Non-Surgical Submental Fat Reduction | Board-Certified Dermatologist
Kybella® is an injectable treatment used to reduce submental fullness, commonly known as a double chin. It contains deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance that helps break down and absorb dietary fat.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized Kybella® treatments in Washington, DC for appropriate patients concerned about fullness beneath the chin. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience, Dr. Holmes evaluates your facial and neck anatomy, the amount of submental fullness, skin laxity, and individual aesthetic goals when determining whether Kybella® is appropriate.
Kybella® is a non-surgical treatment that may help create a more defined appearance beneath the chin without liposuction or surgery.
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Kybella® is an injectable prescription treatment containing deoxycholic acid.
Deoxycholic acid is naturally found in the body and plays a role in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat.
When injected into submental fat, Kybella® helps destroy targeted fat cells. The body then gradually processes and removes the treated cells.
Kybella® is specifically designed for the area beneath the chin.
Kybella® is used to improve the appearance of moderate to severe submental fullness in appropriate adults.
Submental fullness can be influenced by:
Even people who are otherwise at a healthy weight may have fullness beneath the chin.
Kybella® may be appropriate when excess submental fat is a primary contributor to the appearance of a double chin.
Kybella® contains deoxycholic acid, which targets fat cells in the treated area.
Once the fat cells are destroyed, the body gradually processes and removes them.
Because Kybella® works by reducing fat cells in the treatment area, results can be long-lasting when an appropriate treatment candidate maintains a relatively stable weight.
However, Kybella® does not prevent future weight gain or changes in the appearance of the neck caused by aging.
Kybella® may be considered for adults who are bothered by moderate to severe fullness beneath the chin.
During your consultation, Dr. Holmes will evaluate:
Kybella® is not the best option for every patient with a double chin.
For example, significant loose skin may require a different approach because Kybella® reduces fat but does not remove excess skin.
Kybella® is specifically designed for treatment of submental fullness beneath the chin.
The treatment is not intended to be used throughout the face or body.
The number and location of injections depend on your individual anatomy and the amount and distribution of submental fullness.
Treatment begins with an evaluation of the chin and neck area.
Dr. Holmes will determine whether Kybella® is appropriate and identify the areas that may benefit from treatment.
If treatment is recommended, Kybella® is administered through a series of small injections into the targeted submental area.
The number of injections varies depending on the treatment plan.
Some patients experience temporary discomfort during or after the injections.
Some patients experience:
The level of discomfort varies from person to person.
Depending on the treatment plan, measures such as ice or topical anesthetic may be used to improve comfort.
The number of treatments varies depending on the amount of submental fullness and your individual response.
Some patients may see improvement after one treatment, while others may benefit from multiple treatment sessions.
Treatments are spaced apart to allow the area to recover and for the body to process the treated fat cells.
Dr. Holmes will determine the appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs.
Kybella® results develop gradually.
Swelling is common following treatment and can temporarily make the treated area appear fuller.
As the swelling resolves and the body processes the treated fat cells, improvement becomes more noticeable.
Your final results may take time to develop, particularly when multiple treatments are recommended.
Kybella® destroys targeted fat cells, which means the treated cells do not simply regenerate.
However, this does not mean that the appearance of the area can never change.
Weight gain, aging, and other changes in your facial and neck anatomy can affect your appearance over time.
Maintaining a relatively stable weight can help preserve your results.
Kybella® and submental liposuction are different approaches to reducing fat beneath the chin.
Kybella® is a non-surgical injectable treatment that gradually reduces targeted fat cells.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that physically removes fat.
The appropriate option depends on factors such as:
A consultation can help determine which approach may be appropriate.
Kybella® specifically targets fat beneath the chin.
Facial contouring is a broader cosmetic approach that may involve treatments designed to enhance facial proportions, restore volume, or improve definition.
For some patients, reducing submental fullness may be one part of an overall facial contouring plan.
Learn more about Facial Contouring →
Kybella® reduces fat, but it does not remove loose skin.
If skin laxity is a significant contributor to the appearance of a double chin, Kybella® alone may not provide the desired result.
Dr. Holmes will evaluate both the amount of submental fat and the quality of the overlying skin before recommending treatment.
Temporary reactions in the treatment area are common.
These may include:
Swelling can sometimes be significant and may last for several days or longer.
Rare but more serious complications can occur, including nerve injury or difficulty swallowing.
Dr. Holmes will discuss the potential risks and benefits before treatment.
Kybella® does not require surgical downtime, but swelling and bruising can be noticeable following treatment.
The amount and duration of swelling varies between patients.
You may be advised to avoid certain activities or products following treatment.
Dr. Holmes will provide specific aftercare instructions based on your treatment.
Kybella® can be used in patients with all skin tones.
Dr. Holmes has a focus on dermatology for skin of color and considers individual skin characteristics when developing cosmetic treatment plans.
Inflammation following injectable treatments can sometimes lead to temporary changes in pigmentation, particularly in individuals prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
A personalized approach helps determine whether Kybella® is appropriate and how treatment should be planned.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
Kybella® is not appropriate for everyone.
Tell Dr. Holmes if you:
A medical and cosmetic evaluation will help determine whether Kybella® is appropriate for you.
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
with 34+ years of experience
Personalized Chin & Neck Evaluation
based on your anatomy, skin, and degree of submental fullness
Individualized Treatment Planning
based on your goals and the amount and distribution of submental fat
Experience With All Skin Types
including patients with skin of color
Non-Surgical Treatment Option
for appropriate patients seeking reduction of submental fullness
Convenient Washington, DC Location
1737 20th Street NW, Washington, DC
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides personalized medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care, including injectable treatments for appropriate patients.
Dr. Holmes evaluates each patient's anatomy, skin characteristics, concerns, and aesthetic goals when determining whether Kybella® or another treatment may be appropriate.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If you're bothered by fullness beneath your chin, a personalized cosmetic consultation can help determine whether Kybella® is appropriate for you or whether another approach may provide a better result.
Schedule a Kybella® Consultation in Washington, DC
