Kybella is deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring compound in our bodies whose job is to dissolve fat. Kybella is the FIRST AND ONLY FDA-APPROVED injectable drug to reduce submental fullness. That’s a long way of saying that Kybella is a nonsurgical way to treat a double-chin.

Kybella works by dissolving the fat cells in the treatment area. The fatty contents are processed through your body like any other fat.

Kybella is in injectable drug, meaning a tiny needle is used to place the drug exactly where it’s needed. Once you have your consultation, and you and Dr. Kavali agree that Kybella is an appropriate option for you, Dr. Kavali will mark the treatment area with a skin pencil. Then she will numb the area with ice or with a bit of lidocaine (local anesthesia). The next step is having the temporary tattoo grid applied to the treatment area. This is just like a child’s tattoo and is easily removed. Finally, Dr. Kavali will use a tiny needle to inject the Kybella into specific points in the treatment area. Since the area is numb, this part isn’t painful. The tattoo is then washed off, and you are ready to go about your day.

Most people will have swelling, redness, numbness, and tenderness to touch for a few days after their Kybella treatment. You can also expect to feel some firmness in the treatment area. Each additional treatment tends to have less swelling, redness, and tenderness. You will start to see results in about 3-4 weeks.

Most people will need 2-4 Kybella treatments to get to full correction. Dr. Kavali will be able to let you know how many treatments you will likely need. Treatments are spaced at least 4 weeks apart.

At this time, Kybella is only FDA-approved for double-chins.