January 25, 2024

Kybella vs Coolsculpting for Double Chin Treatment

By: Astra Plastic Surgery

Fat accumulation beneath the chin is common. Besides your weight, factors like age, genetics, and even your posture can all play a role in your likelihood of developing this cosmetic frustration — which has been not-so-cutely dubbed the infamous “double chin.” Fortunately, there are two highly effective solutions that can target the excess fat beneath your chin for a slimmer, more youthful look: Kybella® and Coolsculpting®.

Kybella® for Double Chin Treatment

Kybella® is an injectable medication that dissolves fat in your body. This cosmetic treatment has become popular for its effectiveness and minimal downtime, because Kybella® is quick, minimally invasive, and carries little risk for scarring or other complications.

The Kybella® process is simple and straightforward. Your provider will start by marking and preparing the injection site. You’ll then receive the necessary injections, which can take 15 to 20 minutes to administer, depending on how many you need. A single treatment can consist of up to 50 injections, spaced one centimeter apart. Though this may sound like a lot, the discomfort is minimal, though you may experience some numbness, bruising, and swelling as you heal. But you should be able to return to normal activities shortly after receiving the injections.

After several weeks of receiving your first treatment, the targeted fat will be fully dissolved and absorbed by your body, leading to a more defined chin area. Most patients can benefit from more than one session, though the exact number will depend on your specific goals and anatomy.

CoolSculpting® for Double Chin Treatment

Whereas Kybella® uses a medication to prompt your body into metabolizing and absorbing fat cells, CoolSculpting® works by freezing them so they shrivel away. The process, known as cryolipolysis, works by applying cool energy to the fat cells using a special instrument designed for this purpose. A conducting gel is applied to your skin first, then the CoolSculpting® device is moved along the area to be treated under your chin for a session lasting 30 to 60 minutes.

Like Kybella®, CoolSculpting® is a nonsurgical way to achieve your desired results for a more defined jawline, but it does also require some time before results become visible. Most patients start to notice changes within six to eight weeks, as the body continues to flush out the frozen fat cells. Full results tend to appear within 14 to 16 weeks.

Kybella® vs. CoolSculpting® for Double Chin Treatment: Which Is Better?

Both Kybella® and CoolSculpting® have their merits, and if your goal is to eliminate stubborn chin fat, you can’t go wrong with either option. You can take comfort in the fact that each procedure is FDA-approved and will require minimal downtime, meaning there shouldn’t be any significant disruption in your routine.

These nonsurgical procedures also tend to have a much lower price point than traditional surgeries. Kybella® and CoolSculpting® vary in price based on individual factors, but are generally comparable in cost.

While results from more invasive procedures such as face lifts, neck lifts, and liposuction may appear more quickly, they also require general anesthesia and may leave you bruised and swollen for 10 to 14 days.

So, is Kybella® or CoolSculpting® best for you? In many cases, it comes down to a matter of preference. Some patients with needle aversions naturally gravitate towards CoolSculpting®, which also has a slight reduction in swelling since no injections are required. Kybella®, however, allows treatment to be customized, as injections are given precisely where they’re needed, compared to the standard application used in CoolSculpting®.

Schedule a Kybella® or CoolSculpting® Consultation with Astra Plastic Surgery Today

Wondering whether Kybella® or CoolSculpting® will be best for your needs? Allow one of our board-certified cosmetic professionals to walk you through your options. Request a free consult online or by calling 679.990.3551.