Getting Rid of That Double Chin — Without Surgery

Submental fullness, often referred to as a “double chin,” is a common facial aesthetic condition that can impact both men and women. It can be related to the aging process or could simply be a part of your genetics. Though it can become more prominent with weight gain, sometimes diet and exercise alone do not make it go away.

Nonsurgical Treatment

At CITY SKIN CLINIC, we offer a nonsurgical approach (Kybella) to treat this common condition. Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved nonsurgical treatment that contours and improves the appearance of double chin.

Kybella contains deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. It is injected into the fat beneath your chin to destroy fat cells. Once the cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat. For most patients, two treatments are needed.

How Do I Know if Kybella is Right for Me?

Kybella is an effective treatment for submental fullness, but not everyone is a candidate. Your physician will help you determine if the treatment is right for you.

You may be a good candidate for this treatment if you:

  • Are bothered by the appearance of a double chin
  • Feel the condition makes you look older or heavier than you are
  • Eat well and exercise but submental fullness doesn’t go away
  • Prefer a nonsurgical approach

Some health problems may prevent you from being a candidate for treatment:

  • Bleeding problems
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Infection in the area of treatment
  • Weak facial muscles

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

The Kybella injection is a quick and minimally invasive procedure. Cold packs are applied to make the process more comfortable and, if needed, a topical numbing cream is used. The procedure typically lasts only 15 to 20 minutes, and discomfort should be minimal.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

The injection involves minimal discomfort and absolutely no downtime. Many people even undergo treatment on their lunch break, and then return to work immediately afterward.

As with any needle treatment, the injection site may become slightly sore, red, swollen or bruised. These side effects are temporary and subside within a few days.

Kybella doesn’t produce immediate results. It works to reduce submental fullness, and you’ll usually see results within 4 to 6 weeks after treatment.

How Long Will My Results Last?

As with any fat removing treatment, your results are impacted by your commitment to a healthy lifestyle and weight management. You’ll continue to age, but your submental fullness will always be better than it would have been without treatment.