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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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At Columbia Laser Skin Center, we have served patients throughout the Columbia River Gorge since 2004. Our licensed and certified providers are supervised by medical directors and go through extensive training before offering any service. We use only products purchased directly from manufacturers, and we do not cut corners when it comes to your safety. Every treatment plan begins with a detailed evaluation, and we take the time to make sure you feel fully informed at every step. When you visit us in The Dalles, you can expect professionalism, compassion, and a high level of care from start to finish.
Kybella offers a nonsurgical option for patients wondering how to get rid of double chin fullness that does not respond to diet or exercise. We provide this treatment in The Dalles, OR, serving patients from across the Columbia Gorge region who want a focused solution. To schedule your consultation at Columbia Laser Skin Center, call (541) 298-5066 or contact us through the online form.
