Kybella
Kybella® in Chevy Chase, MD
Can Kybella Reduce Fullness Under the Chin?
Many people notice fullness beneath the chin that remains despite a healthy diet and regular exercise. This area, known as submental fat, is often influenced by genetics and aging, and it can soften the definition between the chin and neck. At The West Institute, a cosmetic dermatology and laser institute in Chevy Chase, MD, patients seeking a nonsurgical option for this concern may be candidates for Kybella®, one of several neck contouring options offered in the practice.
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment for adults with moderate to severe fullness associated with submental fat. Treatment is performed in the office and is designed to gradually refine the profile by permanently reducing fat cells in the treated area. If you are tired of stubborn fat beneath your chin and want a refined jaw profile, Kybella may be the right treatment option for you.
What Causes Submental Fat?
Submental fat is a layer of subcutaneous fat located between the chin and the upper neck. Its amount and distribution are shaped largely by heredity, which is why some individuals with a lean build still notice fullness in this area. Weight changes and age-related shifts in facial structure can also make the area appear more prominent over time.
Localized fat deposits like this often respond less predictably to diet and exercise than other areas of the body. For this reason, targeted treatment can be a helpful option for patients who wish to improve the contour of the lower face and neck without surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Tina West?
Choosing a dermatologist means trusting their judgment, experience, and approach to your care. At The West Institute, Dr. Tina B. West brings decades of cosmetic dermatology experience to help you make informed treatment decisions.
- Dual board-certified expertise. Dr. West is board-certified in dermatology and internal medicine, bringing a broad medical perspective to skin health and aesthetic care.
- More than 30 years of experience. In private practice since 1996, she combines extensive clinical experience with an individualized approach to treatment.
- An educator and published physician. Her background includes teaching in advanced laser surgery courses and publishing in peer-reviewed journals, including Dermatologic Surgery and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Trusted by patients. The West Institute’s 363 five-star Google reviews reflect patients’ experiences with the practice, its team, and their care.
Explore your options with Dr. West and discuss a treatment plan tailored to your skin, goals, and medical history.
How Does Kybella Work?
The active ingredient in Kybella is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a molecule the body naturally produces to help break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into submental fat, deoxycholic acid disrupts the membranes of fat cells, known as adipocytes, causing those cells to break apart.
Following treatment, your body’s natural healing response begins. Immune cells called macrophages move into the area to clear the cellular debris and released fat, and research has also observed thickening of the surrounding fibrous tissue, which is associated with new collagen production. This process takes place over several weeks, which is why your results develop gradually rather than immediately.
Once fat cells in the treated area have been destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat. Adult fat cells do not regenerate in the same way many other cells do, so results are intended to be long-lasting when you maintain stable weight.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Kybella?
Kybella is approved for adults with moderate to severe fullness beneath the chin. Good candidates generally have isolated submental fat, reasonable skin elasticity in the neck, and realistic expectations about gradual improvement. During your consultation, Dr. West will evaluate whether the fullness in your chin is primarily due to fat or to other factors, such as skin laxity, that may respond better to a different approach.
Kybella may not be your best approach if you have an infection in the treatment area, current or prior difficulty swallowing, or certain bleeding conditions. Dr. West reviews these considerations carefully before recommending treatment. You should also share your full medical history and any medications, including blood thinners, before treatment.
What Can You Expect During Treatment?
Each session begins with a careful assessment and marking of the treatment area using a grid to guide precise placement. A series of small injections is then delivered into the fat beneath the chin. Depending on the area, a session may include up to 50 injections, and appointments are typically brief.
Most patients benefit from more than one session. According to the manufacturer, up to six treatments may be administered, spaced at least one month apart, and many patients see visible results within 2 to 4 sessions. Dr. West tailors the number of sessions to your unique anatomy and goals, so you can feel confident that your results work best for you.
Dr. Tina West is a board-certified dermatologist and leading expert in cosmetic dermatology, laser surgery, and body contouring procedures. For over 30 years, Dr. West has dedicated her practice to providing natural-looking results and full patient satisfaction. Dr. West invites you to visit The West Institute for a friendly and informative consultation.
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Is There Downtime After Kybella?
Kybella does not require surgical recovery, though the treated area commonly experiences temporary effects as the body responds. The most frequently reported side effects include:
- Swelling, which is the most common effect and often most noticeable after the first session
- Bruising, tenderness, or pain at the injection sites
- Numbness, redness, or areas of firmness beneath the chin
These effects typically resolve over days to weeks. Less common but more serious side effects include injury to the nerve that controls movement of the lower lip, which can cause an uneven smile, and temporary difficulty swallowing. Choosing an experienced provider who understands facial anatomy can help minimize these risks.
Is Kybella Right for You?
If fullness beneath your chin has been a concern, a personalized consultation is the best place to begin. Dr. West will evaluate your profile, discuss your goals, and recommend a plan focused on natural-looking, long-term refinement. Call The West Institute at 301-986-9378 or contact us online to schedule your Kybella consultation in Chevy Chase, MD.
Chevy Chase Kybella FAQs
Results develop gradually as the body clears the treated fat cells over several weeks. Many patients notice visible improvement after 2 to 4 sessions, with final results assessed after the treatment series is complete.
Kybella permanently destroys treated fat cells, which can no longer store or accumulate fat. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve results, as remaining fat cells in the area can still change in size.
Patients often describe a burning or stinging sensation during and shortly after injection. Dr. West uses measures to improve comfort, and any discomfort is typically temporary.
The number of sessions depends on the amount of submental fat and your goals. Up to six treatments may be given at least one month apart, and Dr. West will recommend a plan during your consultation.
Kybella is FDA-approved only for fat beneath the chin. Dr. West can discuss other options offered at The West Institute for concerns in different areas.
Kybella is designed to reduce fat rather than tighten skin. If skin laxity is a concern, Dr. West may suggest a complementary treatment such as Sofwave to address firmness.