For many years, liposuction was the most used procedure to correct submental fullness (the medical term for a double chin) and create a more defined jawline. While liposuction is an undeniably effective treatment, many people are reluctant to undergo an invasive procedure, especially one that is performed in close proximity to delicate facial structures.

Kybella in San Francisco is a new way to correct submental fullness. This treatment delivers dramatic results that look natural and are long-lasting. Best of all, KYBELLA® is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes the body’s natural processes to eliminate fat below the chin. Approved by the FDA in April 2015, San Francisco plastic surgeon Miguel A. Delgado, Jr., MD is excited to offer this treatment to his patients from Marin, Novato, Napa Valley, and surrounding communities.

Procedure What It Does Surgery Recovery Results
Kybella Injectable treatment that reduces appearance of a double chin No Minimal to none Long-lasting
Liposuction Removes under-the-chin fat via suction Yes 7-10 days Long-lasting

HOW DOES KYBELLA® WORK?

KYBELLA® corrects submental fullness by destroying fat cells under the chin. Delivered through a series of injections, KYBELLA® is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a substance found in the human body that helps metabolize dietary fat. Once KYBELLA® is injected it destroys fat cell membranes, causing the cells to release their fatty contents. From here, the body’s natural metabolic processes dispose of the fat.

RECENT BLOG ARTICLES

I’m Not Happy With My Breast Augmentation. What Are My Options?

You’ve gotten breast implants, your breasts have fully healed, but unfortunately, you’re not happy with the results.  Women who find themselves dissatisfied with their breast…

Read More

Dr. Delgado Named Top Plastic Surgeon in Modern Luxury

Dr. Delgado was voted a Top Plastic Surgeon for the last five years in San Francisco Magazine and was recently featured in Modern Luxury’s spotlight on excellence in…

Read More

Do I Need To Lose Weight Before My Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A tummy tuck is a strategic body sculpting surgery performed to remove excess skin, trim fat, and tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles. It is not…

Read More

TREATMENT OVERVIEW AND RECOVERY

A KYBELLA® treatment session takes less than 30 minutes at our San Francisco and Marin County offices. Our nurse injector, Ariel Kirk, is highly trained at administering injectables for our patients. Under the expert supervision of Dr. Delgado, they will administer between 10 and 20 injections of KYBELLA® beneath the chin at the precise depth where the fat cells exist. Patients typically require between two and four sessions to achieve the desired effect, with treatments spaced at one-month intervals. Patients with only minimal fat beneath the chin may achieve excellent results with just one treatment.

After the treatment, you can resume normal activities right away. While Kybella destroys fat cells within 15 minutes, the results of the treatment won’t be visible until the swelling subsides. The inflammation, which indicates that the body is responding to the treatment, usually lasts for three or four weeks. You may also experience some temporary numbness in the chin and jaw area.

 

Flowers

KYBELLA® TREATMENT AREAS

KYBELLA® can be used to eliminate the appearance of a double chin and create a more defined, sculpted jawline. KYBELLA® was specifically designed to treat submental fullness and is only approved for use in this area by the FDA. KYBELLA® should not be used to melt away fat in any other part of the body.

KYBELLA® OR NECK LIPOSUCTION

– WHAT WOULD WORK BETTER FOR ME?

KYBELLA® and neck liposuction in Novato can both be used to correct a double chin. Both procedures are relatively safe and very effective in reducing submental fullness. The table below outlines the main differences between the two procedures.

KybellaKybellaNeck Liposuction
Downtime / Recovery PeriodCan resume work and normal activities immediatelyWill need 2 – 3 days to recover at home before returning to work and normal activities
AnesthesiaNot required, but a numbing cream is recommended to minimize discomfortTwilight anesthesia and/or local anesthesia is required
ResultsCan only be used to treat fat beneath the chinCan be used to treat fat beneath the chin and correct sagging and lines around the neck
Predictability of resultsLess predictable than neck liposuction as results won’t be visible until inflammation has subsidedVery predictable results as the doctor can see exactly how much fat has been removed while performing the procedure
Side effects and risksSwelling and tenderness are normal; there is a risk of nerve injury when administered by a less experienced practitionerSwelling and tenderness; small risk of infection following liposuction
Dr. Miguel Office background
Dr. Miguel Delgado

KYBELLA® CONSULTATION WITH ARIEL KIRK

Ariel Kirk RN, CANDS, LMA is an aesthetic nurse who has worked with Dr. Delgado for over eight years treating patients from Novato, Santa Rosa, Napa Valley, and the San Francisco area. She is trained in the correct administration of KYBELLA® to achieve effective results while minimizing risk to the patient. Ariel has been an aesthetic nurse for nearly ten years and is an Allergan Clinical trainer. She can select the right candidates for KYBELLA® and suggest alternate treatments to those who are not good candidates. If you are interested in improving your appearance by correcting a double chin, we encourage you to contact our San Francisco or Novato office today.

Kybella FAQ

IS KYBELLA® SAFE?

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NECESSARY?

CAN KYBELLA® BE USED IN OTHER AREAS OF THE BODY?

DOES KYBELLA® ADDRESS SEVERELY LOSS SKIN AND JOWLS?

HOW LONG DOES KYBELLA® LAST?

IS KYBELLA® SAFE?

Yes, KYBELLA® is FDA approved and considered a safe and effective treatment for submental fat. Like most medical procedures, there are some potential risks, such as nerve injury. However, the risks can be minimized with proper injection techniques. It is important that you choose an experienced KYBELLA® expert to do the procedure.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NECESSARY?

The total number of treatments will vary from patient to patient. In general, a treatment plan ranges from 2-6 sessions. Multiple injections of KYBELLA® can be given during a single appointment. Treatments should be adequately spaced apart to allow for the body to process the damaged fat cells.

CAN KYBELLA® BE USED IN OTHER AREAS OF THE BODY?

No. KYBELLA® is only FDA approved for the treatment of under-the-chin (submental) fat. It should not be used on other areas of the body. If you would like to reduce localized fat in other parts of the body there are both non-invasive (CoolSculpting®) and surgical (liposuction) procedures that are more appropriate.

DOES KYBELLA® ADDRESS SEVERELY LOSS SKIN AND JOWLS?

No. KYBELLA® addresses the excess fat that contributes to a double chin, but it cannot improve significant sagging skin in the chin and neck area. However, a KYBELLA® treatment can be used in conjunction with a skin tightening procedure. If you have a double chin and severely lax skin, you may wish to consider a surgical procedure to achieve desired effects.

HOW LONG DOES KYBELLA® LAST?

KYBELLA® destroys fat cells and the effects can be long-lasting. Once these dead fat cells are flushed from the body, they will not return. Most patients can expect to enjoy enduring results, provided they follow a healthy lifestyle and and avoid weight fluctuations. However, every patient is unique and individual results will vary.

San Francisco was rapidly settled thanks to the California Gold Rush in 1849. Because of its affluent gold mines, the San Francisco Mint was opened in 1854. After moving locations twice because of insufficient capacity, it’s now used for proof coinage and has released commemorative gold and silver coins for the 100th anniversary of the San Francisco earthquake (which the Mint survived intact). It’s now known as the Old San Francisco Mint and is designated as a National Historical Landmark. The Old San Francisco Mint is located just a half mile from the practice of Dr. Miguel Delgado in the Mid Market District and 28 miles from Dr. Delgado’s Novato offices in Marin County.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 415.898.4161.