How KYBELLA Works: A Revolutionary Treatment for Submental Fat

Double chins—most of us hate them, and they don’t always play fair. They can show up because of aging, genetics, or weight gain, and they often stick around no matter how much you diet or exercise. Enter KYBELLA®, a game-changing, non-surgical double chin treatment that specifically targets submental fat (that’s the fancy term for fat under the chin).

Here’s everything you need to know about KYBELLA, from how it works to what you can expect during and after the treatment.

What is KYBELLA?

KYBELLA is the first FDA-approved injectable treatment designed for submental fat removal. The star of the show here is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in your body that helps disintegrate and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the fat under your chin, it destroys fat cells, which your body then processes and eliminates over the following weeks.

The best part? Once the fat cells are gone, they can’t store or accumulate fat again. So, after reaching your desired look, retreatment usually isn’t necessary.

The Science Behind KYBELLA: How It Works

At its core, KYBELLA is all about using your body’s own chemistry to help eliminate fat. Deoxycholic acid is like your body’s cleanup crew for fat. Naturally, it works in your digestive system, breaking down the fat you eat. When it’s injected into the submental area, it starts breaking down the fat cells directly in that spot.

Here’s what happens after the injection:

1. Cell Destruction: The deoxycholic acid targets the fat cell membranes, causing them to break apart.
2. Inflammation: Your body kicks into repair mode, triggering an inflammatory process that helps clear out the damaged fat cells.
3. Elimination: Over the next few weeks, your lymphatic system processes the debris and flushes it out naturally.

The result? A more defined chin profile over time.

What Causes a Double Chin?

Before diving into KYBELLA specifics, it helps to know why that stubborn fat under your chin exists in the first place. Some common causes include:

• Aging: Over time, your skin loses elasticity, and fat can accumulate in less-than-ideal places.
• Genetics: Some people are just predisposed to store fat under their chin, regardless of their overall weight.
• Weight Gain: While diet and exercise can help reduce overall body fat, spot reduction in the submental area isn’t guaranteed.

What to Expect During a KYBELLA Treatment

The actual KYBELLA procedure is relatively quick—about 15 to 20 minutes per session. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

1. Consultation and Mapping: Your provider assesses the area and maps out where the injections will go. They’ll make sure to avoid important structures, like nerves.
2. Preparation: To keep you comfortable, they might apply a numbing cream or use ice packs.
3. Injections: Using a fine needle (similar to those used for Botox), your provider administers multiple small injections into the fat under your chin. Depending on the area being treated, you might get anywhere from 14 to 40 injections.

Does It Hurt?

Pain levels vary, but most people report mild discomfort. On a scale of 1 to 10, the pain typically sits around a 4 during the first few minutes, then subsides quickly. Techniques like numbing creams, ice, or even oral pain relievers can make the process easier. Interestingly, many people find that subsequent sessions are less uncomfortable than the first.

How Many Treatments Do You Need?

Most people see noticeable results after two to four sessions, spaced about 4 to 8 weeks apart. Some may need up to six treatments to achieve their desired look. The good news? Once you hit your goal, those results are long-lasting. You won’t need maintenance treatments unless significant weight gain occurs.

What Happens to the Fat?

After KYBELLA destroys the fat cells, your body clears them out naturally. The remnants of the cells are metabolized and eliminated via your lymphatic and circulatory systems. It’s a gradual process, which is why results take a few weeks to fully appear.

Downtime and Side Effects

KYBELLA is minimally invasive, so there’s little downtime. That said, it’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising, redness, or numbness in the addressed area. Swelling is often most noticeable after the first session but tends to decrease with subsequent treatments.

Some tips to handle post-treatment effects:

• Wear a compression band around your neck for a few days if recommended by your provider.
• Avoid high-sodium foods and alcohol for a few days to minimize swelling.
• Stay hydrated to help your body flush out the fat cells.

Rare side effects, like trouble swallowing or temporary nerve injury, are possible but typically resolve on their own. Choosing a qualified provider minimizes these risks.

Does KYBELLA Tighten Skin?

While KYBELLA is primarily a fat-reduction treatment, some skin tightening may occur due to the inflammatory response triggered by the injections. However, it’s best suited for those with good skin elasticity and minimal loose skin.

KYBELLA vs. CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction

When it comes to submental fat, KYBELLA isn’t the only option, but it does have some unique benefits:

• CoolSculpting: This uses controlled cooling to freeze fat cells, which are then eliminated by the body. It’s non-invasive and works for various body areas, but it’s less targeted than KYBELLA.
• Liposuction: A surgical option that physically removes fat cells. While it’s a one-and-done procedure, it comes with the risks and recovery time common with surgery.

KYBELLA stands out because it’s non-surgical, FDA-approved specifically for submental fat, and offers long-lasting results without the downtime of surgery.

Maintaining Results

After KYBELLA, results and recovery are straightforward: stick to a healthy lifestyle. While the addressed fat cells are gone for good, gaining weight can create new fat cells, potentially undoing your results.

Here are a few tips to maximize your outcome:

• Stay active and maintain a stable weight.
• Follow any aftercare advice from your provider.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in the days following treatment.

Patient Satisfaction and Results

Studies show that about 79% of KYBELLA patients are satisfied with their improved chin profile. Results are subtle yet noticeable, and they develop gradually, so you won’t have to deal with people asking if you “had something done.”

Pre- and Post-Treatment Preparation

These simple steps can make your KYBELLA experience smoother, setting you up for great results and a speedy recovery.

Before Your Treatment

1. Avoid Blood Thinners: Steer clear of aspirin, ibuprofen, or any blood-thinning supplements (like fish oil or vitamin E) for about a week before your session. This can help minimize bruising.
2. Skip Alcohol: Avoid alcohol 24 hours before treatment, as it can increase swelling or bruising.
3. Plan Around Social Commitments: Swelling is common after KYBELLA, especially the first time, so don’t schedule big events right after your session.
4. Discuss Allergies and Medical History: Make sure your provider knows about any health conditions or medications you’re taking.
5. Comfortable Clothing: Wear something loose around your neck to avoid irritation after the procedure.

After Your Treatment

1. Manage Swelling: Apply ice packs intermittently to reduce swelling, especially during the first 24-48 hours.
2. Hydrate and Eat Light: Drink plenty of water and stick to low-sodium meals to avoid excess fluid retention.
3. Avoid Heat and Strenuous Activity: For the first 48 hours, skip workouts, hot tubs, or saunas to reduce inflammation.
4. Follow Your Provider’s Guidance: Use any recommended compression garments and follow instructions for managing discomfort or swelling.

Myths vs. Facts About KYBELLA

Clearing up these myths can help you make an informed decision about KYBELLA. It’s a safe and effective treatment when administered by a qualified professional.

Myth 1: KYBELLA Results Are Instant

Fact: KYBELLA works gradually. After the treatment, your body breaks down and eliminates the fat cells over a few weeks. Most people start noticing results after 2-4 sessions, spaced about a month apart.

Myth 2: KYBELLA Works for All Fat Types

Fact: KYBELLA is FDA-approved specifically for reducing submental fat (the double chin). It’s not a solution for other fat areas like the abdomen or thighs, and it’s not a weight-loss treatment.

Myth 3: KYBELLA is Painful

Fact: While there’s some mild discomfort during the injections, most patients describe the pain as tolerable and short-lived. Techniques like numbing creams and ice packs make the process easier.

Myth 4: KYBELLA Results Are Temporary

Fact: When KYBELLA gets rid of fat cells, they’re gone for good. But if you gain a lot of weight, new fat cells can still develop, so keep yourself active to experience long-lasting results.

Takeaway

KYBELLA has redefined the way we approach Submental Fat Removal, offering a Non-Surgical Double Chin Treatment that delivers lasting results. With its targeted KYBELLA Injection Process, this innovative treatment not only eliminates unwanted fat but also enhances your facial contours through KYBELLA Jawline Sculpting. The gradual yet effective KYBELLA Results and Recovery allow you to achieve a slimmer, more defined profile without the downtime of surgery.

Ready to take the first step toward a more confident you? RenovoMD specializes in KYBELLA Injection in Northborough, MA, providing personalized services to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Schedule your assessment today to learn how this treatment can work for you!