How Long Does Kybella Last? Results and Recovery

A double chin is a common concern for many, often affecting self-confidence and how one feels in their own skin. This stubborn area proves difficult to tackle with diet and exercise alone.

Kybella, an FDA-approved injectable treatment, offers a targeted approach to dissolve fat under the chin, providing a non-surgical alternative to redefine your profile. However, despite its promising results, many still wonder how long the results of Kybella will last.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the duration of Kybella’s effectiveness, the recovery process, and what you can realistically expect after undergoing treatment.

What is Kybella?

Kybella is a non-surgical injectable treatment specifically designed to reduce submental fat. It is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment that destroys fat cells in the area under the chin to improve your profile.

How Kybella Works

Kybella works through the active ingredient synthetic deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, Kybella destroys fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin. 

Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, meaning that further treatment is not expected after you reach your desired aesthetic goal.

How Long Do Kybella Results Last?

Kybella provides lifetime results. Once the fat cells are eradicated by Kybella’s active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, they do not regenerate. To secure these permanent effects, typically 2-6 treatment sessions are required, each spaced at least one month apart.

Most patients start seeing noticeable improvements after 2-4 treatments, with the final results becoming visible about 4-6 weeks after the last session.

It’s important to maintain a stable weight post-treatment because while the treated fat cells are eliminated, the remaining cells can still expand if there is significant weight gain. This approach ensures the long-lasting effectiveness of Kybella, giving you a more defined chin profile as long as you continue to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Kybella Treatment Timeline: What to Expect

Your Kybella journey begins with a consultation where your provider will assess your suitability for the treatment and discuss your aesthetic goals. This is the time to ask questions and understand the scope of the treatment plan tailored for you.

Treatment Sessions

Most patients require 2-6 Kybella treatments, which are typically spaced at least one month apart. This spacing allows any swelling from the previous session to resolve, ensuring each treatment is effective fully. The number of sessions needed largely depends on the amount of submental fat and your desired results.

Seeing Results

After 2-4 treatments, many patients start noticing a significant reduction in under-chin fat. The full effects of Kybella are usually visible by 4-6 weeks after the last treatment session, as the body needs time to process and permanently eliminate the destroyed fat cells.

Long-Term Maintenance

Once you achieve your desired results, further treatments are not usually necessary. The fat cells are permanently destroyed; however, maintaining a stable weight is crucial to preserving your new profile.

How Long Does Kybella Swelling Last?

Expect some swelling after your Kybella injections—it’s a sign your body is responding and breaking down fat. Swelling usually peaks within the first 48 hours and then gradually subsides over the next 1-2 weeks. 

In some cases, a slight swelling might linger for up to a month. To manage swelling, apply ice, keep your head elevated when sleeping, and avoid heavy physical activity during recovery. 

Most side effects are temporary and should not affect your daily life significantly. However, always consult with your provider if you have concerns during your recovery phase.

What Can I Do To Make My Results Last Longer?

Keeping your weight steady is very important if you want your Kybella results to last as long as possible. Putting on a lot of weight can change the shape of your submental area, which could make the treatment less effective. 

If you want to keep your slimmer look, you should try not to gain more than 10 pounds. You might also want to add Ultherapy sessions to your treatment to keep the skin under your chin tight and smooth. This will improve the general look of your results and make them last longer.

Am I a Good Candidate for Kybella Treatment?

If you’re an adult who has trouble with submental fullness, which is also known as a “double chin,” Kybella might help. This treatment is great if you think that having extra fat around your chin or neck makes you look bigger or older than you are. 

It also works for people whose fullness under the chin might not be just from extra fat but also from things like getting older or bad posture. But it’s very important to make sure your general health lets you get safe treatment. A skilled professional can help you figure out if Kybella is safe and right for you by looking at all of your medical and physical needs.

Kybella Treatment FAQs

Does Kybella work permanently?

Yes, Kybella works permanently. The deoxycholic acid in Kybella destroys fat cells under the chin, and once these cells are eliminated, they cannot store or accumulate fat again. However, maintaining a stable weight is crucial to preserve the results.

What are the pitfalls of Kybella?

Common pitfalls of Kybella include swelling, bruising, and discomfort at the injection site. There’s also a risk of nerve injury if not administered correctly, which could lead to an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness temporarily. Proper selection of a qualified medical provider can mitigate these risks.

How many times should you do Kybella?

The number of Kybella treatments required varies by individual, but most patients need 2-6 sessions to achieve their desired results. These sessions are typically spaced at least one month apart to allow for the body’s natural healing process to take effect.

Is Kybella good for belly fat?

No, Kybella is not approved for reducing belly fat. It is specifically designed and FDA-approved for reducing submental fat, the fat beneath the chin. For belly fat, other treatments like liposuction or non-invasive fat reduction methods are more suitable.

Say Goodbye to Your Double Chin with Kybella at Honey Skincare Studio

As you consider the longevity of Kybella’s effects and the recovery process, remember that this treatment offers a permanent solution to reduce submental fat. At Honey Skincare Studio, a premier med spa in Arlington, VA, we are committed to providing top-tier aesthetic treatments tailored to meet your individual needs.

Our team of professionals is committed to ensuring you receive the best possible results, maintaining the highest standards of care throughout your Kybella journey.

Book an appointment today to learn more about how we can enhance your natural beauty and help you feel more confident in your appearance.