KYBELLA® in Marin & San Francisco, CA

Even a little extra fat in the upper neck area can cause the appearance of a "double chin" that can be bothersome to many people. The excess pockets of fat under the chin (also known as the submental area) may be caused by genetics, aging, or weight fluctuations, and they can cause a weaker-looking chin and jawline. At Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco & Marin, board-certified dermatologist Tracy Evans is proud to offer Kybella, a new, remarkable method for getting rid of this unwanted neck fat. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Kybella is the first nonsurgical treatment for submental fat. The active ingredient in Kybella is a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid that acts like the natural DA in the body to break down and absorb fat. After 2 – 6 sessions, most patients see a noticeable reduction in fat. When the fat is destroyed, the cells cannot return so you are able to enjoy your slimmer new profile and stronger jawline for years to come.

Kybella injection treatments are designed specifically to reduce small to medium pockets of fat under the chin. The best candidates for Kybella treatments are at a healthy, stable weight because gaining a lot of weight post-treatment can negatively affect your results. Kybella is not a weight-reduction procedure; it should be thought of as a nonsurgical spot reduction technique used only for the submental area. If you are frustrated by a double chin or unwanted submental fullness, Kybella could be a great solution. However, it is not recommended for patients with a large or significant amount of fat under the chin. Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco & Marin provides Kybella treatments to help patients tweak submental areas that have resisted the effects of diet and exercise.

Kybella treatments are performed in one of our comfortable outpatient treatment rooms. On the day of each session, Dr. Evans will usually apply a numbing ointment to the treatment area, if requested, after the skin has been cleansed. The procedure takes about 15 – 20 minutes, during which time Dr. Evans will administer several small injections to the submental area. Some patients may reach their cosmetic goals with one or two sessions while others may need multiple treatments. Your Kybella sessions a Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco & Marin need to be scheduled 6 – 8 weeks apart, and you should not go over six sessions.

Kybella doesn't require anesthesia so you are able to leave the office to resume your normal activities as soon as you feel comfortable. You may have temporary swelling, bruising, or numbness under your chin, but this should not last longer than 2 – 3 days. Call Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco & Marin immediately if you experience any unusual side effects, such as facial muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, or if your smile is uneven. While the fat cells that are destroyed do not return, the remaining cells can become larger so it is important that you maintain a steady weight after your Kybella injections. Most patients who complete their series of treatments are very pleased with the new definition in their jawlines and profiles.

How much does Kybella cost?
The price of your Kybella injection treatments will depend on how many treatments you need. During your consultation, a customized plan will be created to work with your goals and budget. A member of our team can also discuss payment options with you during your consultation.

How does Kybella work?
The active ingredient in Kybella, deoxycholic acid, works to break down and destroy fat cells in the submental area. After they are destroyed, these fat cells will not grow back. Therefore, additional Kybella treatments should not be necessary once you have reached your desired outcome.

Can Kybella be used to treat other areas of the body?
Currently, Kybella is only available for the treatment of the area below the chin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Kybella for treatment anywhere else on the face or body.

Who is not eligible for Kybella injections?
There are a few factors that could make you ineligible to receive Kybella treatments. You must be over the age of 18, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and cannot have any infection at the treatment site. Prior to receiving treatment, you should share any health concerns and your medical history with Dr. Evans so that she can determine if you can safely receive the treatment.

How many sessions are in a treatment series?
During your consultation, Dr. Evans will tailor your treatment plan to meet your desired results. Most often, patients receive between 2 – 4 Kybella treatments before achieving their goals. Some patients do need up to six treatments, but patients should not undergo more than six. Kybella treatments should be spaced about one month apart. 

If your double chin bothers you — whether it is hereditary, age-related, or the result of weight fluctuations — you can do something about it. At Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco & Marin, we are pleased to provide the revolutionary Kybella injection treatments as a nonsurgical option for refining your jaw and neckline. Schedule a consultation with board-certified dermatologist Tracy Evans to learn more about reducing your submental fat without liposuction or surgery.