Kybella® is an FDA-approved injectable treatment designed to reduce submental fullness, commonly known as a double chin. Excess fat beneath the chin can develop due to genetics, aging, or weight gain and may create a heavier or older-looking facial profile. For many years, surgical procedures such as liposuction were the primary treatment options. Today, Kybella® offers a non-surgical solution that can permanently reduce unwanted fat under the chin and improve jawline definition.
At the Maloney Center for facial plastic surgery, Kybella® treatments are performed by Dr. Brian Maloney, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and internationally recognized educator in facial aesthetics. Dr. Maloney creates customized treatment plans designed to improve facial balance while maintaining natural-looking results.

The Benefits of Kybella®
Kybella® provides a non-surgical solution for reducing unwanted fat beneath the chin and improving facial definition. Once treated, fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat, making results long-lasting for most patients.
Benefits of Kybella® may include:
- Reduction of a double chin without surgery
- Improved jawline and neck definition
- Permanent destruction of treated fat cells
- Minimal downtime compared to liposuction
- Customized treatment plans based on individual anatomy
- Gradual, natural-looking improvement over a series of treatments
Kybella® has been extensively studied and is FDA-approved for the treatment of submental fullness, making it one of the most effective non-surgical options for patients bothered by excess fullness beneath the chin.

About the Procedure
Kybella is a Non-Surgical Procedure. A small needle is used to inject Kybella into the superficial layers of fat under your chin, around your jawline and surrounding your neck. If you are concerned about the use of needles in your cosmetic procedure, Dr. Maloney can treat you with a topical anesthetic to reduce any discomfort. Each patient’s treatment plan is different. However, in most cases, Kybella requires multiple treatment sessions spaced out one month apart. Many patients see noticeable results after two to four treatment sessions. In most cases, each Kybella treatment takes 15-20 minutes. Side effects associated with Kybella are minimal and temporary. These may include pain, numbness, reddening, swelling and bruising at the injection site. These conditions usually subside within 48 to 72 hours.
Candidates for Kybella
Kybella requires a commitment to a series of injections over the course of several months in order to achieve your desired aesthetic look. There may be some pain at the injection site and this discomfort may be more acute during your first treatment than subsequent sessions. If you are apprehensive about cosmetic procedures using needles, you should discuss this with Dr. Maloney during your consultation. Your consultation is also an ideal time to share information about your medical history. Dr. Maloney will take time during your consultation to carefully examine the skin around your chin and neck. This will help him evaluate whether Kybella is the best treatment option for you. A consultation also helps Dr. Maloney customize your treatment plan and reduce the chances of any complications with your procedure.
Why Choose Dr. Brian Maloney for Kybella®?
Successful Kybella® treatment requires a detailed understanding of facial anatomy and careful treatment planning to achieve balanced, natural-looking results. Dr. Brian Maloney is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with decades of experience helping patients improve facial contours through both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
As a national trainer for Allergan products and a recognized leader in facial aesthetics, Dr. Maloney personally evaluates each patient and develops a customized approach based on their anatomy and goals. His expertise helps ensure optimal improvement while maintaining natural facial harmony.
How Kybella Treatment Plans Are Customized
Kybella is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The amount of fullness beneath the chin, skin quality, jawline structure, and treatment goals can all affect how injections are planned.
During consultation, Dr. Maloney evaluates the submental area and determines how much product may be needed and how many sessions may be appropriate. Treatment is then spaced over time so the area can heal and respond between appointments.
When Will Kybella Results Become Noticeable?
Kybella works gradually as the body clears the fat cells affected by treatment. Because swelling is common after injections, the area beneath the chin may temporarily appear fuller before improvement becomes noticeable.
Changes typically develop over the weeks following each session. Some patients achieve their desired improvement after a few treatments, while others may need additional sessions based on the amount of submental fat and their treatment goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fat cells Kybella destroys cannot store fat again. However, maintaining a relatively stable weight can help preserve the overall contour of the chin and jawline as the surrounding tissues continue to change with age.
Kybella is designed to reduce fat beneath the chin rather than directly tighten significant skin laxity. During a consultation, Dr. Maloney can evaluate both fat distribution and skin quality to determine whether Kybella alone is likely to address the patient’s concerns.
Swelling is one of the most common temporary effects after Kybella injections and may be more noticeable after early treatment sessions. The degree of swelling varies by patient and gradually improves as the area heals.
There is no surgical recovery period, but swelling, tenderness, bruising, or numbness can temporarily affect appearance and comfort. Patients may want to plan treatment around important work commitments, social events, or photographs.
Both treatments can reduce fat beneath the chin, but they use different approaches. Kybella gradually destroys fat cells through injections, while chin liposuction physically removes fat during surgery.Kybella may appeal to patients who want to avoid surgery and are comfortable completing a series of treatments. Liposuction may be considered when a patient prefers a surgical approach or when the amount and distribution of fat make it more appropriate. Dr. Maloney can explain which option better matches the patient’s anatomy and goals.
No. Kybella is intended for localized submental fat and is not designed for overall weight loss. It is generally best suited to patients who are bothered by fullness beneath the chin despite otherwise stable body weight.
Schedule Your Kybella® Consultation
If you are bothered by fullness beneath the chin and would like to learn whether Kybella® is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Maloney at the Maloney Center for facial plastic surgery. Call 470.207.1367 today to discuss your options for achieving a more defined, youthful facial profile.
