If you feel like your jawline disappears in photos or your chin looks “soft” from the side, you are not alone. Submental fullness, more commonly called a double chin, can show up even when you are at a healthy weight. Genetics, anatomy, lifestyle and age-related skin changes all play a role. The good news is that you have options that do not involve surgery.
One of the most effective non-surgical treatments for a double chin is Kybella, an injectable that reduces unwanted fullness under the chin by breaking down fat cells. In this guide, we will walk through how Kybella works, what treatment feels like, what results are possible and how to tell if you are a good candidate for Kybella at Cynthia Salter-Lewis, MD, in Marlboro, NJ.
Why Do Double Chins Happen?
Many patients assume a double chin means weight gain. Sometimes it does, but often it is more complicated than that. Submental fullness can develop even if you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. This is because the area under the chin is strongly influenced by things beyond your diet and exercise habits.
Common contributing factors include:
- Genetics and inherited fat distribution
- A smaller or recessed chin that makes fullness appear more prominent
- Weight fluctuations that stretch and refill fat cells
- Age-related weakening of skin, collagen and connective tissue
- Posture habits that affect how the neck and jawline sit, especially in photos and video
Because the cause is not always “extra weight,” even consistent exercise and clean eating may not significantly change the appearance of the area under your chin. In fact, fat in this region can be particularly resistant to lifestyle changes. That is why targeted treatments like Kybella can be so helpful when the primary concern is localized fat rather than overall body weight.
What Is Kybella?
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable that contains deoxycholic acid, a substance your body naturally uses to break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the fat pocket under your chin, it disrupts the fat cell membranes. Your body then clears the damaged fat cells over the following weeks.
A key point is permanence. Once the fat cells are cleared, they cannot “regrow.” Remaining fat cells can still expand with weight gain, but the treated fat cells are gone forever.
What Should You Expect From a Kybella Treatment?
Before Your Treatment
Your appointment begins with a focused evaluation of the area under your chin. Dr. Salter-Lewis assesses factors like your skin quality and fat distribution to confirm that Kybella is appropriate for your goals.
She then maps the treatment area using a grid pattern to guide injection placement. To improve your comfort, ice or topical numbing is typically applied before injections begin.
During The Injections
Dr. Salter-Lewis administers Kybella using a fine needle directly into the fat beneath the chin. She places the injections methodically across the mapped area to ensure even coverage.
Most patients describe a brief burning, warmth or stinging sensation that starts shortly after the injections and peaks within the first few minutes. This sensation is temporary and fades as the area settles.
Immediately After Treatment
Swelling is expected and is a normal part of how Kybella works. The inflammatory response helps your body break down and clear the treated fat cells. The degree of swelling varies, but it is often more noticeable after the first session.
Other short-term effects may include tenderness, firmness, bruising or numbness. These reactions typically improve gradually over the following days and weeks.
Appointment Length And Downtime
Most Kybella appointments last about 20 to 30 minutes. Many patients return to normal activities shortly afterward, but visible swelling should be planned for. While downtime in terms of activity restrictions is minimal, social downtime is important to consider.
Results develop gradually. Patience and proper scheduling key parts of the overall treatment experience.
What Results Should You Expect From Kybella?
Kybella results develop gradually over several weeks as your body processes and clears treated fat cells. Swelling is most noticeable during the first one to two weeks and can temporarily hide early changes. As swelling subsides, subtle contour improvement typically becomes visible within four to six weeks after treatment. More noticeable definition usually appears after additional sessions rather than after a single visit.
Over the course of a full treatment series, patients often see a smoother transition between the chin and neck, reduced fullness under the chin, and a more defined jawline from side and angled views. Because Kybella permanently destroys treated fat cells, results can be long-lasting if you maintain a consistent weight.
Define Your Jawline With Kybella in Marlboro
Kybella can be an effective option for patients who want to reduce a double chin without surgery. When used for the right concerns and with proper planning, it can create long-lasting contour changes that enhance jawline definition and facial balance.
If you are considering Kybella, schedule a consultation with Cynthia Salter-Lewis, MD in Marlboro, NJ, to discuss your options and receive a personalized treatment plan. Patients from Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold, Old Bridge, Morganville, Monroe and Shrewsbury can contact us online or by calling (732) 724-1294 to learn more about Kybella and take the next step toward a more confident profile.
