Kybella
Deoxycholic acid injections for fullness under the chin
Kybella dissolves the fat beneath the chin without surgery. It is an injectable form of a molecule your body already uses to break down dietary fat, and the fat cells it destroys do not come back.
What it treats
Is this for you?
- A double chin that does not respond to weight loss
- Fullness beneath the jawline
- Small pockets of fat elsewhere, assessed case by case
How it works
What is actually happening.
Deoxycholic acid is a bile acid. Injected in a grid of small doses into the fat under the chin, it breaks down fat cell membranes. Over the following weeks the body clears the debris and the area slims. Because the destroyed cells are gone for good, results are lasting as long as your weight is stable.
Candidacy is the key decision. Kybella treats fat, not loose skin, so Dr. Nawas assesses at consultation whether the fullness is fat or laxity, and whether a different plan would serve you better.
Your visit
What the appointment is like.
Assess
Dr. Nawas pinches and maps the fat pad and confirms it is fat, not skin.
Grid
A dotted template marks the injection points about a centimeter apart.
Treat
Twenty to thirty small injections over ten minutes. Ice is applied afterward.
Repeat
Two to four sessions, about a month apart, are typical.
Before and after your appointment
Simple preparation, simple recovery.
Before
- Tell Dr. Nawas about swallowing difficulties, previous neck surgery or bleeding problems.
- Pause blood-thinning supplements for a week if your doctors agree.
- Plan around two weeks of visible swelling; it is expected, not a complication.
Afterward
- Swelling peaks at day two or three and can be significant. A soft compression wrap and ice help.
- Numbness or firmness under the chin for a few weeks is normal.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours.
Pricing
Published in advance, like everything else here.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| KybellaPer session | $800 |
| Typical plan2 to 4 sessions, a month apart | $1,600 to $3,200 |
Estimates for planning. Dr. Nawas confirms your exact plan and price at the consultation, and you pay only for what is used. Cosmetic care is not billed to insurance. How insurance, superbills and financing work here.
Good to know
Questions patients ask.
Is it permanent?
The fat cells destroyed do not regenerate. Significant weight gain can enlarge the remaining cells, so results depend on a stable weight.
Why not liposuction?
For a small fat pad, Kybella avoids anesthesia, incisions and downtime beyond swelling. For a large one, or where skin laxity is the real issue, Dr. Nawas will say so.
Does it hurt?
A burning sensation for a few minutes, eased with ice. The swelling afterward is the part to plan for.
Related procedures
Often planned together.
Next step
Ready when you are.
A cleaner line under the chin, without surgery, over two to four sessions.
New to ZN Dermatology? Choose a consultation appointment: Kybella only works when the fullness is fat rather than loose skin, which Dr. Nawas confirms by examination. The first session can usually be done at the same visit.