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Excess fat in the neck and lower face can take away from the chin and jawline profile, making one appear older and heavier than they truly are. Many people who are unhappy with unsightly neck fat used to seek plastic surgery procedures to reduce the appearance of a double chin.
Now, with the FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment Kybella, patients can reduce neck fat without having to undergo surgery. Kybella is an injectable that is administered into the submental fat cells below the chin, and once injected, targeted fat cells are destroyed by the deoxycholic acid solution and soon after naturally removed from the body.
Kybella injections avoid risks and complications associated with surgical procedures, and the recovery process is minimal to none. Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, and Dr. Magge provide Kybella treatments in Bethesda, MD.
Recovery:
No Recovery Needed
Cost:
Starts at $1.3K
Results:
N/A
About Kybella
Kybella is an effective FDA approved injectable treatment used to get rid of a patient’s double chin, or submental fullness, without the need for invasive surgery. In fact, it is the only FDA-approved injection treatment that specifically targets this cosmetic problem. Neck fat can be a source of extreme self-doubt for many people, which is why specially designed Kybella was introduced to the market. The treatment went on to win the 2015 Allure Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award and has improved the profiles of many patients since its introduction.
The active ingredient of Kybella is deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring acid in the human body that has broad and longstanding applications in the medical field.
How Does Kybella Work?
In the case of Kybella, deoxycholic acid carries the property of disintegrating and absorbing fats. The injection has the effect of dissolving unsightly fat located underneath the chin, creating a more elegant and attractive profile. In a matter of a few weeks, those destroyed fat cells are removed from the body via the natural elimination process.
Benefits
Eliminating a double chin can have a dramatic positive impact on the appearance of the whole face, making it look more slender and youthful than ever. The problem is, proper nutrition and exercise often fail to address the issue of submental fullness as it is a very difficult area of the body to contour through one’s own attempts.
Kybella treatment sessions are extremely quick, approximately 20 minutes long, and only require about two to four treatments to achieve distinct results.
Kybella works in a minimally invasive way, eliminating the need for cutting, nipping or tucking. Once the injection destroys targeted fat cells accumulated underneath the chin, those cells lose their capacity to store fat. Additionally, Kybella naturally gets rid of the destroyed fat cells through the body’s metabolizing process, so there is no need for suction or excising. The area, once reduced, should not need any further work to keep away excess fat deposits and maintain its delicate new contours so long as the patients continue leading a healthy lifestyle.
This unprecedented product also has the advantage of offering enduring results that should take away the need for touch-up work sessions beyond the predetermined amount of sessions needed to provide you with beautiful contoured results.
Good Candidates for Kybella
Good candidates must be at a healthy, stable body weight and have reasonable expectations in terms of the treatment’s projected results. Patients who are significantly overweight and have an excessive amount of submental fat may not be good candidates for Kybella injections. The same goes for individuals whose neck skin is loose or sagging. However, in cases such as these, there are suitable alternatives that can help fix the issue, such as liposuction and/or a neck lift. Your surgeon will help you decide on the appropriate treatment for your individual case after your consultation exam. Like any cosmetic procedure, Kybella is not to be used as a replacement for a healthy lifestyle of eating well and exercising regularly.
The Kybella treatment can work well for a wide range of people since it is safe for use on all skin types and complexions. Patients receiving Kybella injections must be at least 18 years of age.If you are considered a good candidate for the treatment, your surgeon will create a custom-tailored treatment plan which will consist of the amount of sessions determined to provide you with optimal results, the amount of injections per session, and preparatory tools if necessary.
Kybella® VS. Liposuction
Liposuction is the surgical alternative to Kybella injections, suctioning out fat deposits with a thin tube inserted into a small incision made in the neck. A liposuction procedure may show results immediately, but it’s non-surgical opposer Kybella is a far less invasive procedure. Because Kybella melts away submental fat cells without the need for incisions, which is used for liposuction procedures, the downtime required is much shorter, if necessary at all.
Kybella’s long-lasting effects are due to its ability to prevent future fat growth in the chin and neck region, so while it may take four to six weeks for results to appear, you can rest assured they will be there to stay. And unlike liposuction, Kybella employs the body’s own metabolism to obliterate the fat cells in a natural and easy fashion.
Kybella® VS. Neck Lift
Both Kybella and neck lifts aim to enhance the same region of the body, but neck lifts address lax neck skin as well as fat reduction. A neck lift is effective in tightening and smoothing any loose or sagging skin below the chin which can be one factor that creates the appearance of a double chin. Kybella cannot address loose neck skin, it only addresses the fat.
Consultation
A consultation appointment with our injection nurse, Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs or Dr. Magge will provide you with all the information you need to know about the Kybella treatment and whether you are a good candidate to receive injections. Request a consultation visit today for an evaluation of the cosmetic issue you wish to correct. The nurse or doctor will walk you through the steps of the injectable treatment, instruct you on how to prepare for it if necessary in your individual case, provide all the necessary safety information, and offer a projection of your results after the injections.
A beautifully contoured jawline and slim chin are possible in a matter of 4 – 6 weeks.
Kybella Procedure
The procedure begins with thoroughly cleaning the area awaiting treatment and the surrounding region. A special grid will then be drawn with a marker from the chin to the collarbone area; this grid is meant to help perfectly guide the Kybella specialist to provide injections in the exact necessary locations.
A numbing agent is not necessary, but available for those looking for extra comfort.
The injection nurse, Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs or Dr. Magge will then perform a series of small injections in each of the designated grid points. The number and specific locations of these injections will be based upon how much submental fat exists and its precise location below the chin and around the neck. The total time of treatment is between 15 and 20 minutes, and there is usually no enforced downtime after the injections, although it may be preferable to rest after the procedure as there may be some swelling in the area. Icing the area will help reduce swelling and any discomfort.
The number of treatment sessions will vary just as the number of actual injections does. Depending on the degree of submental fat and how effective the initial procedure turns out to be, you may wish to undergo up to six treatments total, with each one being spaced at least one month apart.
Recovery & Results
Kybella has the advantage of yielding long-lasting results since fat cells are destroyed by the solution and cannot grow back in the treatment area. However, results may take several weeks to fully reveal themselves as the targeted fat cells are naturally discarded from the body. Gaining weight may affect results if fat cells are enlarged in the surrounding areas. Side effects of the treatment like bruises and swelling should start to recede within two days or so, and a more aesthetically pleasing, contoured jawline and neck will begin to emerge.
Cost
The cost of your Kybella treatment will depend on how severe your case of submental fullness is, which will, in turn, dictate how many injections and sessions are needed for the total round of treatment. During your consultation, you will receive an estimate that is tailored to your physical features and the aesthetic outcome you want. Adding additional complementing procedures will affect pricing. Feel free to contact us today to request a consultation.
Keshav Magge, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.
Meet Dr. Magge
A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.
Meet Dr. Jabs
Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.
Meet Dr. Richards
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I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it's always such a nice visit. Super professional, and I always feel taken care of.
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I had such an amazing overall experience at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. The staff is very pleasant. I had my first invasive cosmetic procedure done back in September, and the final results are amazing. I LOVE IT. I'm so much happier with my body now. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Prior to my surgery, I had been thinking about this for a while, and I'm so happy I made the decision to go through with it. I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
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This practice is truly outstanding! Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb. The staff is extremely friendly, kind, and professional; they make you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door.
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Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office.
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office. The day of my surgery, the staff took amazing care of me and went above and beyond to calm my nerves, talk me through it, and made it such a great experience. I highly recommend this office. I can't thank them enough for all that they did for me!
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My experience there was beyond 5 stars.
My experience there was beyond 5 stars. From taking the appointment to post surgery. Even now after 10 months, the follow ups are outstanding. The whole staff took great care of me and the results are what I expected. Thank you for everything. Don't think twice and use this clinic if you want best in class service and the best result.
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All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff.
Literally every staff member I interacted with from the front desk down to the surgical team gave stellar customer service and truly made me feel comfortable. My sister even felt the warm energy from the staff after meeting them the morning of surgery. All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff. I would highly recommend Cosmetic Surgery Associates to anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure!
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I can't stress enough how great this whole experience has been. Not only did he make me feel comfortable in my body, but 10x more confident. His work is truly beautiful. 100% recommend!!
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I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes.
The staff are professional, caring, and pay attention to detail. Almost 10 months post op. The results exceeded my expectations. I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes. I'm so grateful. I highly recommend this practice.
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The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable! The facility was very clean and one of the staff members helped me work the coffee machine for a fresh cup of coffee!
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