Kybella
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable that permanently destroys fat cells beneath the chin, treating submental fullness commonly called a double chin, without surgery or downtime beyond temporary swelling. At Genesis Dermatology in Jupiter, FL, Kybella is a non-surgical alternative for patients whose chin fullness doesn’t respond to diet or exercise.
What Is Kybella?
Kybella contains deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that breaks down dietary fat in the body. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, it destroys treated fat cells, which are then processed and eliminated by the body over the following weeks. Once destroyed, those fat cells cannot store fat again.
Why Diet and Exercise Don't Fix Submental Fat
Submental fullness is often driven by genetics rather than overall body weight, which is why some slender patients still have a persistent double chin. Because these fat cells are simply resistant to typical fat-loss mechanisms, Kybella targets them directly instead.
What to Expect During Treatment
Treatment involves a series of small injections directly into the submental fat, typically taking 15-20 minutes.
- Swelling, tightness, and bruising under the chin for several days to two weeks is expected and normal
- Most patients need 2 to 4 treatment sessions, spaced about a month apart
- Results build gradually as the body clears destroyed fat cells
- Results are typically visible a few months after your last session
Is Kybella Permanent?
Yes. Once a fat cell is destroyed, it will not return, so results are considered permanent as long as your weight remains stable. Significant future weight gain can still cause new fat to accumulate elsewhere, but not in cells that have already been eliminated.
Why Choose Genesis Dermatology for Kybella
Kybella requires a precise injection pattern to treat the target area evenly and avoid nearby structures like the marginal mandibular nerve. Our providers are trained specifically in submental anatomy delivering Kybella safely and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Kybella treatments will I need?
Most patients need between 2 and 4 sessions, spaced about a month apart, though this varies based on the amount of submental fat present.
Is Kybella painful?
The area is numbed before injection, and most patients describe post-treatment sensations as tightness or swelling rather than sharp pain.
How much downtime does Kybella require?
Most patients return to normal activities the same day, though visible swelling under the chin can last one to two weeks, which is worth planning around for photos or events.