Kybella AT DERMACARE SAN DIEGO

Signs of aging are not limited to lines and wrinkles on the face. Some men and women find a small pocket of fat forms underneath the jawline as well, giving the appearance of a double chin. Known as submental fat, this development often has nothing to do with weight gain although it might make you look as though you have packed on a few extra pounds. The double chin sometimes cannot be addressed with diet and exercise alone, and in the past, surgery could be the only way to eliminate the fat satisfactorily. Fortunately, there is now an injectable treatment, available at Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics that can reduce submental fat and restore a smoother, more youthful profile to the lower face.

Who Is A Good Candidate?


Men and women that are struggling with submental fat beneath the chin may be good candidates for Kybella injections. Patients that request Kybella typically have relatively healthy skin tone and elasticity and are only interested in eliminating the fat pocket that has formed as part of the aging process. These patients are not looking for a more invasive surgical procedure that would involve incisions, anesthesia and a recovery period. Fortunately, Kybella can offer excellent results to the right patient without the need for surgery.

How is the Procedure Performed?

When you come to Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics for your Kybella treatment, we will begin by numbing the area underneath the chin to ensure your comfort during the procedure. A grid pattern will be drawn on the treatment area to indicate where the injections need to be placed. Dr. Birchall or a Physician Assistant will then make a series of injections to administer the medication. Most patients will receive between 30 and 50 injections before the procedure is over to produce an even, natural result.

As the Kybella is administered, it targets the fat cells directly without damaging any surrounding tissue and cells. The procedure typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and many of our patients go back to work or other obligations as soon as their treatment is over.

What Can I Expect After Treatment?

Patients usually experience redness, tenderness and swelling in the treatment area after Kybella injections, which may last for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication and ice can ease discomfort while you are recovering. A few patients opt to take the rest of the day off work after their procedure to recuperate before getting back to their regular schedules. However, the side effects from Kybella should not be severe enough to prohibit you from any activities you would like to participate in, even right after your appointment.

Are There Risks Associated with Kybella?

The FDA has approved Kybella to treat submental fat underneath the chin, which means if it is performed by an experienced injector like Dr. Birchall or our Physician Assistant, the procedure is relatively safe. However, no medical treatment is entirely without risk.

Possible side effects:

  • swelling
  • pain
  • numbness
  • bruising around the injection sites

How Soon Will I See Results?

Many patients start to see results between four and 12 weeks following treatment, with the complete outcome becoming apparent within about six months. Patients commonly require two to four treatment sessions to achieve their full results. A second appointment is scheduled approximately one month after the first, while subsequent sessions may be spaced out a bit longer to determine whether those additional injections will be needed.

How Long Will the Results Last?

Because Kybella destroys fat cells so they can be eliminated from the body, the results of the procedure are considered permanent (individual results may vary). However, signs of aging can creep in once again over time, which might necessitate another type of treatment to maintain the smoother contour of your jawline. If you begin to notice skin laxity or other concerns in this area, Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics has numerous treatments available to keep you looking and feeling your best through every stage of life.

Contact Us

Contact us now today if you would like to find out if Kybella® could work for you, or if you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation to further discuss your skin and body goals.