A double chin can be difficult to get rid of, even if you’re maintaining a healthy weight. Genetics, aging, and how your body stores fat can all contribute to submental fullness. For many people, diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to address this area. Surgery isn’t always the right choice, either, whether due to downtime, cost, or preference. That’s why we offer Kybella in The Dalles, OR, at Columbia Laser Skin Center. It’s an option for patients who want to reduce fat under the chin without surgery.
Are You Ready to Melt Away Your Double Chin and Love Your Profile Again?
- You are not alone if you hate your double chin! Over 67% of adults surveyed said they are bothered by their double chin.
- Men & women are bothered by having a double chin. Many people feel that having a double chin makes them look older and heavier than they really are.
- Kybella is the ONLY FDA-approved treatment for double chins.
- With Kybella, there is NO Surgery and No Downtime.
- Kybella (deoxycholic acid) is a naturally occurring substance that our body produces to break down dietary fat.
- In just 2-4 treatments, you can say “Goodbye” to your double chin forever and start loving your profile again.
What Causes a Double Chin?
A double chin is not only experienced by individuals who are overweight. While this can be a factor, there are other factors that can also contribute to fat pockets in this area. Having a double chin is also caused by:
- Genetics – Many people comment to us, “I have my Grandpa’s double chin!”
- Age – As we get older, some of us will store excess fat under our chins. It’s not fair, but it can happen.
- Weight Gain – Sure, it seems normal to think that if we gain weight, we can store fat under our chins. However, many people who diet and exercise can also have a double chin.
What Is KYBELLA?
KYBELLA (deoxycholic acid) is the first and only FDA-approved treatment that is used in adults to improve the appearance of moderate to severe submental fullness or “Double Chin”. Kybella is a series of tiny injections used to permanently destroy the fat cells creating the Double Chin.
How Does KYBELLA Work?
The active ingredient in KYBELLA is deoxycholic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in all of our bodies. Deoxycholic acid is secreted by the gallbladder and is important for breaking down fat that we consume in our diet. When injected into the fat beneath your chin, KYBELLA causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, they will never be able to store or accumulate fat in the future.
Who Makes a Great Candidate for Kybella?
Weight Stability
If your weight has been stable for a while, you’re likely a better candidate for Kybella. This treatment targets fat cells under the chin, not overall body fat, so large fluctuations in weight can affect your results. We usually recommend that patients wait until they’ve reached or are maintaining a consistent weight before moving forward.
Skin Elasticity
The best results tend to come when the skin under your chin still has some elasticity. If the skin can bounce back after the fat is reduced, the contour of your neck will look more refined. If the skin is very loose or sagging, we may need to talk about combining treatments or considering other options.
Men and Women
We treat both men and women with Kybella. Men often have thicker skin and stronger jawlines, so we may take a slightly different approach to shaping the area. Women may be more focused on creating a softer contour, while men might want to highlight a more defined edge.
Amount of Submental Fullness
We look at how much fat is sitting under your chin and how it’s distributed. Some patients have a small pocket that responds quickly, while others may need more sessions. If the fullness is spread out or extends down the neck, we’ll take that into account when creating your treatment plan.
Other Factors
Age can play a role, mostly because skin quality and elasticity change over time. If you have strong skin structure and are generally healthy, you’re likely a good fit. Certain medical conditions might mean Kybella isn’t the right option, so we’ll go over your full medical history first.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
During your visit, we will start by examining the area under your chin and asking about your medical history. We want to understand how long the fullness has bothered you, if your weight has changed recently, and whether you have had any previous treatments. We will also check your skin quality and look at how your fat is distributed. This helps us decide if Kybella double chin treatment is appropriate and how many sessions you might need. We will always take the time to explain the process and answer your questions clearly before moving forward.
A Detailed Look at Your Kybella Treatment
On the day of treatment, we clean the skin and mark the injection sites using a temporary grid. We may apply a numbing cream or use ice to keep you comfortable. The injections go directly into the fat under your chin using a small needle. Each treatment typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. Afterward, you may feel warmth, burning, or firmness in the area, which is normal as the solution starts to work.
Aftercare Tips for a Smoother Recovery
Most swelling begins a few hours after the injections and can last for several days. We recommend sleeping with your head elevated on two pillows for the first few nights to help reduce swelling. Plan your treatment when you can take it easy for a day or two, especially if you have work or social events. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours to keep the swelling from worsening. Mild numbness or firmness is part of the normal Kybella recovery, and we will go over how to monitor your progress at each follow-up.
Getting the Best Results With Kybella
- Follow Pre-Treatment Instructions: You may need to stop taking blood thinners, certain supplements, or anti-inflammatory medications for a few days unless directed otherwise by your primary provider. Avoid alcohol the day before and come in with clean skin.
- Stick to Your Treatment Schedule: Kybella works gradually, so most patients need a series of sessions spaced about four to six weeks apart. Skipping or delaying your appointments can slow your progress. Each session builds on the previous one, so staying consistent gives the best results over time.
- Avoid Massaging the Area After Treatment: It might feel tempting to touch or massage the area, especially if there is swelling or firmness, but we recommend that you avoid doing so. The product needs to stay where we placed it in order to break down the fat effectively. Gentle cleansing is fine, but try not to apply pressure or move the tissue around.
