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What to Expect with Kybella: Treatment, Results & Recovery Guide

Table Of Contents

If you’re considering Kybella, you’re probably wondering, “What to expect with Kybella?” Good question.

Kybella is a powerful, non-surgical solution for submental fullness (that stubborn “double chin”) that doesn’t demand downtime like surgery. Kybella works by using its active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, which naturally occurs in the body and breaks down fat cells under the chin. 

After injection, the destroyed fat cells are gradually eliminated, resulting in a more contoured appearance. The best part about this treatment procedure is that it’s FDA-approved. 

At InjectCo, your Kybella treatment is done by master nurse injectors with years of experience, so there’s no guesswork, just safe, precise results. If you’re ready to take control of your profile, the first step is a consultation. 

A Kybella consultation is essential to determine if you are a good candidate, discuss the procedure, and ensure your aesthetic goals are understood and addressed. Let’s go through everything you need to know about Kybella.

What Is Kybella?

Kybella’s active ingredient is synthetic deoxycholic acid. This is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps break down and absorb fat. 

Kybella is an injectable treatment specifically designed to target submental fat, also known as chin fat. When injected into the fat under your chin, the active ingredient targets fat by destroying fat cells. 

These destroyed fat cells are then metabolized and eliminated by the body, so they can’t store more fat. Once treated, the results are long-lasting.

It’s designed for adults with moderate to severe submental fullness who want a more defined jawline without surgery. Because of its mechanism, Kybella is effective, but only when administered correctly, which is why FDA approval matters. 

When done by trained pros (like our InjectCo team), it’s safe, controlled, and effective.

Kybella Treatment Process

Understanding the Kybella treatment process is key to feeling confident and prepared. The injection process is minimally invasive, typically performed in a treatment session lasting about 20–30 minutes, and offers minimal downtime so you can quickly return to your daily activities. 

Every step is designed to maximize results while keeping you comfortable and safe.

From your first consultation to the final injection, you’ll know exactly what to expect, how long it takes, and how we tailor each treatment session to your unique anatomy and needs.

Here’s a breakdown of what happens at InjectCo when you choose Kybella for submental fullness: the neck area and treated area are carefully marked to ensure precise and effective injections. 

Consultation & Assessment

At your InjectCo session, you begin with a private, one-on-one Kybella consultation to discuss your aesthetic goals and desired outcome. We’ll review your goals and medical history (including any bleeding problems or difficulty swallowing) and then examine the fat under your chin.

Based on your anatomy and aesthetic preferences, we’ll recommend how many sessions you’ll likely need since it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Injection Procedure

Once you’re ready, we mark out precise injection points across the submental area, about 1  centimeter apart. The injection process is minimally invasive and begins with the application of a numbing cream to ensure your comfort. 

Your master nurse injector then administers multiple tiny injections in a step-by-step procedure designed for patient comfort and efficiency; typically, the whole session takes 15–30 minutes. Most patients experience only mild discomfort during the injections due to the numbing cream.

Number of Sessions & Scheduling

Many patients wonder how many Kybella treatments are needed to achieve their desired results. Many patients need two to four sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, to effectively reduce submental fat. 

The exact number of treatment sessions varies depending on individual needs. Because fat reduction takes time, maximum results are typically seen several weeks after the final session, not overnight. 

It’s not a magic treatment that gives instantaneous results, but over time, results start to show.

When to Expect Results

Here’s when you start to see changes:

  • First week: The area will swell. You might think that it’s a negative thing, but it’s part of the process.
  • Weeks 2–3: Many patients find that gradual improvement begins within a few weeks after treatment as the body metabolizes the fat.
  • Weeks 4–8: You’ll begin to notice contouring as swelling settles and fat cells shrink.
  • Final results: Satisfactory results and your desired results may take several weeks or even months to fully appear, typically about two to three months after your last session, with optimal results seen over multiple treatments. 

If the desired results are not achieved after initial sessions, additional treatments may be recommended to address any remaining fullness or skin laxity.

The end result? A stronger, more defined jawline. The changes are subtle; you don’t want to go from having a double chin to an overfilled face. Even better, once those fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good (as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle).

Recovery & Aftercare

After your Kybella injections, you may experience some swelling and mild discomfort. This is a regular part of the fat-reduction process.

Understanding what’s typical and how to care for yourself can make your recovery smoother and more predictable. After treatment, most patients notice:

  • Swelling: Very common and often most pronounced in the first 2–3 days. Swelling is a sign that your body is responding to the treatment. Applying an ice pack (or ice packs) to the treated area, as directed by your provider, can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Be sure to avoid direct contact between the ice pack and your skin.
  • Bruising or redness: Small areas of discoloration may appear around the injection sites. This usually resolves within a week.
  • Tenderness, numbness, or firmness under the skin: Some firmness or temporary numbness is normal as the fat cells break down.

Most patients can return to normal activities quickly due to the minimal downtime associated with Kybella. However, it’s important to note that while Kybella targets fat, it does not address loose skin or skin laxity. 

If you have concerns about sagging or lax skin after fat reduction, additional skin tightening treatments may be recommended.

For most people, these side effects resolve naturally within one to two weeks. To maintain your results, adopting healthy lifestyle habits is important, as this helps prevent remaining fat cells from enlarging over time.

Recovery Tips

To help speed up your recovery time, we recommend:

  • Rest & modify activity: Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 24–48 hours to reduce swelling.
  • Cold compresses: Apply an ice pack intermittently for the first 12–24 hours. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to avoid direct skin contact, and follow your provider’s advice. This reduces discomfort and swelling.
  • Smart pain management: Over-the-counter Tylenol is safe for discomfort. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can worsen bruising.
  • Elevate your head while sleeping: Use extra pillows to keep your head raised. This encourages fluid drainage and decreases puffiness.
  • Avoid alcohol, heat, and pressure: Skip saunas, hot tubs, and massages around the chin for at least a few days. Alcohol can worsen swelling and slow healing.
  • Maintain long-term results: Incorporate consistent exercise into your routine to help prevent remaining fat cells from enlarging and to support the permanence of your Kybella treatment outcomes.

When to Call Your Provider

Contact your injector immediately if you notice:

  • Severe or increasing swelling beyond the first week
  • Signs of infection, such as redness, pus, or warmth at the injection site
  • Symptoms of nerve injury, which is a rare side effect, such as temporary facial weakness or asymmetry, including drooping of the mouth

Following these steps helps ensure your recovery is smooth and that your Kybella results are both safe and long-lasting.

Who Should Avoid Kybella?

Unfortunately, Kybella isn’t for everyone. You should probably skip it if you’re:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Dealing with an infection in the chin area
  • On blood thinners or have bleeding problems
  • Have difficulty swallowing
  • Expecting unrealistic results; if you imagine instant, dramatic change, we need to set a more grounded plan

These are medical concerns, so we always start with a full evaluation. If you are not a candidate for Kybella, surgical procedures may be considered alternatives.

Choosing the Right Provider

Expertise matters with Kybella because it’s a precise, powerful treatment that requires a thorough understanding of anatomy and injection technique. When choosing a provider for Kybella, it’s important to consider their background in plastic surgery and experience with a range of aesthetic treatments. 

InjectCo’s master nurse injectors bring years of experience to every session, ensuring each injection is carefully placed for safe, natural-looking results.

Strict FDA-approved protocols guide every step, from precise dosing to comprehensive risk management, so that you can trust the process from start to finish. Unlike bargain clinics that prioritize volume over quality, our focus is on delivering personalized care.

You’ll leave feeling confident, heard, and in control of your results.

Ready for Your Kybella Journey at InjectCo to Begin?

Kybella is a smart, clinically backed way to shrink a double chin without surgery. But results don’t come overnight. Instead, they come from patience, planning, and expert execution. 

At InjectCo, our nurse injectors guide you step-by-step: from your initial consultation through treatment and recovery, so you can look sharper, feel more confident, and keep it natural.

Ready to see what Kybella can do for you? Schedule a free consultation today. Let’s make that jawline vision a reality.

FAQs

Q: Does Kybella hurt?

A: You’ll feel some stinging when the injections go in, but we numb the area first, so it’s very tolerable.

Q: How long before I see Kybella results after 1 week?

A: At one week, you’ll mostly see swelling. Real contour changes begin later, especially around weeks 4–8.

Q: Can I combine Kybella with other treatments?

A: Yes, but spacing matters. Depending on the treatment, we may wait before injecting in the same area to reduce risk.

Q: How many sessions will I need?

A: Most people need 2–4 sessions, though in studies, some needed up to 6. Speaking with a master injector is the best way to know for sure.

Q: Is Kybella permanent?

A: It destroys fat cells permanently in the treatment area, but if you gain a lot of weight, fat elsewhere can still change.

Written By:
Dr. Adrian Cole, MD


Dr. Adrian Cole, MD, is a Medical Advisor with over a decade of experience in medical aesthetics and wellness. He provides clinical guidance on patient safety, treatment planning, and evidence-based protocols across a broad range of services, including injectables, skin health, and medical weight management. With extensive experience training healthcare providers, Dr. Cole plays a key role in shaping best practices and supporting safe, results-driven care within modern aesthetic and wellness clinics.

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