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Treatment guide

Kybella: Double Chin Injections, Sessions and Side Effects

Kybella (deoxycholic acid) is a prescription injection approved for fullness from fat under the chin in adults. It is given in up to 6 sessions at least 1 month apart, and swelling, bruising, pain and numbness are very common afterwards.

What Kybella is approved for

Kybella is approved to improve the look of moderate to severe fullness from fat under the chin (submental fat) in adults. It isn't approved for fat anywhere else on the body. [1]

Sessions

The label allows up to 6 treatments, given at least 1 month apart. Each session is up to 50 small injections spaced 1 cm apart. [1]

Side effects

In the label's trials, most people had swelling (87%), bruising (72%), pain (70%) or numbness (66%) at the injection site. Less often, 4% had a nerve injury that caused an uneven smile and 2% had trouble swallowing. All the nerve injuries resolved without treatment. Kybella shouldn't be used if there is an infection in the area. [1]

How to choose a provider

  • Kybella is a prescription drug, so a medical provider should assess you first.
  • Ask how many sessions they expect you to need and what the full course costs.
  • Ask how they plan the injection grid to avoid the nerve along the jaw.

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Questions

How many Kybella treatments do I need?

Up to 6, at least 1 month apart, according to the Kybella label. Many people need fewer.

What are Kybella's side effects?

Swelling, bruising, pain and numbness are very common. Less often, a nerve injury can cause an uneven smile (4% in trials) or trouble swallowing (2%).

Can Kybella be used on other areas?

It is only approved for fat under the chin.

Sources

  1. Kybella prescribing information (AbbVie)

This guide is general information, not medical advice. It summarizes the sources above, which were last checked on October 22, 2026. Talk to a licensed provider about your own situation.

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