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What Is Kybella and How Does It Work in 2025
- Production NMG
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
Kybella helps you reduce a double chin by breaking down excess fat beneath the chin. This treatment uses deoxycholic acid, which destroys fat cells so your body can remove them. Many people choose Kybella to target the fat beneath the chin without surgery. In clinical studies, up to 95.8% of patients saw improvement in the chin and neck area after treatment.
Most people notice their double chin shrinking after just a few sessions. Kybella gives you a way to treat a double chin that lasts.
Key Takeaways
Kybella is an FDA-approved shot. It breaks down fat cells under the chin. This helps reduce a double chin. You do not need surgery for this treatment.
The treatment uses synthetic deoxycholic acid. This destroys fat cells. Your body removes these cells forever. This happens if you keep your weight steady.
Most people see results after 2 to 4 sessions. Improvements happen over several months.
Side effects like swelling and bruising can happen. These are usually mild and do not last long. Picking a skilled provider helps keep you safe.
Costs change based on where you live and how many sessions you need. Kybella is a non-surgical choice. It is different from liposuction or CoolMini.
Kybella Overview
FDA Approval
You may ask if Kybella is safe. The FDA said yes to Kybella on April 29, 2015. It is an injectable drug for adults with a double chin. Kybella was the first injectable for this use that the FDA approved. The approval came after two big studies with over 1,000 adults. People who got Kybella lost more chin fat than those who got a fake shot. The studies showed Kybella works well and is safe for its purpose.
Kybella is special because it is the only FDA-approved shot for double chin fat. Other shots like PCDC or Lipodissolve do not have the same FDA approval or focus.
Uses
Kybella is for people who want to shrink a double chin without surgery. Doctors put Kybella right into the fat under your chin. The main part of Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid. Your body also makes this acid to help break down fat from food. This acid breaks open fat cells so your body can get rid of them for good. Kybella is not for everyone with extra fat. It works best for adults who are upset by their double chin and did not get results from diet or exercise.
Here are the main uses for Kybella:
Making your chin look better and more shaped
Helping adults who want a treatment without surgery
Some doctors use Kybella for small fat spots along the jawline, like jowls, to help shape the face. But the FDA only says Kybella is okay for under the chin.
Feature | Kybella | |
FDA Approval | Yes, for double chin | No |
Main Ingredient | Synthetic deoxycholic acid | Phosphatidylcholine + deoxycholate |
Target Area | Submental fat (double chin) | Multiple body areas |
Sessions Needed | 2-4 | 3-6 |
Results | Permanent fat reduction | Variable |
Kybella gives you a proven and focused way to treat a double chin. You can see results after a few sessions. Once the fat cells are gone, they do not come back.
How Kybella Works
Deoxycholic Acid
You might ask what makes Kybella work. The answer is deoxycholic acid. Your body makes this compound to help break down fat from food. Kybella uses a man-made version of deoxycholic acid. Doctors inject this solution under your chin. Each shot has 10 mg/mL of deoxycholic acid. This amount is the usual dose for treatment. It helps target the fat under your chin.
Deoxycholic acid acts like a tiny tool that breaks fat cells open. When doctors inject it, it goes into the fat under your chin. It breaks the walls of fat cells. The fat inside the cells comes out. Your body then clears away the broken fat cells over time. You do not need surgery to see results. Kybella lets you get rid of fat in a safe way.
Tip: Kybella uses a man-made deoxycholic acid. It works just like the kind your body makes. This helps make the treatment safe and effective.
Fat Cell Destruction
Kybella destroys fat cells at a very small level. When you get the shot, the deoxycholic acid acts as a special agent. It makes the fat cells break apart and die. This process is called lysis. After the fat cells burst, your body removes them through the lymphatic system.
Here is what happens step by step:
You get a Kybella shot in the area with extra fat.
The man-made deoxycholic acid finds the fat cells.
The fat cell walls break and let the fat out.
Your body gets rid of the dead fat cells over weeks.
The fat cells that are destroyed do not come back. Kybella gives lasting results in the treated spot if you keep your weight steady. If you gain a lot of weight later, new fat cells can form, but the old ones are gone for good.
Step | What Happens |
Injection | Kybella puts deoxycholic acid in the fat |
Fat Cell Lysis | Fat cell walls break and let fat out |
Metabolism | Body clears away dead fat cells |
Permanent Results | Fat cells do not grow back |
Kybella lets you get rid of chin fat without surgery. The treatment uses your body’s own system to clear away the fat cells. You can expect your chin to look smoother and more shaped after treatment.
Kybella Injections
Consultation
You start your journey with a consultation. You meet with a licensed provider who specializes in nonsurgical injectable treatment. The provider looks at your medical history and checks your overall health. You get an exam to see how much submental fat you have. You talk about your goals and what you want from the cosmetic procedure. The provider decides if Kybella is right for you and recommends how many sessions you may need. Your skin elasticity gets checked to make sure your skin will tighten after fat reduction. The provider also rules out any health problems that could affect your results.
Steps in a Kybella consultation:
Meet with a qualified provider.
Review your medical history and health.
Examine the amount of chin fat.
Discuss your goals and expected results.
Decide on the number of sessions.
Check skin elasticity.
Make sure you are a good candidate for this non-surgical treatment.
Procedure
The Kybella procedure is quick and easy. You do not need surgery. The provider cleans the area under your chin and applies a numbing cream. You feel comfortable during the injection. The provider marks the spots for the injectable treatment and uses a fine needle to deliver Kybella injections. Each session takes less than 30 minutes. You can go home right after the non-surgical procedure. Most people need 2-4 sessions, but some may need up to six or more for best results. Sessions are spaced out to let your body remove the destroyed fat cells.
Tip: You may notice changes after your second or third Kybella procedure. Results build up over several months.
Aftercare
After Kybella injections, you need to follow some simple aftercare steps. You should avoid pressing or massaging the treated area for a few days. Sleep with your head raised to help reduce swelling. Drink plenty of water to help your body heal. Stay away from heavy exercise, sun, and heat for three to five days. Use Tylenol for pain, but avoid ibuprofen. Eat healthy foods and skip salty snacks to lower inflammation. Do not use alcohol or nicotine for a few days. If you notice any unusual symptoms, call your provider right away.
Ice the area off and on for two days.
Avoid hard exercise for 48 hours.
Do not rub or massage the area.
Use makeup to cover bruises if needed.
Sleep with your head on extra pillows.
Eat pineapple for natural healing.
Wait before judging results; swelling may last weeks.
Contact your provider if you have trouble swallowing or muscle weakness.
Kybella Treatment Results
Results
You will start to see your double chin change after a few sessions. Most people see some changes in two or three months. The results get better as your body removes fat cells. In studies, 79% of people felt happier with how they looked after 12 weeks. The chart below shows more people see improvement with each treatment:
Number of Treatments | % Patients with Some Improvement | % Patients with Significant Improvement |
1 | 8% | 0% |
2 | 28% | 0% |
3 | 43% | 1% |
4 | 55% | 4% |
5 | 66% | 4% |
6 | 72% | 15% |
Kybella destroys fat cells under your chin for good. Once these cells are gone, they do not come back. You keep your new look if you stay at a healthy weight. If you gain weight, the fat cells left can get bigger, but the treated spot is less likely to fill up again.
Note: The best results usually show up about six months after your first Kybella session.
Safety
Kybella is FDA-approved to help shrink double chin fat. Providers follow strict rules to keep you safe. They check your health history and use the right injection steps. You get clear aftercare tips. Always pick a trained provider for your treatment. This helps lower risks and gives you better results.
Providers stay away from nerves and glands to keep you safe.
You should not take blood thinners or do hard exercise before your session.
Always listen to your provider’s aftercare advice.
Side Effects
Most side effects from Kybella are mild and go away fast. You might have swelling, bruises, pain, numbness, or redness under your chin. These problems usually stop in one or two weeks. Some people feel tingling, itching, or warmth where they got the shot. These are normal and mean your body is healing.
Common side effects:
Bruising (72%)
Pain or discomfort (70%)
Numbness (66%)
Redness (27%)
Itching or tenderness
Rare but serious side effects can happen. These include nerve injury, uneven smile, trouble swallowing, ulcers, or tissue damage. These problems are very rare if you pick a skilled provider. If you notice anything strange, call your provider right away.
Tip: Most side effects are mild and go away soon. Serious problems are rare, especially with a good provider.
Candidates and Cost
Who Qualifies
You might ask if Kybella is right for you. Providers look for certain things before you can get this treatment. You should have extra fat under your chin that does not go away with diet or exercise. You need to be healthy overall. Your skin must be stretchy enough to tighten after the fat is gone. You should not be pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have infections, bleeding problems, or trouble swallowing, you should not get Kybella. Providers also check if you had other cosmetic treatments before. You need to know that results take time and may need more than one session.
You may qualify if you:
Want a nonsurgical option
Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
Do not have infections or bleeding disorders
Have good skin elasticity
Are in generally good health
Note: Always talk to a professional before you start any cosmetic procedure. Your provider will help you decide if Kybella is right for you.
Cost
Kybella prices change based on where you live and how many sessions you need. Most people need two to four sessions for the best results. In big cities like New York City and Los Angeles, each session costs between $1,200 and $2,000. Smaller cities may have lower prices. Health insurance does not pay for Kybella because it is a cosmetic treatment. You can ask your provider about payment plans or ways to help pay.
Location | Average Cost per Session (USD) |
New York City | $1,200 to $2,000 |
San Francisco | $1,200 to $2,000 |
Chicago | $1,000 to $1,800 |
Los Angeles | $1,000 to $1,800 |
Northern Virginia | $650 to $3,000 |
Las Vegas | $800 to $2,000 |
Morgantown, WV | $600 to $1,200 |
Tip: The total cost depends on how many sessions you need. Ask your provider for a cost estimate just for you.
Alternatives
There are other ways to reduce double chin fat. Kybella is popular because it is not surgery and uses injections. Other choices are CoolMini, Smartlipo, and chin liposuction. CoolMini freezes fat cells with a special device on your skin. Smartlipo uses a laser and only needs one treatment. Chin liposuction is surgery and removes fat fast but takes longer to heal.
Treatment | Average Cost per Session/Procedure | Number of Sessions/Procedures Needed | Long-Term Cost Implication |
Kybella | $1,200 to $1,800 per session | 2 to 4+ sessions | Ongoing costs due to multiple treatments |
Smartlipo | $3,000 to $5,000 (one-time) | Single procedure | One-time cost, no follow-up treatments |
CoolMini | $2,000 to $4,000 total | Multiple sessions likely | May need more than one session |
Liposuction | $3,000 to $5,000 (one-time) | Single procedure | One-time cost, longer recovery |
If you want fast and big changes, liposuction may be better. If you want less downtime and no surgery, Kybella or CoolMini may be a good choice. Your provider can help you pick the best option for you.
Kybella helps you shrink a double chin without surgery. The treatment gets rid of fat cells for good. Most people need two to four sessions to see the best change.
Kybella uses a special acid to break up fat cells.
You might get swelling or bruises, but these problems go away fast.
It is important to pick a skilled provider and follow aftercare steps.
You should always talk to a trained provider before you start Kybella. This keeps you safe and helps you know what results to expect.
FAQ
Does Kybella hurt?
You may feel a small pinch or sting during the injections. Most people say the pain is mild. Your provider can use numbing cream to help you stay comfortable.
How long does swelling last after Kybella?
Swelling usually lasts three to seven days. Some people notice swelling for up to two weeks. You can use ice packs to help reduce swelling faster.
Can you return to work after Kybella?
You can go back to work the same day. Some people choose to wait one or two days if they have swelling or bruising. Light makeup can help cover any marks.
Are Kybella results permanent?
Yes, Kybella destroys fat cells for good. Once your body removes these cells, they do not come back. If you keep a steady weight, your results will last.
How many Kybella sessions do you need?
Most people need two to four sessions for the best results. Your provider will decide the right number for you based on your chin and your goals.
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