What is Kybella?
Even a bit of extra fat in the upper neck area can cause the appearance of a double chin that's often bothersome for both men and women. The excess pockets of fat below the chin (or the submental area) can be caused by genetics, weight fluctuations, or aging that lead to a weaker chin and jawline for an undefined profile. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao is happy to offer a new technique to reduce neck fat at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Kybella is the first nonsurgical solution for submental fat. The active ingredient in Kybella is a synthetically made version of deoxycholic acid that acts like the natural deoxycholic acid in the body to break down and absorb fat. Once the product has been injected beneath the chin, you should see a noticeable reduction in the amount of fat present. When these fat cells dissolve, those cells will not regenerate so you will be able to enjoy your new slender profile and defined jawline for years to come.
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What Are the Benefits of KYBELLA Injections?
KYBELLA injections can help you bid adieu to excess chin fat that hasn’t gone away with diet and exercise. A few of the many benefits of this treatment performed at Rao Plastic Surgery in Tucson, AZ include:
- Refining and contouring the facial appearance
- Getting rid of chin and neck fat
- Sessions are quick, safe, and nonsurgical
- The acting ingredient in KYBELLA (deoxycholic acid) is a naturally occurring acid in the body
- Saying goodbye to a double chin can increase confidence
- Injections are simple compared to surgical submental-area procedures
Who is a Candidate for KYBELLA?
The best patients for Kybella injectable treatments have unwanted fat in the upper neck (submental area) that causes a double chin or unwanted volume. This injection corrects stubborn areas of fat that cannot be removed with common weight loss methods due to genetics, aging, or other conditions. If you are near a healthy weight, but diet and exercise have not been able to eliminate the fat in your submental area, Kybella may be the right option for your goals. While Kybella can be used to treat small to moderate amounts of fat in the submental area, significant amounts of fat may require surgical liposuction at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery.
What to expect during KYBELLA injections
Kybella is done during an in-office appointment. Dr. Rao will typically apply a numbing gel to the submental area after the skin is cleaned from oils, dirt, makeup, and lotion. The procedure takes about 15 – 20 minutes and will consist of a few small injections targeting the submental region. Some patients may require one treatment to achieve their desired look while others may need a few treatments spaced six weeks apart at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery.
How long is recovery after KYBELLA injections?
Kybella injections do not require anesthesia so you will be allowed to leave the office as soon as you feel comfortable to resume your daily activities. You may notice temporary swelling, numbness, or bruising below your chin, but this should not last longer than a couple of days. Call Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery immediately if you are noticing any unusual side effects, including facial muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, or if your smile is uneven. While the fat cells that are destroyed do not return, the fat cells that remain can grow larger so you need to be sure to maintain a steady weight after your Kybella injections to prevent new pockets of fat from forming. Optimal results following this treatment leave your neck looking tighter and slimmer and your profile will be more defined.
KYBELLA FAQs
How much does Kybella cost?
Kybella treatment costs will depend on how many appointments you require to achieve your goals. During your consultation, a customized treatment plan will be made to match your goals. A member of our staff can then review payment options with you during your consultation.
How does Kybella work?
The active ingredient in Kybella, deoxycholic acid, works to break down fat cells in the upper neck. After they are destroyed, these cells will not grow back. Therefore, additional treatments should not be necessary once you have met your goal.
Can Kybella be used to treat other areas of the body?
Currently, Kybella may only be used to treat the upper neck. Kybella has been proven to effectively reduce the fat in the upper neck that creates the appearance of a double chin. Kybella isn't approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on any other areas of the body.
Am I eligible for a Kybella treatment?
There are a few factors that could make you ineligible to receive a Kybella treatment. You must be over the age of 18 years old, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and cannot have any infection at the treatment site. Prior to your initial session, you should share any health concerns and medical history information with Dr. Rao so he is able to decide if you can safely receive the treatment.
How many treatment sessions will I need?
During your one-on-one consultation, a customized injection plan will be created to meet your goals. Usually, patients receive between 2 – 4 Kybella treatments before achieving their desired outcomes. Kybella appointments must also be spaced about one month apart. You should not receive more than six Kybella treatments overall.

Reduce Neck Fat Today
Even if everyone else in your family has to hide their hereditary double chin, this doesn't mean you have to as well. Schedule an initial consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao to learn more about the revolutionary Kybella injectable treatments at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ. Minimize your double chin so you can enjoy a new slim jawline today.