity issues might benefit more from other treatments.
Good Skin Elasticity
Because Kybella addresses fat but not loose skin, patients with good skin elasticity tend to achieve the best results. The skin needs to retract naturally after fat reduction for optimal contouring.
Stable Weight
Candidates should be at or near their goal weight, as significant weight fluctuations after treatment can affect results.
What Results Can You Expect With Kybella?
Kybella results develop gradually as your body eliminates the destroyed fat cells. Most patients begin noticing visible improvement in their profile within 4-6 weeks after their initial treatment. However, optimal results typically require multiple sessions.
The number of treatments needed varies based on individual anatomy and goals. Most patients undergo between 2-6 sessions spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart. Your provider will assess your progress at each appointment and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
What Are the Side Effects of Kybella?
One of Kybella’s primary advantages over surgical options is its reduced downtime, though patients should prepare for some temporary side effects:
Swelling
The most common and noticeable side effect is swelling in the treatment area, often referred to as “bullfrog neck” by providers. This swelling typically peaks 24-48 hours after treatment and gradually subsides over the following week. The initial swelling is actually a sign that the treatment is working, as it indicates inflammation in response to fat cell destruction.
Bruising and Redness
Bruising may occur at injection sites and can last anywhere from a few days to a week. Redness in the treated area typically resolves within hours or days.
Numbness and Firmness
Temporary numbness or areas of firmness beneath the chin are normal responses to treatment and generally resolve within weeks as your body processes the damaged fat cells.
Pain and Discomfort
Mild to moderate discomfort, tenderness, or pain when touching the treated area can persist for several days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can typically manage this discomfort effectively.
Most patients find they can return to work and normal activities immediately after treatment, though some prefer to schedule sessions before a weekend to allow initial swelling to decrease.
What Can I Do to Maintain My Kybella Results?
After completing your Kybella treatment series, the destroyed fat cells are gone permanently. However, maintaining your improved profile involves some ongoing attention.
The most important thing you can do is maintain a stable weight. Although the treated fat cells won’t come back, the remaining fat cells can expand if you gain weight.
Taking good care of your skin should always be a priority. Use skincare with retinol, peptides, and antioxidants to maintain skin elasticity, and protect your skin with sunscreen every day.
Maintain good posture to prevent neck muscle weakening and the formation of creases in your neck skin.
Discover a New, Defined You With Kybella
If you’re looking for a non-surgical solution to submental fullness, Kybella offers an effective, long-lasting treatment that can reshape your profile with minimal downtime. Whether you’re dealing with a double chin due to genetics, aging, or other factors, Kybella targets and eliminates fat cells beneath the chin for a more sculpted and youthful appearance.
At Rejuvenate Med Spa in Oak Brook, IL, our skilled professionals are here to guide you through every step of the Kybella treatment process, ensuring a personalized approach for your unique needs. Book your consultation and start your journey to a more confident you.
