Kybella
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest and Chicago, IL
Kybella (KYBELLA®) is a minimally invasive treatment that is designed to help reduce unwanted fat from below the chin to create a slimmer, more defined jawline. When excess fat accumulates under the chin, this can create an effect referred to as a “double chin.” Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved injection to address this, offering significant results with very little downtime. With a series of customized treatments, patients will be able to enjoy an improvement in both proportions and confidence.
If you are experiencing stubborn fat under your chin, look no further than Dr. Michael A. Howard!
Dr. Howard is a board-certified plastic surgeon dedicated to helping each patient look and feel more confident in their skin. Since 2005, he has performed over 10,000 procedures, establishing himself as not only a leader in his industry but also as someone you can trust with your health and well-being.
To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Howard at either our Lake Forest, Chicago, or Glenview office, please call (224) 271-4250 or contact us online.
Contents
About Kybella
Kybella is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that is designed to help reduce sagging skin and excess fat from under the chin, also known as submental fat or a “double chin.” Patients can develop a double chin for a variety of reasons, including genetics, aging, or weight changes.
Kybella consists of a substance called deoxycholic acid (DCA), which helps break down fat cells and can naturally be found in our bodies. It uses a process called focal adipolysis, which is the targeted destruction of fat cells in a specific location. This process allows the body’s lymphatic system to help eliminate the fat. (1)
Benefits of Kybella
Kybella offers each patient a myriad of benefits after being injected. These benefits include:
- Long-Lasting Results: After each patient’s fat cells are destroyed, they are unable to return, offering long-lasting results. These effects can be preserved with healthy lifestyle habits.
- Sharpened Jawline: Patients will be able to enjoy a slimmer, more defined jawline after eliminating their submental fat.
- Increased Confidence: An improvement in facial aesthetics and more defined features can lead to an enhancement in self-esteem.
- Nonsurgical Treatment: Kybella offers significant results without requiring an extensive recovery period or the use of incisions.
To learn more about how you may benefit from Kybella, please schedule a consultation by calling (224) 271-4250 or by submitting our online contact form.
Ideal Candidates for Kybella
The ideal candidates for Kybella are those interested in reducing their facial fat, primarily the submental fat found underneath the chin. Those interested in eliminating their double chin or sharpening their jawline without the use of incisions or an extensive recovery are also recommended for injection.
All candidates interested in Kybella should be in good overall health, free from any underlying conditions that may impair healing. Patients should also hold realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their procedure. Depending on the amount of fat present, multiple treatment sessions may be required to achieve ideal results. Each patient’s candidacy will be determined by our nurse injector at their consultation.
Personal Consultation
Each patient is asked to attend a personal consultation before scheduling their Kybella treatment. This meeting is not only a chance for our team to get to know each patient more personally, but also to further understand the goals and motivations behind their procedure. During the consultation, our nurse injector will ask each patient about their medical history, concerns, and ideal outcome before evaluating the condition of their skin. After determining each patient’s candidacy, they will craft each patient’s treatment plan, personalizing aspects to address their concerns. Preparation and recovery instructions will also be provided, as well as an all-inclusive quote.
To schedule your personal consultation at our Lake Forest, Chicago, or Glenview office, please call (224) 271-4250 or contact us online.
Preparation
Our nurse injector will provide a set of preparation instructions for each patient at their consultation, guiding them on how to prepare for their Kybella injections. When preparing for Kybella, it is essential to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy, nutritious diet. Several days before their appointment, patients should avoid the use of harsh skincare products, including retinoids and exfoliants. To help minimize any post-procedural swelling, it may be suggested to reduce the consumption of sodium, as well as ceasing the use of medications and supplements with blood-thinning properties. Patients should also avoid drinking alcohol 24-48 hours before and after their procedure. While preparation is fairly straightforward, it is still crucial to follow the instructions established by our nurse injector to ensure a smooth recovery and stunning results.
Procedure
Each patient’s Kybella treatment will begin with the administration of anesthesia to ensure each patient feels comfortable and relaxed. Our nurse injector will then carefully mark each patient’s face, placing the injections to maximize each benefit and help each patient reach their aesthetic goals. They will then use a small needle to measure the formula before injecting it into the marked areas. The formula will change the structure of the fat cells, allowing the body to eliminate them through the lymphatic system. (1) This treatment is quick to perform, taking 15-20 minutes on average. Patients may need multiple sessions to achieve their desired results, with most needing between 2-4 sessions. (2)
Recovery and Results
Our nurse injector will provide a set of recovery instructions to help each patient recover as quickly as possible. Following a Kybella treatment, patients may experience light redness and swelling at the injection sites. (3) Any discomfort can be alleviated through the use of over-the-counter pain medications, with effects subsiding gradually on their own. To reduce their swelling, patients should avoid drinking alcohol and consuming sodium for the first 48 hours of healing.
The full effects of each patient’s Kybella treatment may be experienced after any residual swelling has subsided. Patients will be able to enjoy a more slender, toned neck and slimmer jawline, restoring a more youthful-looking appearance. An improvement in visual aesthetics may also lead to an increase in self-confidence. The results of Kybella are designed to be long-lasting, as the deoxycholic acid permanently destroys the fat cells, however, healthy lifestyle habits should still be adopted to preserve results.
Corresponding Procedures
Many procedures can be performed alongside Kybella to produce more comprehensive results, one of the most popular being Botox. Botox is a minimally invasive cosmetic injectable that is designed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and creases, while simultaneously preventing new ones from forming. The formula works by relaxing the facial muscles responsible for muscle contractions. This allows the skin to relax and smooth out, restoring a more youthful-looking appearance. If you are interested in combining your Kybella treatment, please contact our office, and a member of our team will be more than happy to assist you.
To learn about the other procedures we offer, please read our blog!
Cost of Kybella in Chicago
The cost of each Kybella treatment will be dependent upon several factors, such as the amount of formula needed for injection and the number of sessions required to achieve each patient’s goals.
Our nurse injector will provide an all-inclusive quote at each patient’s personal consultation after they have had the chance to perform a comprehensive medical evaluation and craft each patient’s custom treatment.
To unlock the cost of your Kybella treatment, please call (224) 271-4250 or contact us online and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
FAQ
When can I see the results of my Kybella treatment?
The results of each patient’s injections typically manifest between four to six weeks after their initial appointment.
Does Kybella tighten skin?
Kybella does not tighten skin as it is designed to eliminate fat, however, some patients may experience slight skin tightening as a result of their body’s natural healing response.
Who is a good candidate for Kybella?
Candidates interested in Kybella are those interested in reducing their submental fat to improve their facial aesthetics.
Is Kybella painful?
Anesthesia will be administered before each treatment to minimize any discomfort, however patients may feel a slight stinging during injections. Following the treatment, slight swelling and tenderness may be experienced, but effects can be managed through the use of pain medications.
Can Kybella be used to eliminate fat anywhere else on the body?
Kybella is only FDA-approved for dissolving submental fat. Our team is more than happy to recommend one of our other procedures if you are interested in eliminating fat from elsewhere in the body.
References
- Shahraam Kamalpour, Leblanc K. Injection Adipolysis: Mechanisms, Agents, and Future Directions. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2016;9(12):44. Accessed March 7, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5300726/
- Santiago G, Meneses-Santos D, Dias M, et al. Efficacy, safety, and potential industry bias in using deoxycholic acid for submental fat reduction ‒ A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Clinics. 2023;78:100220-100220. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinsp.2023.100220
- Shamban AT. Noninvasive Submental Fat Compartment Treatment. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2016;4(12 Suppl):e1155. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000001155