What is Kybella?

Kybella (deoxycholic acid) is an FDA-approved injectable that dissolves fat cells under the chin. Once those cells are destroyed, they don’t come back. Results appear gradually as your body clears the treated fat.

Who it’s for

• Persistent fullness under the chin despite diet and exercise

• Good skin quality or only mild laxity (we’ll evaluate this—loose skin may need a tightening plan too)

• Adults seeking a non-surgical option with real, long-term change

How it works

A series of tiny injections is placed in a mapped grid beneath the chin. The medication breaks down fat cell membranes, and your body’s lymphatics do the cleanup over the following weeks.

Treatment plan

• Sessions: typically 2–4 visits (some need up to 6), spaced about 4–8 weeks apart

• Time in chair: about 20–30 minutes per session

• When you’ll see changes: early contour shifts often show around 6–8 weeks after each visit; results build with each session

What it helps

• Double chin / submental fullness

• Jawline definition (by reducing bulk beneath it)

Kybella targets fat—not muscle or skin. If laxity is the main issue, we’ll talk about options like RF microneedling or biostimulators for better tightening.

Downtime and side effects 

• Expect swelling (often noticeable) for a few days; “bullfrog phase” is normal and temporary

• Tenderness, numbness, firmness, and bruising can occur and fade over 1–3 weeks

• Less common risks: temporary smile asymmetry from nerve irritation, difficulty swallowing, small patch hair loss at the site, or skin ulceration if injected too superficially. We minimize risk with careful mapping, dosing, and depth.

Safety and suitability

Not performed over active infection, in pregnancy, or with certain bleeding risks. At your consult, Sheila K. Rohe, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, will assess anatomy, skin quality, medical history, and goals to determine if Kybella is the right tool—or if another approach will serve you better.

Smart combinations

• Neurotoxin for platysmal banding (neck lines)

• RF microneedling or biostimulators for mild laxity/skin quality

• Lifestyle tweaks for weight stability (so your new contour stays consistent)

FAQs

Is it permanent?
The fat cells treated are gone; remaining cells can still enlarge with weight gain. Keep results steady with healthy habits.

Does it hurt?
We use numbing and cooling. You’ll feel warmth and pressure for several minutes; most patients describe it as very tolerable.

Will I need time off?
Plan for visible swelling for a few days. Many patients work the next day; Zoom angles and scarves are your friends.

How many vials will I need?
Depends on starting fullness and goals; we’ll quote a personalized plan at your consult.

Ready to define your profile the Bloom way?
Call 410-835-4167 or book online to schedule your Kybella consult at Bloom Aesthetics & Wellness, 3 College Ave, Suite 8, Frederick, MD 21701. We’ll map your anatomy, set expectations, and craft a plan that fits your timeline and life.