KYBELLA® Double Chin Reduction
What is Kybella?
An elegant, sleek neckline is considered desirable for women. For men, it’s a chiseled profile with a strong chin. For many people, however, fat accumulates and creates a frustrating double chin that can undermine a refined look. Enter KYBELLA, a non-surgical treatment nicknamed the “double chin shot,” which Naples, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers residents can now get at Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa. Dr. Patrick Flaharty’s practice is the first in Southwest Florida to begin offering KYBELLA.
Before
After
Before
After
This 55-year-old woman is shown before and after 5 treatment sessions with KYBELLA.
Photos courtesy of Kythera
How Kybella Works
KYBELLA is approved by the FDA to reduce “submental fat,” which accumulates just below the chin and creates the double chin look. KYBELLA’s active ingredient is deoxycholic acid, a chemical that occurs naturally in the body to help break down and absorb dietary fat.
When this chemical is injected into the treatment area, it destroys fat cells. Once fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat. The body then naturally flushes away the dead cells, leaving a contoured, slimmer neck behind.
What To Expect During Kybella Injections
Dr. Flaharty customizes each KYBELLA treatment based on his assessment of a patient’s unique, personal needs. More than 1 treatment session is necessary, with most patients seeing the desired results after 2 to 4 treatments.
Your procedure begins with a thorough cleaning of your neck. You receive a local anesthetic in the treatment area to help you remain comfortable during the injections. Because multiple injections are needed during each treatment, Dr. Flaharty clearly marks a precise grid pattern below the chin to guide the injections.
A treatment session typically lasts only 15 to 20 minutes. Once it’s completed, you can return to work, run errands, or complete your other daily activities. Most patients experience some swelling, bruising, and redness following the treatment, but those signs typically resolve in a couple of days. Some patients simply opt to wear a scarf during that time.
The Brilliant Distinctions program makes it easy for you to save money on your favorite treatments. Each time you purchase an Allergan product — whether it’s BOTOX Cosmetic, CoolSculpting, or LATISSE — you earn points that you can use to save on future treatments. It’s easy and free to join Brilliant Distinctions.
Kybella Results
The results following KYBELLA treatments won’t be noticeable right away because of swelling. Even as the swelling diminishes after the first treatment, you may not notice significant changes, because it takes a few weeks for the body to flush away destroyed fat cells. But as you undergo additional treatments, the results gradually become more dramatic.
How Many Kybella injections Will I Need?
The specific number of treatment sessions a patient needs depends on the amount of submental fat and the patient’s personal cosmetic goals. Some patients see the desired results after 2 treatments; other individuals may need as many as 6 sessions. Treatment sessions are scheduled at least 30 days apart.
Side Effects of Kybella
As mentioned above, swelling, bruising, and redness are typical side effects following each session. Additionally, you may notice some discomfort and hardness in the treatment area. Numbness is also possible. All of these conditions are temporary and gradually resolve by themselves.
Alternatives to Kybella for Removing Double Chin
Until recently, neck liposuction was really the only effective way to get rid of the fat that causes a double chin, but many people would rather avoid a surgical procedure. KYBELLA is a minimally invasive option that requires only a local anesthetic, no incisions, and no downtime. Patients who may not want injections can opt for noninvasive CoolSculpting designed for the neck. If you have loose neck skin, however, Ultherapy is a non-surgical procedure that lifts the neck, and Dr. Flaharty also is highly experienced at face and neck lift surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
Men and women who are interested in learning more about KYBELLA and why it’s considered a groundbreaking treatment can request a consultation using the online form or call our Naples-Fort Myers practice at {tel}.
You Might Also Be Interested In:
BOTOX Cosmetic, Dysport & XEOMIN
Dermal Fillers
Azul Liquid Facelift
InstaLift™
KYBELLA® Double Chin Reduction
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for Kybella?
I might be a good candidate if I have moderate to severe submental fullness (a double chin), I’m in good overall health, and I want a non-surgical option for contouring.
How is Kybella different from chin liposuction?
Kybella is non-surgical, involves no incisions or anesthesia, and has minimal downtime — liposuction is surgical with longer recovery.
What should I expect during a Kybella session at Azul?
Your neck is cleaned, a local anesthetic is applied, and a series of quick injections are made under the chin — the entire session takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel mild to moderate discomfort during injections and may experience swelling and tenderness afterward, but local numbing is used for comfort.
How many treatments will I need?
Most clients see their desired results in 2 to 4 sessions, scheduled at least 30 days apart — some may need up to 6 based on their goals.
How long before I see results?
You’ll likely see gradual improvement over weeks as your body clears away the destroyed fat cells — results aren’t instant due to initial swelling.
Are the results permanent?
Once fat cells are destroyed with Kybella, they generally do not return — but untreated fat cells can still expand with weight gain.
What are the common side effects?
Temporary swelling, bruising, redness, numbness, or hardness in the treated area are common and typically resolve on their own.
Will I need downtime after treatment?
Most people return to normal activities right after their session. Some prefer to cover swelling with a scarf for a day or two.
Can Kybella tighten loose skin under the chin?
While Kybella reduces fat, if I have loose skin I may discuss other options like Ultherapy or surgical procedures with my provider.
Is one treatment enough?
Usually not — multiple sessions tailored to my anatomy and goals are recommended for best contouring results.
How much does Kybella cost at Azul?
Prices vary based on the number of sessions and amount needed; I should contact Azul for a personalized quote.
How long does each Kybella appointment take?
A typical session takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Can I combine Kybella with other treatments?
Yes — many people combine Kybella with other aesthetic services for a more comprehensive profile improvement plan, but I’ll discuss best options with my provider.
Is the treatment safe?
Kybella is FDA-approved and widely used for submental fat reduction when performed by qualified professionals.
How is Kybella different from CoolSculpting?
Kybella chemically destroys fat cells with injections, while CoolSculpting uses cold energy to freeze fat — both are non-surgical but work differently.
Are the injections customized for each person?
Yes — at Azul, the injector customizes the treatment plan based on how much submental fat I have and my aesthetic goals.
How do I schedule a consultation or treatment?
I can request a consultation through the online form or call the Azul clinic to schedule a visit.