Kybella® — The Non-Surgical Solution for a Sleeker, Defined Jawline

Discover how Kybella eliminates stubborn chin fat without surgery, downtime, or scars. Learn what to expect, who it’s best for, and why this injectable has become one of the most popular aesthetic treatments for facial contouring.

Key Takeaways

• Kybella® is an FDA-approved injectable that permanently destroys fat cells under the chin.

• It’s ideal for patients bothered by submental fullness (commonly called a double chin).

• Treatments are non-surgical, with minimal downtime and long-lasting results.

• Most patients need 2–4 sessions, spaced about a month apart, for optimal contouring.

• Results appear gradually as the body metabolizes destroyed fat cells—revealing a slimmer, more sculpted profile.

What Is Kybella?

Kybella® (deoxycholic acid injection) is a non-surgical injectable treatment designed to target and reduce submental fat—the fat that accumulates beneath the chin.

Deoxycholic acid, the active ingredient, is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the submental area, Kybella destroys fat cells permanently, meaning they can no longer store or accumulate fat.

The result: a smoother, more defined chin and jawline without incisions, anesthesia, or extensive recovery.

What Does Kybella Treat?

While Kybella is primarily known for treating double chins, it can also be used off-label in small, localized fat pockets around:

• The jawline (to refine contour)

• The jowls (to reduce mild sagging)

• The upper neck area

Kybella is most effective for patients with moderate fat accumulation and good skin elasticity. It’s not designed for significant weight loss, but rather for sculpting and definition.

What to Expect During Kybella Treatment

1. Consultation:
Your provider will evaluate your chin profile, discuss your goals, and determine if Kybella is the right fit.

2. Mapping the Treatment Area:
Tiny injection points are marked under the chin for even fat distribution.

3. Injections:
The Kybella solution is administered via a fine needle. Most treatments take 15–20 minutes.

4. Post-Treatment:
Mild swelling, tenderness, or firmness under the chin is common for a few days. These are signs that fat cells are being broken down and eliminated naturally by the body.

Kybella Results — Before & After Timeline

Benefits of Kybella

• Non-surgical & no anesthesia required

• Permanent fat reduction in treated areas

• Minimal downtime — return to work or daily activities within days

• Customizable treatments for your anatomy and goals

• Boosts confidence by restoring definition and balance to your profile

Unlike traditional liposuction, Kybella doesn’t involve incisions, sutures, or scarring. It’s a discreet way to sculpt your lower face with natural, gradual improvement.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Kybella?

Kybella works best for:

• Adults 18+ with moderate submental fullness

• Those with firm, elastic skin that can contract smoothly after fat reduction

• Patients who prefer non-surgical facial contouring

• Individuals at or near their ideal body weight

You may not be a good candidate if you have:

• Significant loose or sagging skin under the chin

• Prior neck or jaw surgery that affects injection sites

• Active infection or inflammation in the treatment area

A board-certified injector can determine your eligibility and create a customized plan tailored to your needs.

How Many Kybella Treatments Do You Need?

Most patients need between 2 and 4 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Each session destroys a layer of fat cells, allowing gradual improvement.

Smaller pockets of fat may respond in as few as 2 sessions, while more significant fullness may need up to 6. Once the desired contour is achieved, no maintenance injections are necessary—results are considered permanent.

Potential Side Effects

Kybella is generally well-tolerated, but as with any injectable, temporary side effects can occur:

• Swelling or firmness (common)

• Redness or bruising

• Numbness or tingling

• Mild discomfort or tightness

Rarely, nerve irritation may cause temporary weakness in facial muscles, but this typically resolves on its own within a few weeks.

Kybella vs. Liposuction — Which Is Better?

Both treatments remove fat cells permanently, but Kybella is best for smaller, targeted areas, while liposuction is preferred for more extensive fat removal or when combined with skin tightening procedures.

Before & After Photos — What to Look For

When viewing Kybella before and after photos, pay attention to:

• Lighting and head position consistency

• Skin smoothness and jawline definition

• Natural profile balance (no over-correction)

• Subtle progression across multiple sessions

The most beautiful Kybella results look natural—refined, not overdone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kybella permanent?
Yes. Once fat cells are destroyed, they cannot regenerate. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve results.

Does Kybella hurt?
You may feel mild stinging or warmth during injection, but your provider can use topical numbing or ice to minimize discomfort.

Can Kybella tighten skin?
Kybella is primarily a fat-dissolving treatment. Some mild skin tightening may occur as swelling subsides, but it’s not a replacement for skin-tightening procedures.

When will I see results?
Most patients notice improvement after the second session, with full results visible around 12 weeks after the final treatment.

How long is the downtime?
Mild swelling can last 3–5 days. Most patients return to social and work activities within 48–72 hours.

Ready to Redefine Your Jawline?

If you’ve struggled with a stubborn double chin, Kybella offers a proven, non-surgical solution for a smoother, slimmer, more confident profile. Schedule your consultation at Plastic Surgery in Florida to see if this breakthrough treatment is right for you.

For More Information on the Treatments and Procedures offered, contact award-winning Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Fiala at Fiala Aesthetics in Greater Orlando to Schedule Your Consultation:

Voted the #1 Best Plastic Surgeon in Orlando, Florida by the readers of Orlando Magazine.