Kybella™ is an FDA-approved injectable treatment designed to reduce small, focused areas of fat—most notably the submental fullness beneath the chin, often referred to as a “double chin.” The active ingredient is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that helps break down dietary fat in the body.
When injected into targeted fat under the skin, Kybella™ damages fat cell membranes. Over time, these cells are gradually cleared through the body’s natural processes, allowing for a more refined contour in the treated area.
At The Surgeon’s Spa – Beachwood and The Surgeon’s Spa – Westlake, Kybella is typically used to address:
Your Kybella™ journey starts with a personalized consultation. At this visit, your provider will:
During the treatment itself:
The appointment typically takes less than an hour, including preparation time.
Afterward, you can expect swelling and a feeling of fullness in the treated area, especially in the first few days. Bruising, tenderness, or numbness may also occur. Most patients return to work and normal activities quickly, but plan for a short period where the area may appear temporarily larger due to post-treatment swelling.
Results develop gradually. Many people begin to see a change in 4–6 weeks, with full improvement often visible within 3–6 months.
Kybella™ is usually performed as a series of sessions to achieve optimal reduction. Many patients need 3–4 sessions, spaced about six weeks apart, though some require fewer or more, depending on the degree of fullness and desired refinement.
Ideal candidates for Kybella™ are adults who:
Patients with more significant fat deposits may achieve better results with submental liposuction, while patients whose main concern is loose skin may be better suited to treatments such as Sofwave™, Morpheus8®, or a surgical face and neck lift. Your consultation at The Surgeon’s Spa will clarify which path is likely to give you the most satisfying result.
Most patients resume work the same or next day. Swelling, firmness, and bruising under the chin are common for the first several days, so plan accordingly if you have events or photos scheduled.
A typical treatment plan includes 3–4 sessions, but this can vary based on your anatomy and goals. We will reassess at each visit to determine if additional sessions are recommended.
Once the treated fat cells are destroyed and cleared, they are not expected to return. However, maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle is important for long-term contour.
If skin laxity is your primary concern, you may benefit more from non-surgical tightening (such as Sofwave™ or Morpheus8®) or a surgical lift. Kybella™ focuses on reducing fat, not tightening skin—though some patients experience a modest improvement in contour.
Kybella™ offers a non-surgical way to address focused pockets of fat along the chin and jawline. At The Surgeon’s Spa – Beachwood and The Surgeon’s Spa – Westlake, our experienced team will help you decide if injectable fat reduction, liposuction, skin tightening, or a combination best suits your goals. Reach out to schedule your consultation.
