KYBELLA is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for adults that improves the appearance and profile of moderate to severe submental fat — commonly called a double chin. Its active ingredient is synthetic deoxycholic acid, a molecule that naturally occurs in the body and aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected beneath the chin, it permanently destroys fat cells, which can no longer store or accumulate fat.

Is KYBELLA permanent?

Yes. Once KYBELLA destroys fat cells under the chin, those cells can no longer store or accumulate fat. The results are permanent — as long as you maintain a stable weight, the submental fullness should not return. This distinguishes KYBELLA from treatments that temporarily reduce the appearance of fullness without eliminating the underlying fat cells.

How many KYBELLA treatments will I need?

Many patients see visible results in 2 to 4 treatments. In clinical studies, 59% of patients received all 6 treatment sessions. Up to 6 sessions are available, spaced at least 4 weeks apart. Shannon Evans will assess your chin profile at your consultation and recommend the number of sessions most likely needed for your specific degree of submental fullness.

What is the downtime after KYBELLA?

KYBELLA involves no surgical downtime. The most common side effects are swelling, bruising, and numbness under the chin, which typically resolve within 1 to 2 weeks. Many patients plan their treatments knowing there will be temporary swelling — particularly after early sessions. Normal daily activity can generally be resumed the same day.

Who is a good candidate for KYBELLA?

KYBELLA is appropriate for adults with moderate to severe submental fat who want to improve their chin profile without surgery. Good candidates are bothered by fullness beneath the chin, have realistic expectations about the number of treatments required, and are not candidates for or do not wish to pursue surgical options such as liposuction. A consultation with Shannon Evans is the first step to confirming your candidacy and designing a treatment plan.

Kybella in St. George, UT | Desert Sands Aesthetics

Overview

What is KYBELLA?

KYBELLA is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment used in adults that improves the appearance and profile of moderate to severe submental fat — what most people call a double chin. Unlike surgical options, KYBELLA eliminates submental fullness from the inside out, using a synthetic form of a molecule that already exists naturally in the body to permanently destroy fat cells in the treatment area.

When KYBELLA is injected into the fat beneath the chin, fat cells are destroyed and — once destroyed — can no longer store or accumulate fat. The result is a noticeable, lasting reduction in fullness under the chin and a noticeably improved chin and neck profile. Because the destroyed cells do not regenerate, results are permanent as long as weight remains stable.

Only FDA-approved injectable for submental fat reduction
Permanently destroys fat cells — results do not reverse
No surgery, no anesthesia, no incisions
Multiple small injections in a single in-office appointment
Up to 6 treatment sessions — many patients see results in 2 to 4
Performed by Shannon Evans, RN, BSN — 28 years clinical experience

KYBELLA double chin treatment at Desert Sands Aesthetics & Laser, St. George Utah

Why KYBELLA

What makes KYBELLA different.

KYBELLA is the only non-surgical option for permanently reducing submental fat — the one treatment that eliminates the underlying cause of a double chin rather than masking or temporarily improving its appearance.

01

Permanent Results

KYBELLA permanently destroys fat cells. Once eliminated, those cells cannot regrow, regenerate, or accumulate fat again. As long as your weight remains stable, the improvement to your chin profile is lasting. This is a meaningful distinction from treatments that offer temporary or maintenance-dependent results.

02

No Surgery Required

Before KYBELLA, surgical liposuction was the primary option for reducing submental fat. KYBELLA achieves comparable fat reduction through a series of injections in an in-office appointment — no incisions, no general anesthesia, no surgical risks, and no need for a hospital or surgical center.

03

FDA-Approved Safety Profile

KYBELLA is the only injectable specifically FDA-approved for submental fat reduction in adults. Its active ingredient — synthetic deoxycholic acid — mirrors a molecule the body produces naturally, giving it a well-understood mechanism of action and a robust clinical safety and efficacy record.

04

Customized Treatment Plan

Shannon Evans performs a thorough chin profile examination before any treatment begins and creates a tailored injection plan based on the size and distribution of the submental fat pad. The number of injections per session, the spacing of sessions, and the total number of treatments are all determined by your individual anatomy and goals.

05

Improved Chin Profile

The visible result of KYBELLA is a cleaner, more defined separation between the chin and the neck — eliminating the soft fullness that creates the appearance of a double chin. Patients report feeling more confident in photos and profile views, and more satisfied with their overall facial appearance.

06

No Significant Downtime

KYBELLA does not require surgical recovery. The most common post-treatment experience is swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness beneath the chin — typically peaking in the first few days and resolving within one to two weeks. Normal daily activity can generally be resumed the same day as treatment.

Candidacy

Who is a good candidate?

KYBELLA is appropriate for adults who are bothered by moderate to severe submental fullness and want to permanently reduce it without surgery. Ideal candidates include:

Adults with moderate to severe fat beneath the chin
Patients bothered by the appearance of a double chin in photos or profile
Those who want a permanent solution without surgery or anesthesia
Patients who have tried diet and exercise without significant improvement in the chin area
Adults with good skin elasticity who will see the skin retract as fat is reduced
Patients willing to commit to a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart

A consultation with Shannon allows us to assess your chin profile, review your health history, and determine whether KYBELLA is the right approach — or whether a complementary treatment such as Profound Lift for skin tightening would enhance your result further.

Pairs well with

Patients with submental fullness combined with loose or sagging skin in the chin and neck area may benefit from combining KYBELLA with Profound Lift — KYBELLA eliminates the fat, while Profound tightens the overlying skin. Shannon will advise on the optimal sequencing and combination strategy at your consultation.

Book a Consultation

What to Expect

Treatment, timeline, & results.

Appointment

In-Office, ~30 Min

Each KYBELLA session takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Shannon maps the injection sites, applies a topical numbing agent, and administers multiple small injections in a precise grid pattern beneath the chin. The procedure is straightforward and completed entirely in our treatment suite.

Sensation

Mild Stinging

Injections feel like small pinches followed by a mild burning or stinging sensation as the solution disperses. Most patients describe the discomfort as very tolerable. Topical numbing is applied before the session and a cold compress is provided during treatment to minimize discomfort.

Recovery

Swelling 1–2 Weeks

Swelling beneath the chin — sometimes significant after early sessions — is the normal response as KYBELLA begins destroying fat cells. This peaks in the first few days and resolves over one to two weeks. Bruising and temporary numbness are also common. Daily activities can typically resume immediately.

Results

Progressive, Permanent

Fat cell clearance takes four to six weeks following each session as the body processes destroyed cells. Visible improvement is typically apparent after two to four sessions, with full results appreciated after the complete treatment series. Results are permanent — destroyed fat cells do not return.

The Process

From consultation to defined profile.

01

Chin Profile Assessment

Shannon performs a thorough examination of your chin profile — evaluating the volume and distribution of submental fat, your skin laxity, and your overall facial anatomy. She creates a tailored treatment plan based on your profile, recommends the expected number of sessions, and walks you through the full process so there are no surprises.

02

Treatment Series

Each session begins with marking the injection sites and applying topical numbing. Multiple small KYBELLA injections are administered beneath the chin in the mapped treatment area. Sessions are spaced at least four weeks apart — enough time for swelling to fully resolve and for fat cell clearance to progress before the next session.

03

Final Results

Most patients complete two to six sessions. After your final treatment, the full result becomes apparent over the following four to six weeks as the last of the cleared fat cells are processed by the body. The improvement to your chin profile is permanent. Shannon reviews your final result and advises on any complementary treatments to optimize the outcome.