Is Kybella Permanent? - The Truth They Won't Tell You!

An FDA-approved procedure, Kybella is a face fat removal procedure, that particulalrly focuses on your chin. It is a non-invasive way to get stubborn fat out of your chin.

If you are thinking of getting kybella, you may have already read a gazillion blogs and watched review videos. I bet you’re still left wondering is Kybella permanent and to give you a short answer - yes, it is, but with some terms and conditions.

Follow along till the as we unmask the truth behind this procedure and give you a free checklist for Kybella consultation!

How Kybella Destroys Fat Cells

The active agent in this procedure is deoxycholic acid and as fancy as it sounds, it is basically the synthetic (man-made) form of a natural nucleic acid in our body. This one is used for breaking down dietary fat.

When this ingredient is injected under the chin, it works like this:

• Destroys fat cell membranes and causes them to rupture

• Triggers an inflammatory response which clears out the dead fat cells.

• Leaves treated fat cells permanently gone as they do not regenerate.

Thus, Kybella is permanent, but (there’s always a ‘but’ with cosmetic procedures, most surgeons will not tell you the truth) - there are factors at play that can make this procedure temporary.

Kybella vs Chin Liposuction - Key Differences

Feature	Kybella	Chin Liposuction
Invasiveness	Non-surgical (injections)	Surgical (small incisions)
Downtime	1-2 weeks of swelling	Bruising
Results timeline	Gradual (3-6 months)	Immediate (final result in 3 months)
Permanence	Permanent (if fat cells are fully treated)	Permanent (but weight gain can alter results)

Kybella also has longer recovery and requires multiple sessions.

What can I really expect from the procedure? 

If you look at the Kybella before and after immediately after the procedure, you’ll be doubtful about your decision. But if the same comparison is presented to you after complete recovery, the results will shock you.

A Reddit user on a thread about the procedure shared their before and after pictures recently and the results have convinced other Redditors of going for it! So, let me give you a quick recap of the things you’ll need to keep in mind when going for this procedure:

• You will need at least 2-4 sessions depending on the doctor’s assessment and these will be spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

• The cost per session can be around $1,200 to $1,800.

The realistic timeline looks somewhat like this:

• Days 1-3: This is when the swelling begins and it resembles a bullfrog neck.

• Weeks 1-2: Peak swelling and tenderness.

• Month 1: You start seeing the first sign of fat reduction.

• Months 3-6: The final results are completely visible.

To get the best idea about the results, you can rely on your chosen surgeon’s patients - this will give you an idea of their skill and the quality of result.

Reading the Fine Print - Is Kybella Permanent?

From the comparison table above, you have an answer - yes, it is permanent, we also left you with a ‘but’ and a warning that there are conditions attached to its permanency. So, what could it be? Find out below:

• The Kybella results are temporary when you have remaining cells that expand when you gain weight.

• Skin laxity matters as having loose skin can be more noticeable when there’s fat removal.

If you want to get results that last long, here’s a sure shot tip:

• Maintain a stable weight as weight gain can push other areas to still grow.

• Consider radiofrequency micro-needling later when skin tightening is needed.

Rare But Serious Side Effects They Don’t Tell You About!

You have already read about the common side effects that affect a person who has recently undergone Kybella. The most rare and serious Kybella side effects include nerve injury and lumpy texture.

Here is how they present:

Nerve Injury

Nerve injury is mainly due to deoxycholic acid that causes myelin sheath damage. Myelin sheath is the fatty layer insulating nerves which Kybella injections can damage.

This is mainly seen in the marginal mandibular area that can show up as uneven smile, difficulty swallowing and facial muscle weakness.

Usually temporary and resolves within 40-45 days.

Lumpy Texture

The lumpy texture after Kybella is due to uneven fat dissolving. As the body breaks down and eliminates fat cells, the lump is significantly noticeable.

Swelling and hardness can accompany this and the treated areas.

Your surgeon would advise you to massage the area gently to help with the process of fat removal.

Kybella Checklist You Should Keep in Handy

If have made up your mind about getting Kybella, you will need the following checklist to get the right support from your doctor.

Take a look at the pre-consult checklist:

1. Research Your Provider

• Are they board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist?

• How many Kybella treatments have they performed? (A good mark is 50 or above)

• Can they share patient testimonial and show real Kybella before and after chin photos?

2. How do I know I’m a good candidate for Kybella?

• Do you have moderate fat under the chin (not just loose skin)?

• Is your BMI under 30? (Kybella isn’t good for weight loss.)

• Do you have 2-4 weeks for swelling recovery?

3. What should I ask my doctor before Kybella?

• How many sessions will I need?

• What is your protocol for minimizing swelling?

• What happens if I’m unhappy with my results, do you offer touch-ups?

4. Logistics & Budget

• Are there any package deals that I can get?

• What is the cost per session?

• How much time off do you suggest I should plan for?

Red Flags to Watch Out For!

• A provider who says “You’ll see the results after the first treatment!” (Most need 2 or more sessions to see the difference)

• Clinics or doctors do not have before and after images of actual patients.

• Prices that seem too good to be true (could mean diluted products.)

Post-consult checklist:

1. Schedule your appointment wisely (avoid events for 2 weeks after the treatment)

2. Buy supplies to control your symptoms. For example, arnica tablets to control bruising, soft ice packs or button-up shirts as t-shirts would be uncomfortable to pull over swollen chin.

3. Prepare your fridge with soft foods such as yogurt, soups for the first three days as chewing may hurt.

Or, simply contact us to bring you the top dermatologists from around the world who have a great track record of the surgery.