Are you troubled by fullness under your chin — even if it’s only slight? You’re not alone, especially if you’re seeking a non-surgical solution and trying to decide between CoolSculpting vs Kybella.

Submental fat often gathers under the chin, regardless of your weight. This fat cannot always be targeted with exercises or dieting, but there are non-surgical treatments that can help your body clear it away.

At SEV Laser, we use the targeted injectable, Kybella, to help the body dissolve unwanted fat. The cold therapy known as CoolSculpting is another popular option. Understanding the differences between Kybella and Coolsculpting for double chin reduction is critical before making your choice.

In this CoolSculpting vs Kybella chin showdown, we’ll explore how they work, their pros and cons, and how they stack up against one another.

Under Chin Fullness: A Quick Guide to Submental Fat

Submental fat is excess fatty tissue that is located under the chin, often resulting in the appearance of a “double chin.” First, let’s go over what submental fat is, why it’s so hard to get rid of, and how to get rid of a double chin.

Causes of Under Chin Fat

There are a few main causes of submental fat, and a few contributing factors that can increase its appearance.

The most common cause of submental fullness is genetics, which inform how your body stores fat. If other people in your family (particularly parents or siblings) have a double chin, you’re likely to develop one as well.

Another common cause is hormone fluctuations, which can change where your body chooses to store fat. Under the chin, around the belly, and on the hips/thighs are common fat storage places.

Weight gain can be a factor, but the problem is that even after weight comes off, some fat under the chin may stubbornly remain.

There are also conditions which can make your submental fat look more noticeable. Poor posture, weak neck muscles, or a recessed chin can all contribute to the problem. While addressing surrounding issues can reduce the appearance of a double chin, eliminating it requires focused treatment.

Cosmetic procedures like injections and cold therapy can get rid of fat in this area, slim your jawline, and make your face appear more defined. Now, let’s get into Kybella vs Coolsculpting and settle the debate.

Coolsculpting for Under Chin Fat

CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis (cold therapy) to target and damage fat cells. Providers apply paddles and wraps that emit deep cold over the treatment area. This is done at the ideal temperature to affect fat cells without damaging skin, muscle, or other tissues.

The damaged fat cells are recognized as waste by your lymphatic system and flushed out of your body. One session can remove up to 25% of the fat cells under your chin, but it takes about three months for full results to be seen.

Pros and Cons of CoolSculpting 

Pros of CoolSculpting treatment include:

  • No scalpels or incisions
  • No anesthesia or needles
  • Non-invasive process
  • Minimal downtime

Cons of CoolSculpting treatment include:

  • Individual results can vary widely
  • Many practitioners won’t provide CoolSculpting if you carry excess weight
  • Multiple sessions typically must be spaced at least three months apart
  • Short-term side effects can include pain, swelling, numbness, and/or redness

Perhaps the most concerning potential complication of CoolSculpting is the risk of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), which is a rare but serious side effect where fat cells increase instead of decrease. PAH requires surgical intervention to fix.

If you aren’t a good candidate for Kybella, CoolSculpting can be a way for you to get rid of submental fat without surgery. However, you should carefully consider the pros and cons of cold therapy CoolSculpting vs Kybella double chin injections.

Kybella for Under Chin Fat

Kybella is an injectable containing synthetic deoxycholic acid (DCA). This molecule occurs naturally in the body, and is responsible for breaking down dietary fat in your food. Kybella was specifically designed to target and eliminate submental fat by disrupting the cell membrane of fat cells, causing them to rupture.

Like with cryolipolysis, your body will recognize and metabolize these damaged fat cells, slowly eliminating them and reducing the fullness under your chin. Researchers explain that this process may also activate fibroblasts and stimulate collagen production, which could potentially improve skin firmness under the chin following fat reduction.

While these mechanisms of action are similar, the pros and cons of Kybella vs CoolSculpting “double chin” treatments differ significantly.

Pros and Cons of Kybella

Pros of Kybella treatment include:

  • Kybella injections use a fine needle and are minimally invasive
  • The formula is specifically designed for use on under chin fat
  • You can return to your daily activities immediately after treatment
  • Results are consistent and cumulative
  • No reported cases of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH)
  • Sessions can be scheduled only 1 month apart

Cons of Kybella treatment include:

  • Side effects can include temporary pain or numbness, bruising, and swelling
  • Serious side effects, such as nerve damage, are extremely rare

One important caveat when considering Kybella vs CoolSculpting is that Kybella is exclusively designed to address chin fat. Unlike CoolSculpting, Kybella can’t be used on other parts of the body like the abdomen, hips, thighs, or bra bulge. If you’re trying to decide between Kybella vs CoolSculpting for stomach fat, cold therapy is the better choice.

Why Kybella Is the Superior Under Chin Treatment

When looking at Coolsculpting vs Kybella for chin fat, Kybella offers several benefits that make it the superior choice.

Tailored Treatment

Kybella was developed for submental fat specifically. Its mechanism of action is ideal for targeting small and highly-localized stores of fat, like the fat that collects under the chin. This makes Kybella more effective for double chins specifically.

Permanent Results

CoolSculpting vs Kybella chin injections are similar in one aspect. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they do not regenerate, providing long-lasting results — even if you gain weight.

Predictable Outcomes

Individual results may vary, but Kybella’s mechanism of action may deliver a more predictable and cumulative reduction in submental fat compared to CoolSculpting.

Kybella vs CoolSculpting Cost

Wondering about the cost of CoolSculpting vs Kybella?

Based on provider-reported pricing on RealSelf, Kybella injections typically cost between $600 and $800 per vial, while at SEV, Kybella injections start at just $550. Depending on how much submental fat you have, you can expect to require between 1-3 treatments to achieve your desired results. At SEV, you can expect to pay between $550 to $1650 in total, while other providers may charge upwards of $2400.

According to CoolSculpting’s manufacturer, the average cost of a complete series of treatments is $3200, which means it can be about $800 to $1550 more expensive than Kybella. However, prices vary by provider, the number of applicators needed to treat you, and the number of sessions needed to achieve your desired results. Most clients need a minimum of two treatments (and often more) to see significant reduction in submental fat.

Things to Know About Kybella Treatment

 

Who Is a Candidate for Kybella?

Are you a good candidate for Kybella? Review this list before scheduling your consultation:

  • Over the age of 18
  • Moderate to severe under chin fat (submental fullness)
  • Good skin elasticity (Kybella can be combined with skin-firming treatments to combat a double chin caused by both adiposity and loss of skin elasticity)
  • Good health (not recommended for people with swallowing difficulty or throat infections)
  • Realistic expectations (multiple sessions will be needed — typically 2-6)

Before Kybella Treatment

It’s important to avoid certain substances and activities before undergoing Kybella injections:

Blood Thinners and Bruise-Worsening Supplements

Discontinue the use of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, fish oil, vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, and ginkgo biloba at least 72 hours before treatment to reduce bruising and bleeding risks. If you take blood thinners, antibiotics, muscle relaxants, or sleep medication, please check with your doctor for instructions.

Alcohol, Caffeine and Tobacco

Avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco for at least 72 hours before treatment. This will also reduce your risk of increased swelling and bruising.

Skin Irritants

Stop using glycolics and retinoids 2-3 days prior to treatment, and you’ll have less redness and irritation after your Kybella treatment.

After Kybella Treatment

Follow these steps after Kybella treatment to reduce side effects and have a smooth recovery:

Don’t Increase Blood Circulation

Skip strenuous exercise, sun exposure, the sauna, and excessive heat for 3-5 days after your Kybella treatment.

Don’t Touch the Treated Area

To promote healing and prevent infection, avoid touching, rubbing, or applying pressure under your chin.

Sleep on Your Back

You’ll need to sleep on your back for 3-5 days, and keep your head elevated with an extra pillow to reduce swelling.

For 72 Hours After Treatment

Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco, as well as any blood-thinning supplements and medications. Pause your skincare routine on the chin area. You should also consider avoiding salty, sugary, or spicy foods for a day or so.

Get Kybella Under Chin Injections at SEV 

At the end of the day, deciding between Kybella vs CoolSculpting is a subjective process. Depending on your level of submental fullness and your personal preferences, you may find that one suits your needs more than the other.

Kybella may be more appropriate for those with fat gathered in one place under the chin, while CoolSculpting may be more effective for the full chin and neck area, or for those seeking to treat unwanted fat throughout the body.

At SEV Laser, we always begin by evaluating your treatment area and reviewing your circumstances, especially as part of our free consultation process. Our nurse injectors are qualified and confident administering Kybella, and we’ll do everything we can to make your treatment as comfortable and rewarding as possible.

If you’re interested in learning more about Kybella or other aesthetic injectable treatments, book a free consultation at SEV today.