The double chin is one of the most stubborn and frustrating areas of unwanted fat. It often shows up regardless of weight, fitness level, or genetics — and it can age the entire face by softening the jawline. Until 2015, the only real solutions were liposuction or surgery. Then KYBELLA® arrived: the first and still only FDA-approved injectable that permanently destroys fat cells beneath the chin. At Remedy+ Hair Restoration & Medical Spa in Grand Rapids, Michigan, KYBELLA® is one of our most quietly transformative treatments.
The Hook: Permanent. Non-Surgical. Real.
That's the unusual combination that makes KYBELLA® so remarkable. Unlike fillers (which dissolve), CoolSculpting (which freezes), or weight loss (which can come back), KYBELLA® physically destroys the fat cells under your chin. Once they're gone, they're gone. Forever.
What Is KYBELLA®?
KYBELLA® is an injectable form of deoxycholic acid — a molecule your body already makes to help break down dietary fat. When deoxycholic acid is injected into submental fat (the fat beneath your chin), it disrupts fat cell membranes, causing those cells to permanently die and be cleared by your body's natural processes over the following weeks.
It's FDA-approved specifically for the improvement of the appearance of moderate-to-severe submental fullness — the medical term for a "double chin."
Why a Double Chin Is So Hard to Lose
You can't spot-reduce fat with diet or exercise. The amount and distribution of submental fat is largely determined by genetics, and even very lean, very fit people often retain stubborn fullness under the chin. Aging, posture, and skin laxity make it more visible over time. KYBELLA® bypasses all of that by physically eliminating the fat cells themselves.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Adults bothered by visible fullness or fat beneath the chin
- Those with reasonably good skin elasticity in the neck and chin area
- People who prefer a non-surgical approach to chin liposuction
- Patients at a stable weight who want to address a localized issue
- Both men and women — KYBELLA® works equally well for both
You may not be a great candidate if you have significant skin laxity (which won't improve with fat removal alone), an active infection in the treatment area, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions. We assess every patient individually at consultation.
What to Expect at a KYBELLA® Treatment
- Consultation and assessment: We evaluate your submental fullness, skin quality, and goals to determine the right number of treatments and units per session
- Marking the treatment grid: A precise grid of injection points is marked on the chin/upper neck
- Topical numbing: Numbing cream and/or ice is applied to maximize comfort
- Injections: Multiple small injections are placed across the marked grid; the entire injection process typically takes 15–20 minutes
- Aftercare: Cool compresses are applied; you'll go home with detailed instructions
What to Expect After Treatment
Swelling is the hallmark KYBELLA® experience and is actually a sign that the treatment is working. Most patients experience:
- Days 1–4: Significant swelling under the chin — sometimes described as a "bullfrog" appearance. This is temporary and expected
- Days 4–7: Swelling gradually subsides; some bruising may be visible
- Weeks 2–4: Fullness from swelling resolves; you can begin to see early improvement
- Weeks 6–12: Fat cells continue to be cleared, with progressive contour improvement
Most patients schedule the first session before a quiet week or weekend so they can manage the visible swelling. Many take a few days off social events but can return to work the same or next day.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Most patients need 2–4 treatments spaced approximately 4–6 weeks apart for optimal results. The exact number depends on the volume of fat present and your goals. Some patients are happy after two sessions; others choose to continue for further refinement.
Are the Results Really Permanent?
Yes — and this is the most exciting part of KYBELLA®. The fat cells destroyed by KYBELLA® are gone permanently and cannot regenerate. As long as you maintain a stable weight, your improved chin contour is yours for life. Significant weight gain can cause remaining fat cells (in the area or elsewhere) to enlarge, which is the only situation in which results could change.
Side Effects and Safety
The most common side effects are local and temporary:
- Swelling (expected and significant)
- Bruising
- Tenderness or pain at injection sites
- Numbness in the treated area for several weeks
- Areas of firmness as the body clears the fat
Less commonly, patients can experience temporary asymmetry of the smile or difficulty swallowing, which resolve as the local nerves recover. These risks are minimized by choosing an experienced injector who understands the precise anatomy of the submental region — exactly why master injector training matters.
KYBELLA® vs. Other Double Chin Treatments
vs. Chin Liposuction
Liposuction provides faster, often more dramatic results in a single session — but requires anesthesia, surgical recovery, and has higher upfront cost and risk. KYBELLA® is gentler, requires no surgery, but takes multiple sessions to achieve full results.
vs. CoolSculpting / CoolMini
Cryolipolysis freezes fat cells. Both work; KYBELLA® offers more precise placement in the small submental area and better results for some chin shapes. Many patients also prefer injections to suction-based treatments.
vs. Skin Tightening (RF / Ultrasound)
Skin tightening treatments address loose skin but don't reduce fat. The two are often combined for patients with both fat and laxity.
Combining KYBELLA® with Other Treatments
- KYBELLA® + jawline filler — eliminate the chin shadow and define the jawline edge for a comprehensive lower-face transformation
- KYBELLA® + BOTOX® masseter — slim a square jawline at the same time as reducing chin fat
- KYBELLA® + radiofrequency or microneedling — pair fat reduction with skin tightening for patients with mild laxity
- KYBELLA® + AgeJET™ or TriBella™ — refresh skin texture and tone alongside contour improvement
What Does KYBELLA® Cost?
KYBELLA® is priced per vial and per session. Most treatment plans require multiple sessions. We provide a transparent quote at consultation, and patients can earn Allē rewards on every KYBELLA® treatment. Cherry and PatientFi financing with 0% APR options are available to make the full series accessible.
Why Remedy+ for KYBELLA® in Grand Rapids?
- Master injector Terry Selgo, RN — 21+ years and Allergan Medical Institute Faculty & Trainer
- Allergan Aesthetics Top Growth Achievement Award winner — one of only ten practices in Michigan
- Honest assessment — if KYBELLA® isn't the best option for your anatomy, we'll tell you
- Comprehensive lower-face expertise — KYBELLA®, jawline filler, masseter BOTOX®, and skin tightening under one roof
- Allē rewards on every treatment
- Transparent pricing and flexible financing
Take the First Step Toward a Defined Jawline
If you've been hiding your chin in photos, tilting your head up to "fix" it for the camera, or feeling self-conscious about a stubborn double chin no amount of dieting touches — KYBELLA® may be exactly the permanent, non-surgical solution you've been waiting for.
Book your KYBELLA® consultation with Terry Selgo, RN at Remedy+ in Grand Rapids today, or call (616) 355-1552. We'll evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and design a treatment plan that gives you the defined, confident profile you deserve.