Step-by-Step Kybella Treatment Process

Scroll through TikTok or search “double chin” on Google, and you’ll see the same theme: people want a cleaner profile on camera, but they don’t want surgery, extended downtime, or a new “puffy” look. Maybe you’ve tried gua sha, chin straps, or “tightening” creams and felt that familiar disappointment when photos still catch fullness under the chin.

That is where Kybella fits in. Empower Aesthetics & Wellnessoffers Kybella. Are you near Richmond? If you are seeking Kybella in Richmond, KY, our medical team will help you determine whether these fat-dissolving injections align with your aesthetic goals.

What is Kybella?

Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that reduces submental fat (the “double chin” area). The active ingredient is deoxycholic acid, a substance your body already uses to break down and absorb dietary fat. When administered at a controlled dose, precisely under the chin, it disrupts fat cells so your body can clear them over time.

People like Kybella because it addresses a specific concern. You’re not trying to “tone” a stubborn area with exercises that can’t reach fat under the chin. Instead, your provider designs a Kybella treatment plan based on your anatomy, your goal (subtle refinement or a more noticeable change), and how your skin behaves as the area slims.

Step-by-Step Treatment Process

1. Pre-treatment prep

Your appointment begins before the needle is inserted. During your consultation, your provider examines the area under your chin, assesses skin tightness, and discusses your goals. You’ll also review medications and supplements. 

Many clinics recommend avoiding blood-thinning over-the-counter products (like aspirin or certain supplements) for about a week if your prescribing doctor says it’s safe, since bruising can happen.

2. Treatment day

On the day of your treatment, your provider will clean your skin, numb the area with a cream or ice, and mark a grid under your chin. This grid helps make sure the injections go into the right spot and avoid sensitive areas.

The injections themselves only take a few minutes, but your whole appointment usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes because of the numbing and mapping. You might feel quick pinches and a warm or burning feeling as the medication starts working. Most people find it manageable, especially with numbing and a calm, step-by-step process.

3. Downtime and recovery

Swelling is the main side effect. It’s a normal part of the process as your body breaks down the treated fat cells. You might also notice some bruising, tenderness, or temporary numbness.

Recovery time is different for everyone, but most people see the most swelling in the first two days, which then gets better over one to two weeks. Some swelling can last longer, especially after higher doses or your first session. To help, use cold compresses early, sleep with your head raised, and skip heavy workouts for a day or two if you tend to swell. Don’t massage the area unless your provider says it’s okay.

Call your provider if you have severe pain, more redness and heat, signs of infection, weakness when you smile, or trouble swallowing. These issues are uncommon, but you should always treat them seriously.

4. When results show, and how long they last

Kybella works gradually. You may notice a change around four to six weeks after a session, once swelling has settled, and your body has cleared the disrupted fat. Many people need 2 to 4 sessions spaced about a month apart, depending on the level of fullness you start with and the level of definition you want.

About Empower Aesthetics & Wellness

Empower Aesthetics & Wellness keeps the focus on you, not a rushed checklist. When you come in for Kybella, our team assesses facial balance, skin quality, and your comfort level, then explains the options in plain language. 

Benefits of Kybella

Kybella for a double chin isn’t a “one-day makeover,” and that’s part of its appeal. Results build gradually, which often looks natural. The most significant benefits tend to be both practical and emotional: you stop angling your face in every selfie, you feel more confident in profile, and you don’t dread bright overhead lighting.

Here’s what many patients appreciate most:

• Targets the double chin directly without incisions
  
• In-office appointments that fit into a regular schedule
  
• Custom dosing and mapping for your face
  
• Permanent fat-cell reduction in treated areas once your body clears the disrupted cells
  
• Improved definition that supports jawline contouring with Kybella
  

Who is This Best For?

Kybella is effective for adults seeking to reduce a pocket of fat under the chin and who prefer a minimally invasive approach. Many patients fall into the 30–55 range, but age matters less than skin quality, overall health, and expectations.

You may be a great candidate if you have moderate chin fullness that shows up in photos, you want definition without surgery, and you can allow a few days of visible swelling. People in client-facing roles often still choose Kybella; they simply schedule treatments away from major presentations, weddings, or travel days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Kybella sessions do most people need?

Most people need two to four sessions, spaced about four to six weeks apart. Your provider adjusts the plan based on your initial fullness, skin quality, and your body’s response after the first visit. A conservative first session often helps you predict swelling and refine the next step.

Does Kybella hurt?

Kybella involves multiple small injections, so you’ll feel quick pinches. Most clinics use ice or topical numbing to reduce discomfort. You may feel a warm or stinging sensation for several minutes afterward. Most patients rate it as tolerable and prefer it to surgical options.

What does Kybella recovery time look like day-to-day?

Expect the most noticeable swelling in the first 48 hours. Many people see swelling drop steadily over the next one to two weeks, with tenderness and firmness improving along the way. You can usually work and run errands, but avoid big social plans for a few days.

When can I resume working out after a Kybella treatment?

Light activity is usually fine the next day, but heavy exercise can make swelling feel worse for some people. If you tend to swell, give yourself 24–48 hours before intense workouts. Your provider may tailor guidance if you bruise easily or if you treat a larger area.

Is Kybella safe?

Kybella is FDA-approved for reducing fat under the chin when administered by a trained medical provider. Like all injectables, it carries risks, including bruising, swelling, and rare nerve irritation that can affect the smile. A careful assessment and precise technique reduce those risks.

Glow Up Your Jaw

If you’re looking for Kybella in Richmond, KY, Empower Aesthetics & Wellness offers personalized consultations and treatment plans, plus a team that talks you through every step without pressure. Say Goodbye to Double Chin. Schedule Now!