Injectables
Kybella
Treatment
The only FDA-approved injectable to permanently destroy submental fat cells.
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How It Works
What Kybella Does
Kybella is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid — a naturally occurring molecule the body uses to break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into submental fat (the tissue beneath the chin), Kybella disrupts the membrane of fat cells, causing them to rupture and be cleared by the body's natural metabolic processes.
Unlike treatments that shrink fat cells, Kybella permanently destroys them. Once eliminated, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat again. The result is a lasting reduction in submental fullness and a more defined jawline and neck contour — without surgery or general anesthesia.
Most patients require 2–4 treatment sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart to achieve their target result. Once your goal is reached, no further treatment is needed.
What It Does
The Benefits
Permanent Results
Kybella permanently destroys fat cells in the treatment area. Once cleared by the body, those cells are gone — they cannot regenerate or accumulate fat again, making results long-lasting with appropriate weight maintenance.
Jawline Definition
By reducing submental fat, Kybella reveals the natural contour of the jawline and neck. Patients often report a more defined profile, reduced heaviness beneath the chin, and improved overall facial proportions.
No Surgery Required
Kybella achieves meaningful fat reduction through a series of small injections — no incisions, no general anesthesia, and no surgical recovery. It is the only FDA-approved non-surgical injectable for submental fat reduction.
Who It's For
Concerns We Address
Kybella is specifically designed for submental fat — the fullness beneath the chin that often persists regardless of diet or exercise. Here's what it targets.
Submental fat — the pad of fat beneath the chin — is often genetic and resistant to diet and exercise. It contributes to the appearance of a "double chin" regardless of overall body weight. Kybella targets this specific fat compartment with a series of precisely placed injections, permanently eliminating fat cells and producing a measurable reduction in chin fullness over the treatment series.
Excess submental fat can obscure the transition between the jaw and the neck, reducing definition and making the lower face appear heavier than it is. As Kybella reduces the submental fat pad, the underlying jawline becomes more visible, creating a sharper, more sculpted profile. For patients who also want to address volume loss or laxity in the lower face, Kybella pairs well with dermal filler along the jawline or chin.
In profile, submental fat creates a fullness that shortens the visible length of the neck and softens the cervicomental angle — the angle between the chin and neck that is a key marker of a youthful, defined appearance. Kybella improves this angle by reducing the fat responsible for the fullness, producing a more elongated and contoured neck profile without surgery.
Many patients with submental fat are not overweight — the fullness is genetic and localized, making it unresponsive to caloric restriction or exercise. Kybella is appropriate for these patients because it acts directly on the fat compartment through a chemical mechanism rather than relying on systemic fat loss. It is not a weight loss treatment and is best suited for patients who are otherwise at or near their goal weight.
Kybella reduces fat volume but does not tighten skin. Patients with significant skin laxity beneath the chin may find that fat reduction alone is insufficient — and that skin tightening is needed alongside volume reduction. For patients where this is a concern, your provider may recommend combining Kybella with Vivace RF Microneedling to address both the fat and the skin quality in the same treatment plan.
Patients who want meaningful submental fat reduction without the commitment, cost, or recovery of liposuction or neck surgery often find Kybella to be the right middle ground. Results are not instantaneous — the body takes several weeks to clear destroyed fat cells — but the outcome is a durable, surgical-quality improvement delivered through a series of in-office injections with no general anesthesia required.
Your Appointment
What to Expect
A Kybella treatment session takes approximately 30–45 minutes including consultation, numbing, and the injection itself. Plan for 2–4 sessions to reach your target result.
Consultation & Mapping
Your provider evaluates the size and distribution of your submental fat, assesses your skin laxity, and marks a grid of injection points beneath the chin. The number of injections per session and the number of sessions needed are determined based on your anatomy and goals.
Numbing
A topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area and allowed to take effect. Some providers also use ice to reduce discomfort. Kybella injections produce a mild burning or stinging sensation as the solution contacts fat cells — numbing helps manage this.
Kybella Injections
Using the pre-marked grid, your provider delivers a series of small injections of deoxycholic acid across the submental fat pad. A typical session involves 20–50 injection points depending on the treatment area. The process takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
Post-Treatment & Swelling
Swelling, tenderness, and firmness beneath the chin are expected and normal after Kybella — they are a sign the treatment is working. Swelling is most significant in the first 3–5 days and typically resolves over 2–4 weeks. Ice packs and elevation help manage discomfort in the first 48 hours.
Results Timeline
As swelling resolves over 4–6 weeks, fat reduction becomes visible. Full results from each session are typically apparent at the 6-week mark — which is also when your next treatment session is scheduled if additional rounds are needed. Most patients achieve their goal in 2–4 sessions.
Post-Treatment Tips
Apply ice packs to the treatment area for 10–15 minutes at a time during the first 48 hours to manage swelling. Sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first few nights. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours. Do not massage or apply pressure to the treated area. Swelling and numbness are normal and expected — contact our office if you experience significant asymmetry, difficulty swallowing, or facial weakness. For full guidance, visit our post-care instructions.
Pricing
Treatment Options
Kybella is priced per session. The number of sessions needed depends on the volume of submental fat and your desired outcome — your provider will give you a personalized recommendation at consultation.
Kybella Treatment
A single Kybella session targeting submental fat with a series of precisely placed deoxycholic acid injections. Most patients require 2–4 sessions to reach their goal, spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
Package of 2 — $1,100 (Save $100)
Package of 4 — $2,100 (Save $300)
Book TreatmentComplimentary Consult
Not sure if Kybella is right for you? Book a complimentary consultation and your provider will assess your submental fat, skin laxity, and anatomy to determine whether Kybella, filler, RF, or a combination approach will achieve the best result.
Related Options:
• Chin Filler — from $850/syringe
• Vivace RF Microneedling — ask for pricing
Book ConsultationYour Provider
Who Performs This Treatment
Nurse Injector
Thao Nguyen, RN
View ProfileTreatment Frequency
How Often to Treat
Kybella works in a series — each session permanently destroys a portion of the submental fat cells, and results compound with each round. Sessions are spaced to allow full resolution of swelling before assessing results.
Most patients require 2–4 sessions to achieve their target result. Each session is spaced 4–6 weeks apart to allow swelling to fully resolve and fat clearance to complete before your provider reassesses and determines whether additional treatment is needed.
Once you reach your goal, no maintenance sessions are required. Kybella permanently destroys fat cells — they cannot regenerate. As long as body weight remains stable, results are lasting. Significant weight gain can cause remaining fat cells in the area to enlarge, which may affect results.
Sessions must be spaced at least 4–6 weeks apart. This interval allows post-treatment swelling to fully resolve and gives your provider a clear view of your progress before deciding whether and how many additional sessions are needed to reach your goal.
For patients addressing multiple aspects of the lower face, Kybella pairs well with chin or jawline filler for added projection and definition. Skin laxity concerns can be addressed with Vivace RF Microneedling. View all ELLEMES treatments.
How They Compare
Kybella vs. Other Options
Several options exist for reducing submental fat and improving chin contour. Each approach differs in mechanism, downtime, number of treatments, and suitability depending on the patient's anatomy and goals.
Kybella is most effective for patients with a moderate, well-defined submental fat pad and adequate skin elasticity. Patients with very large fat volumes or significant skin laxity may be better served by a surgical consultation. Your provider will give you an honest assessment of which approach is right for your anatomy during a consultation.
Combine Treatments
Pairs Well With
Kybella reduces submental fat. These treatments address the surrounding areas for a more complete lower face result.
FAQ
Common
Questions
What to know before booking a Kybella treatment in Atlanta at ELLEMES.
Kybella contains synthetic deoxycholic acid, which disrupts the phospholipid membrane of fat cells on contact. This causes the cells to rupture and release their contents, which are then cleared by the body's lymphatic and metabolic processes over the following weeks. Once a fat cell is destroyed in this way, it cannot regenerate.
Kybella produces a burning or stinging sensation during the injection process as the deoxycholic acid contacts fat tissue. A topical numbing cream and ice are applied before treatment to reduce discomfort. Most patients describe the sensation as manageable, and the injection process itself takes only 15–20 minutes.
Significant swelling beneath the chin is expected and is a normal sign that the treatment is working. Swelling is most pronounced in the first 3–5 days and can make the chin and neck area look temporarily larger. Most of the swelling resolves within 2–4 weeks. Plan accordingly if you have events or photos coming up.
Most patients require 2–4 sessions to reach their goal, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. The exact number depends on the volume of submental fat and how much reduction you want to achieve. Some patients with smaller fat pads see their goal result after 2 sessions; others with more significant fullness may need 4 or more.
No — Kybella permanently destroys fat cells, and destroyed fat cells cannot regenerate. Results are durable as long as body weight remains stable. Significant weight gain can cause any remaining fat cells in the area to enlarge, which may affect the appearance of the chin and neck over time.
Kybella works best for patients with a moderate, well-defined submental fat pad who are at or near their goal weight. It is less suitable for patients with very large fat volumes, significant skin laxity, or those who have had prior procedures in the area. Your provider will assess your anatomy at consultation and give you an honest recommendation.
Yes, but not in the same session. Kybella produces significant swelling that needs to fully resolve before adjacent injections are placed. Once results are established — typically after completing your Kybella series — chin or jawline filler can be added to refine projection and definition. Vivace RF Microneedling can be timed to address skin laxity in the same treatment plan.
Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) for 7–10 days before your appointment to minimize bruising. Arrive with a clean face and no makeup in the treatment area. If you have any dental procedures planned, schedule them before Kybella — dental work within 2 weeks of treatment is not recommended. Your provider will give you a complete pre-treatment checklist at consultation.
Your Next Step
When You're Ready
Schedule a consultation and your provider will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend the right number of sessions to achieve your result.