Kybella

A double chin can persist even when you're at a healthy weight. Diet and exercise don't always address stubborn chin fat, and many patients feel self-conscious about their profile in photos or video calls. Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment designed to reduce submental fullness, the medical term for fat beneath the chin.

At Physician Artistry, Dr. Bruce Thomas and our trained clinical team use Kybella to help patients contour the chin and jawline without surgery. It's a straightforward procedure performed in the office with minimal downtime.

What Is Kybella?

Kybella is an injectable treatment that contains deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the submental area, Kybella destroys fat cells. Once those cells are gone, they can't store fat again.

• FDA-approved specifically for treating submental fullness
• Non-surgical option for reducing a double chin
• Results develop gradually over several weeks
• Fat cells destroyed by the procedure do not regenerate

Kybella is not a weight loss treatment. It's designed for contouring and refining the appearance of the chin and jawline in patients who have isolated fat deposits in that area.

What to Expect During Kybella Treatment

The Kybella procedure is quick and performed in our Sterling office. Dr. Thomas or a trained injector will mark the treatment area and administer a series of small injections under the chin.

• Session length: 15 to 20 minutes
• Discomfort: Most patients experience mild stinging or burning during injections. Ice or numbing agents can be used for comfort.
• Number of sessions: Many patients need 2 to 4 treatments spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart for optimal results
• Downtime: Swelling, tenderness, and mild bruising are common for several days. Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the next.
• Results timeline: Visible improvement typically appears within 4 to 6 weeks. Final results develop over 2 to 3 months after the last session.

Because Kybella works by destroying fat cells, results can be long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight.

Kybella Side Effects

Side effects from Kybella are usually mild and temporary. The most common include:

• Swelling under the chin (expected and can be significant in the first week)
• Bruising, redness, or tenderness at injection sites
• Numbness or hardness in the treated area, which typically resolves within a few weeks

Rare but possible side effects include nerve injury affecting facial muscle movement or an uneven smile. These are uncommon when Kybella is administered by a trained provider like Dr. Thomas.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Kybella?

Kybella works best for patients who have moderate submental fullness and want a non-surgical option. Ideal candidates include:

• Adults bothered by fat under the chin that doesn't respond to diet or exercise
• Patients with good skin elasticity in the neck and chin area
• Those looking for gradual, natural-looking chin contouring
• People who want to avoid surgery or liposuction
• Patients at or near a stable, healthy weight

Kybella is not recommended for patients with loose or sagging skin under the chin, as it does not tighten skin. If skin laxity is a concern, Dr. Thomas can discuss alternative or complementary treatments during your consultation.

Kybella Cost

The cost of Kybella depends on the number of vials used and how many sessions you need to achieve your desired outcome. Pricing is discussed during your consultation after Dr. Thomas evaluates your chin and creates a personalized treatment plan.

We provide transparent pricing and can help you understand what to expect before you begin treatment.

Why Choose Physician Artistry for Kybella in Sterling

Kybella requires precision and an understanding of facial anatomy to achieve safe, effective results. At Physician Artistry, Dr. Thomas brings years of experience in aesthetic injectables and a commitment to personalized care.

We don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. During your consultation, we'll assess your chin, discuss your goals, and determine whether Kybella is the right choice or if another treatment may serve you better.

Our patients return to us because they trust our honesty, our results, and the way they're treated. If you're ready to address stubborn chin fat and refine your profile, we're here to help.

Schedule a consultation at Physician Artistry in Sterling, VA by calling (703) 433-1700.