Kybella treatments can cause mild discomfort during and after the procedure. Patients often describe a warm, tingling sensation as the solution starts to break down fat cells. To ease this, a numbing cream or ice pack is typically applied before and after injections. Post-treatment, it’s common to experience swelling, tenderness, or bruising around the injection site, which can last for a few days. While these side effects are temporary, they vary in intensity for each person and tend to be more with the first treatment of Kybella, improving with subsequent treatments . Most find the discomfort manageable, with over-the-counter pain medication easily relieving any lingering soreness.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of Kybella appointments you’ll need depends on your goals and the amount of fat treated. Most patients typically require 2 to 4 treatment sessions about 4 to 6 weeks apart to achieve optimal results. However, some individuals may need up to 6 sessions for more pronounced fat reduction. During your consultation, Dr. Greco will assess your needs and recommend a personalized treatment plan to help you reach your desired outcome.

How Long Until I See Results?

Results from Kybella treatments usually become noticeable within 4 to 6 weeks after your first session, as the body gradually breaks down and absorbs the targeted fat. Optimal results often appear after multiple sessions, typically 2 to 4 treatments, depending on your specific goals. Your provider will guide you through the process, ensuring you achieve the most refined and natural-looking outcome over time.

Can I Combine Kybella With Other Procedures?

Absolutely, Kybella can be combined with various other cosmetic treatments to enhance your results and achieve a more comprehensive transformation. For instance, many patients opt to pair Kybella with procedures like Botox or dermal fillers , targeting additional concerns such as wrinkles, volume loss, or overall facial harmony. This strategic combination allows for a more complete facial rejuvenation, ensuring that each aspect of your appearance is addressed. During your consultation, your provider will discuss the best options to create a tailored treatment plan that meets your unique aesthetic goals, giving you a refreshed and balanced look.

What Are the Risks Associated With Kybella?

Kybella is a widely recognized treatment for reducing submental fat, but like any medical procedure, it comes with potential risks and side effects. Understanding these is crucial for making an informed decision. Swelling and bruising: Patients often experience swelling and bruising at the injection site, which can last for a few days. Pain and discomfort: Mild pain or discomfort may occur during and after the injections, but this typically resolves quickly. Nodules or firmness: Some individuals may notice small lumps or firmness under the skin, which generally fades over time. Temporary numbness: A temporary loss of sensation in the treated area can occur, but it usually resolves on its own. Asymmetry: If the injections are uneven, there may be a risk of asymmetrical results. Difficulty swallowing: Kybella may rarely cause temporary swallowing difficulties, especially when treating areas close to the neck. Allergic reactions: While rare, allergic reactions can occur, so informing your provider of any allergies before treatment is important. Alopecia or skin necrosis of the neck. (very rare) Nerve Injury. (very rare) Discussing these potential risks with your healthcare provider before proceeding with Kybella will ensure that you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

Kybella for Double Chin

Philadelphia, PA

Introduction to Kybella

Kybella® is the first FDA-approved injectable medication for treating double chins. Kybella® is helpful for patients with moderate to severe submental fullness caused by a significant collection of large fat cells below the chin.

Our office is located in Bala Cynwyd, PA, conveniently located to serve patients on the Main Line, including Villanova, Bryn Mawr, and Wayne, where Kybella® is a powerful tool for addressing submental fat below the chin area and should only be administered by medical professionals trained and experienced in its specific use. It can be an effective solution for appropriate candidates who desire a contoured profile when performed skillfully.

A young woman in a bathrobe smiles as she touches her face - Kybella for Double Chin in Balla Cynwyd, PA

Greco

What is Kybella?

The active ingredient in Kybella® is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring chemical found in bile that dissolves dietary fat in the body. Naturally occurring deoxycholic acid breaks down dietary fat in the body.

Similarly, the deoxycholic acid formulation in Kybella® triggers cytolysis, a process that involves the destruction of cellular membranes. When fat cells lose their cohesive integrity, they release their contents, which are then processed by the body and eliminated.

The process results in inflammation, which helps re-drape the submental skin and resolves any potential laxity that could create a sagging turkey neck.

However, deoxycholic acid works on various cells. Therefore, it must be administered very carefully into the targeted fat cells beneath the chin.

What Are the Benefits of Kybella?

Kybella offers a range of benefits, making it a good non-surgical alternative to liposuction for reducing fat under the chin. Since it doesn’t require any incisions or surgery, you can achieve noticeable fat reduction without the downtime typically associated with more invasive procedures. The results are natural-looking, as the fat reduction happens gradually, creating a slimmer, more defined chin and profile over time.

Another advantage is Kybella’s long-lasting nature. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they’re gone for good, making this a permanent solution for double chin concerns. Plus, with minimal downtime, you can return to your routine quickly. Approved by the FDA in 2015, Kybella also improves self-confidence, as patients often feel more satisfied with their appearance after treatment.

Benefits

Who Are the Best Candidates For Kybella?

It is important to note that Kybella® is not a weight-loss procedure. Ideally, patients considering Kybella® treatment should not have excess fat under the chin, which can be reduced with weight loss. They should be seeking treatment only for re-contouring purposes. Also, if you have excess neck skin with poor elasticity and/or platysmal bands (neck cords) you are not a good candidate for Kybella.

The fat targeted by Kybella® is often referred to as “stubborn” or “diet-resistant” fat because it can remain in the under-chin area even after you shed pounds from elsewhere by exercising and eating healthy foods.

This is because dieting shrinks fat cells but does not remove them from the body. Sometimes, these smaller cells can grow large again, creating a new bulge.

Any adult in this situation who wants to eliminate a double chin may be a candidate for Kybella® treatment. In these cases, fat may also be physically removed from below the chin with a facelift or liposuction. Alternatively, a minimally invasive procedure is used to eliminate fat cells with Kybella®.

Candidates

What’s the First Step?

Your Kybella Journey With Dr. Timothy Greco

The first step in considering Kybella is to schedule a consultation with Brenda, our nurse injector at GrecoMD in Philadelphia, PA. During this meeting, you’ll have the chance to discuss your goals and concerns regarding fat under the chin. Brenda will carefully evaluate your profile, skin condition, and fat distribution to determine if Kybella is your ideal treatment. She will also outline the procedure, expected outcomes, and any potential risks, ensuring you are well-informed before moving forward with a personalized treatment plan. If your concerns regarding your neck cannot be addressed with Kybella, Dr. Greco will be able to assist you with a surgical evaluation (submental liposuction, neck tuck, or neck lift).

What to Expect on the Day of Kybella Treatment

The entire procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes and is performed in our office with local anesthesia to provide optimal comfort. A single session may involve 25 to 50 injections in the treatment area below the chin, all placed with precision by Dr. Greco to ensure maximum patient safety and results.

Patients will experience swelling and some possible bruising after their Kybella® procedure, but this can be controlled with ice packs. Other potential side effects include temporary discomfort or numbness at the injection site.

During your consultation, Dr. Greco will discuss what to expect after your treatment session, explaining normal reactions, the anticipated number of treatments to achieve a specific outcome, and the expected timeframe for results.

Fat destruction and subsequent removal can take weeks or months, depending on your desired look. Achieving the full reduction usually takes two to four Kybella® treatments, spaced about a month apart.

Results are usually permanent. However, as with any fat-reduction procedure, slimmer contours are best maintained by avoiding new weight gain after successful treatment. Therefore, patients seeking Kybella® treatment should be at or near their ideal weight and able to maintain that weight steadily into the future.

Kybella

Expectations

Greco

Kybella Recovery

Kybella recovery focuses on minimizing downtime while your body processes the targeted fat cells. After treatment, it’s common to experience localized swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort under the chin, which generally subsides within a few days. You can typically return to regular activities within 24 to 48 hours, though swelling may persist for a bit longer. Over the next few weeks, the treated fat cells are naturally broken down, revealing a more contoured and refined jawline. Full results usually become visible around 4 to 6 weeks after your final session, providing a noticeable improvement in your facial profile.

How Much Does Kybella Cost in Philadelphia, PA?

The cost of Kybella in Philadelphia, PA, can vary depending on several factors, but on average, you can expect to pay around $2,700 per session. Every patient will have different aesthetic needs, so it’s essential to consult with a qualified provider to receive a personalized assessment and a detailed cost estimate for your needs and goals.

Cost

Why Choose Dr. Greco?

Timothy Greco, MD, is a distinguished facial plastic surgeon specializing in Kybella and other advanced facial aesthetic treatments. With board certifications from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS), Dr. Greco merges clinical expertise with a keen artistic eye to create beautifully natural results tailored to each patient.

His approach to Kybella is personalized, focusing on your unique facial contours and aesthetic aspirations. During your consultation, Dr. Greco emphasizes safety and comfort, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques to design a treatment plan that aligns with your goals. Committed to delivering impressive outcomes, he guides you through every step, from the initial procedure to a smooth recovery, ensuring that you feel supported and confident in your decision. Choosing Dr. Greco means entrusting your aesthetic journey to a dedicated professional focused on achieving a refined and sculpted profile that enhances your self-esteem.

Why us?