7 Things to Know Before a Kybella Treatment
Have you ever noticed that bit of fullness under your chin? It’s called a “double chin,” and it can be frustrating for people, even a reason for low self esteem. It’s a common concern which has nothing to do with your weight and more to do with genetics or anatomy. So, less eating and cardio will not help here.
If you’ve been looking for a solution without surgery, you may have heard about Kybella. This treatment has become a popular choice for creating a defined jawline. It offers a way to permanently address unwanted chin fat without the downtime of a surgical procedure.
To help you understand if this is the right choice for you, we’ve put together this guide. Here are seven essential things you should know before scheduling your first Kybella treatment.
1. What Exactly Is Kybella Treatment?
Let’s start with the basics. Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment designed to reduce moderate to severe fat beneath the chin. Unlike other injectables that relax muscles or add volume, Kybella works by actively destroying fat cells.
Deoxycholic acid is the main reason behind the curtain. This is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When the synthetic version is injected into the fat beneath your chin, it works by rupturing the membranes of the targeted fat cells.
Once these cells are destroyed, your body’s natural metabolic processes burn them away. This means the results are permanent. Those destroyed fat cells cannot store or accumulate fat again.
2. Consider Your Medical History
Before you can receive Kybella injections, you should get a thorough consultation with a qualified injector. During this appointment, you have to be completely open about your medical history. Certain conditions can affect your eligibility or the safety of the treatment.
You should discuss:
- Any past or planned surgeries on your face, neck, or chin.
- Medical conditions affecting your neck area, such as trouble swallowing.
- Bleeding problems, or if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- Any allergies you may have.
Sharing this information will help the aesthetician to create a safe treatment plan according to your condition. Hence, there are no contraindications that could lead to complications.
3. Avoid Blood Thinning Medications Before Your Appointment
Blood-thinning medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can increase the risk of bruising and swelling at the injection sites.
Dr. Faiqa Chaudhry will give you a specific list, but it generally includes:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Fish oil supplements
- Vitamin E
You should stop taking these for about one to two weeks before your Kybella treatment session. If you are on a prescribed blood thinner for a medical condition, discuss this with your injector and your doctor before making any changes. Understand what is the best age for Kybella treatment.
4. How the Kybella Injections for Chin Fat Actually Feel?
First, your injector will mark a grid on the treatment area under your chin. This grid serves as a precise guide for the series of small injections. To lower the pain, a topical anesthetic or a local numbing agent is often applied to the skin before the procedure begins. Some providers may also use ice packs to numb the area.
You will feel a series of quick pricks. Some patients experience a mild burning or stinging sensation as the deoxycholic acid begins to work on the fat cells. This feeling is temporary and typically subsides shortly after the injections are complete. The entire process is relatively fast, often taking only 15 to 20 minutes for the injections themselves.
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5. Mild Swelling is a Normal at the Injection Site
Remember: swelling is not a side effect; it’s a sign that the treatment is working. Significant swelling, often described as a “bullfrog” look, is very common in the first few days after your appointment. This is most pronounced in the first 24 to 72 hours and will gradually decrease over the next few weeks. While it might feel a bit alarming at first, remember that it’s a positive indicator. To help minimize swelling and discomfort, you can:
- Apply cold compress packs or ice to the treated area for 10-15 minutes at a time during the first day.
- Sleep with your head elevated on a couple of pillows to help reduce fluid buildup.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days, as it can increase blood flow and worsen swelling.
Knowing to expect this swelling can help you plan your social calendar accordingly. Many people prefer to schedule their treatment before the weekend to allow the healing process to go on in private.
6. Understanding How Many Treatments You Will Need
The exact number of treatments you’ll need depends on the amount of submental fat you have and your desired aesthetic goals. Most patients require between two and four treatment sessions to achieve their desired outcome.
Each treatment session must be spaced at least one month apart. This interval allows your body enough time to process the destroyed fat cells and resolve the swelling from the previous session. This gradual approach ensures a natural-looking reduction of the double chin and a beautifully sculpted final result.
7. What to Expect for Your Defined Jawline Results
After your final treatment session, you can look forward to a permanently more defined jawline. Because Kybella destroys the fat cells in the treatment area, they are gone for good. Those cells can no longer store fat, so as long as you maintain a stable weight, your results will last.
They appear gradually as your body clears away the treated cells over the weeks following each Kybella treatment session. Most people begin to see a noticeable difference after their second or third treatment. The full effect becomes visible about four to six weeks after your final session is complete.
The result is a sharper, more contoured neck profile and jawline that looks completely natural. It’s the kind of change that makes you look more refreshed and confident, enhancing your overall facial harmony without anyone knowing you’ve had a treatment.