How long does Kybella last?

Stubborn, unwanted fat can form in many areas of the body, including under the chin (submental fullness), on the abdomen, legs, buttocks, armpits, and upper arms. Even when patients follow a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise, stubborn fat deposits may persist, leaving them wondering whether there is a solution to eliminate excess fat. Previously, the only option to significantly reduce pockets of fat was liposuction, a surgical procedure in which fat cells are removed using a cannula. However, surgical fat reduction requires significant downtime and comes with a risk of serious side effects and complications. Fortunately, there is a non-surgical fat-reduction option: Kybella, the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for fat reduction and body contouring. The first step in determining whether Kybella injections are right for you is to schedule a consultation with experienced, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.

Kybella injections are FDA-approved specifically for the removal of submental fat, also known as chin fat or a double chin. However, they can also be used off-label for other areas, such as the upper arms, armpits, bra fat, love handles, legs, and jowls. The active ingredient is deoxycholic acid, which dissolves fat cells so they become metabolized by the body, reducing the amount of fat in the treatment area. With Kybella injections, there is no need to see a plastic surgeon, as the series of injections helps melt away fat with no recovery time required. Kybella injections can also be combined with other treatments, such as Thermage for skin tightening, Botox to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, and dermal fillers to combat volume loss and contour the face. When you discuss your aesthetic goals with Dr. Green, she will develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Experienced board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has been expertly treating patients at her Upper East Side, New York, Dermatology office for more than 25 years. Dr. Green is an expert in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, including Botox, Juvederm, laser treatments, dermal fillers, and Kybella injections, which she expertly performs daily in her New York City cosmetic dermatology practice. Dr. Green ensures that all patients receive high-quality care and full-body rejuvenation and has been consistently voted one of the best doctors in New York City by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, The New York Times, and New York Magazine. If you are interested in body contouring and addressing your upper arms, armpits, or bra bulge, Dr. Green is here to help.

Before and after – Kybella for chin area

What are Kybella deoxycholic acid injections?

Kybella is the only injectable treatment specifically FDA-approved to dissolve submental fat, and a good candidate for treatment is a patient looking to improve their facial profile and contour the neck, chin profile, and jawline. FDA-approved in 2015, Kybella injections have been shown to be safe and effective through multiple clinical trials and serve as an excellent alternative to surgical treatments for fat reduction and facial contouring. With the active ingredient synthetic deoxycholic acid, Kybella injections help remove stubborn pockets of fat without the risk of serious side effects or downtime. Kybella is most effective with multiple treatment sessions and provides permanent fat reduction in the treated area, provided there is no additional weight gain after the procedure.

How do Kybella injections work for dissolving submental fat cells?

Kybella works by using the active ingredient deoxycholic acid, which, when injected into stubborn fat areas, helps reduce the concentration of fat cells. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to break down dietary fat. Kybella employs the same principle, using a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid that reacts with the fat cell membrane, causing the cell to dissolve. Once the fat cell membrane is disrupted, the body can naturally metabolize the fat cells, reducing the concentration of fat at the injection site. Kybella is an excellent treatment option for patients experiencing mild to moderate fat accumulation in the treatment area. A permanent, non-surgical treatment, Kybella provides a safe and effective option for body contouring and unwanted fat reduction.

How long does Kybella last under the chin?

Kybella injections destroy fat cells in the treatment area and trigger the body’s natural processes for metabolizing the ruptured cells. As such, it may take multiple sessions and several months after the last treatment for the full effects of Kybella to become evident. However, after 3-4 treatments, the final results are permanent, provided patients maintain their target weight and prevent the development of new fat cells.

How many Kybella treatments are needed for lasting results?

The number of injections and treatment sessions necessary will vary from patient to patient depending on the amount of fat in the treatment area, the size of the neck, and the patient’s aesthetic goals. Dr. Green recommends that patients begin their treatment journey with an initial consultation so Dr. Green can examine the targeted areas and generate a personalized treatment plan. While patients may start to see a difference after their first treatment, to achieve optimal results, Dr. Green typically recommends three to six treatment sessions, each spaced approximately four weeks apart. The exact number of vials will vary, but Dr. Green typically uses two to three per treatment session for the double chin. At each follow-up appointment, Dr. Green will assess treatment progress against the patient’s aesthetic goals to determine the number of additional treatment sessions needed to achieve optimal results with Kybella injections.

How long does it take to see results from Kybella?

Patients often wonder, “How long does Kybella take to fully work?” The Kybella treatment process requires 3 to 4 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Since the Kybella injectable contains deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring chemical, it takes some time for the fat cells to dissolve. As such, it should take several weeks for the results to appear. However, once the treatment process is complete, the results are permanent, and you will not need to return for further treatment.

Is Kybella permanent?

Kybella is an injectable treatment that permanently eliminates fat cells in the treatment area. The injection’s active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, destroys the fat cells accumulated in the area, eliminating the double chin and permanently contouring the jawline. The treatment is most effective for patients at or near their target weight, and the best way to achieve long-lasting results is to maintain a healthy lifestyle with balanced meals and regular physical activity. Kybella will not prevent the accumulation of fat cells if patients gain weight following the treatment. If weight gain occurs and excess fat accumulates in the submental region, patients may undergo Kybella treatment again.

Does fat come back after Kybella?

Once fat cells are targeted by the synthetic deoxycholic acid in Kybella injections, they are permanently destroyed and cannot regenerate. However, while the fat cells present during treatment cannot return after the last treatment, new fat cells can form in the treated area if patients gain weight after the procedure. To maintain the treatment results, it is best to be within 10 pounds of your current weight.

Can Kybella results wear off over time?

The results of Kybella injections are permanent, meaning that they will not wear off or diminish over time. Kybella treatment destroys fat cells in the treatment area for permanent results. However, if patients gain weight after the Kybella procedure, new fat cells may form, leading to a new double chin or submental fullness. If this occurs, patients can schedule another round of Kybella treatments with Dr. Green.

What affects how long Kybella results last?

Several factors can affect how long Kybella results last, including weight gain after treatment, lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise, medications, and supplements. While Kybella permanently destroys fat cells in the treated area, weight gain post-treatment can cause new fat cells to form, leading to submental fullness. To avoid additional weight gain and help maintain the treatment results, patients can implement certain lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy diet rich in whole foods, raw fruits, vegetables, and foods high in dietary fiber can help patients maintain their current weight, as foods high in fat, salt, and sugar can contribute to weight gain. Staying active by exercising at least 30 minutes a day can increase metabolism, which also helps to reduce weight gain. Additionally, patients can talk to their healthcare providers about avoiding or reducing medication where weight gain is a side effect.

Does weight gain affect how long Kybella lasts?

Weight gain does affect how long the desired results of Kybella are visible. While Kybella injections destroy the fat cells in the treated area, new fat cells can form due to weight gain, leading to the appearance of submental fullness after the procedure. To maintain the desired results of Kybella injections, patients should stay within 10 pounds of their current weight.

Does age impact how long Kybella lasts?

Age does not significantly affect how long Kybella lasts. However, older patients may experience increased skin laxity due to reduced collagen production, which can contribute to a double chin. The results of Kybella treatment are permanent, but patients can maintain a slim, contoured jawline by keeping their current weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Can you redo Kybella years later if fat returns?

If patients experience weight gain following Kybella treatment, they may develop new fat cells and experience a reappearance of submental fullness. If patients are unhappy with the development of new submental fat, they can return to Dr. Green for additional Kybella injections. Kybella injections work by breaking down new fat cells, destroying them for a slimmer, more contoured appearance. To avoid new submental fat, patients should stay within 10 pounds of their current weight.

How often do you need Kybella touch-ups?

To achieve the most optimal results, Dr. Green typically recommends between two and six touch-up appointments after the first treatment session. Multiple treatment sessions, each spaced approximately one month apart, will help patients achieve their desired results. The number of touch-ups required depends on the fat concentration in the treatment area, the patient’s age, and their specific aesthetic goals.

How long does Kybella last compared to CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a treatment that uses cryolipolysis to reduce stubborn fat and contour the body. Because fat freezes at a higher temperature than surrounding tissue, CoolSculpting uses extremely cold temperatures to rupture fat cells in the treatment area, breaking them down and metabolizing them through the lymphatic system. With each CoolSculpting treatment session, the target fat bulge can be reduced by up to 25%, and multiple sessions are often required to achieve optimal results. Sometimes, Dr. Green will combine CoolSculpting and Kybella treatments, using CoolSculpting to “debulk” an area with severe fat buildup before administering Kybella injections to further dissolve fat cells.

How long does swelling last after Kybella?

For some patients, swelling after Kybella treatment can be significant, causing inflammation under the chin that may be accompanied by bruising, redness, lumps, and discomfort at the injection site, and may persist for up to four weeks post-treatment. The peak of swelling after Kybella injections typically occurs within 1-5 days and begins to decrease after 1 week. Patients typically observe a reduction in inflammation and bruising over time, with side effects clearing completely after 4-5 weeks. Side effects such as swelling and bruising at the injection site will subside on their own.

Several activities and medications can help reduce swelling after Kybella injections and can be done at home. Following the Kybella injection, Dr. Green recommends icing the treatment area to reduce swelling and bruising. Ice packs are most effective when wrapped in a towel before application, as direct ice contact can cause irritation or burns. Patients should also keep the treatment area elevated by sleeping upright at night and by wearing a compression strap, which can reduce swelling. There are also medications available to reduce swelling, such as the over-the-counter antihistamine Cetirizine and the oral steroid Medrol.

How to get started with Kybella injections for submental fullness today

Submental fullness, also known as the “double chin,” is characterized by stubborn pockets of fat in the chin area and can make many patients self-conscious. According to the American Society for Dermatological Surgery (ASDS), a recent study reported that 67% of patients felt uncomfortable with submental fat accumulation. A double chin and sagging jowls can be nuisances because even with a healthy diet and a steady exercise regimen, accumulated submental fat is difficult to eliminate without the help of a cosmetic procedure. Fortunately, a safe and effective non-surgical treatment option is available to reduce stubborn pockets of fat under the chin: Kybella, a fat-dissolving injectable. With the active ingredient deoxycholic acid, Kybella injections destroy fat cells in the treated area, contouring the neck and jawline for a slimmer, more contoured appearance. The best first step in eliminating your double chin is to schedule a consultation with expert dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over 2.5 decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and adopts a less-is-more philosophy, creating customized skincare routines and treatment plans that address her patients’ unique concerns and aesthetic goals. She is consistently recognized by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors as one of New York’s best dermatologists for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us or send a text message at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green to determine whether Kybella fat-dissolving injections are appropriate for you.