Submental fullness, the pocket of fat beneath the chin commonly called a double chin, is one of the more frustrating aesthetic concerns to address through lifestyle changes alone. It tends to be genetically determined, meaning patients who are otherwise fit and healthy can still carry visible fullness under the jaw that no amount of exercise or dietary adjustment will change. For a long time, the only real options were surgical. That changed with the FDA approval of a non-surgical injectable designed specifically for this purpose.
At VIVE Med Spa, we offer Kybella® in Verona, WI, for patients throughout Fitchburg, Madison, Middleton, Oregon, Belleville, Cross Plains, Sun Prairie, and New Glarus. Whether you are preparing for a busy season of professional events in Madison, heading into a summer full of outdoor gatherings along the Wisconsin River, or simply done looking in the mirror and not seeing how you actually feel, this treatment offers a lasting answer.
It is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for the reduction of moderate-to-severe submental fat in adults. Its active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, is a synthetic form of a molecule the body naturally produces to break down dietary fat. When injected into the layer beneath the chin, it disrupts fat cell membranes, breaking them down and eliminating them through the body’s lymphatic system over a period of weeks.
Once fat cells in the treated area are destroyed, they cannot regenerate. This means the results of a completed treatment course are permanent, provided weight remains stable. Unlike liposuction, there is no incision, no general anesthesia, and no surgical recovery. The tradeoff is that the process takes multiple sessions and several weeks to yield its full results, but for patients who want a lasting result without surgery, that timeline is a reasonable exchange.
This is the primary and FDA-approved application. The injectable targets the localized fat deposit beneath the chin that contributes to a heavy, undefined jawline regardless of overall body weight.
Reducing submental fullness directly affects how the jaw and chin appear from the front and in profile. As the fat layer diminishes over the course of treatment, the underlying bone structure becomes more apparent, and the lower face takes on a cleaner, more defined shape.
Submental fat affects how the neck and chin relate to each other in the side profile, a concern that often arises among patients who notice changes in photographs. Addressing the fat deposit beneath the chin reshapes that relationship without altering the neck itself.
Your consultation evaluates the amount and distribution of submental fat, your skin laxity in the treated area, and your goals. We determine how many treatment sessions your plan is likely to require and set a realistic expectation for the outcome and timeline.
The injection grid is mapped across the submental area based on your anatomy. Most patients require two to four sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, though some cases may require up to six sessions to achieve the desired degree of reduction.
A topical numbing agent and ice are applied before treatment to minimize discomfort. Injections are placed across the treatment grid and take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Swelling following the session is expected and significant, particularly after the first treatment.
We assess your response at follow-up appointments spaced between sessions to evaluate progress and determine whether additional sessions are needed to complete your plan.
The VIVE Wallet is a monthly savings program that lets you set money aside for future treatments. Your contributions stay yours to spend on services, and membership adds savings on aesthetic services and retail skincare, along with additional perks throughout the year. Three levels are available: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Submental fat treatment requires an injector who thoroughly understands the anatomy of the neck and chin, including the location of the marginal mandibular nerve, which runs near the treatment area and must be avoided to prevent temporary weakness of the lower lip. Precision in mapping the injection grid is not optional here. It directly determines both your safety and your outcome.
At VIVE, every treatment plan begins with a detailed consultation covering what to expect at each stage, including the post-treatment swelling that surprises many first-time patients. Patients from Verona, Fitchburg, Madison, Middleton, and the surrounding communities come to us for the combination of clinical accuracy and honest pre-treatment communication that makes the process manageable.
Most patients complete two to four sessions, though individual anatomy and the amount of fat present can require up to six. Sessions are scheduled four to six weeks apart to allow the body to fully process each round of fat cell clearance before the next treatment.
Swelling after the first session is typically the most significant, and it can be substantial. Most patients experience visible puffiness beneath the chin for seven to 14 days. Planning your first session ahead of any high-visibility commitments is worth considering.
Yes. Deoxycholic acid destroys fat cells, which do not regenerate once eliminated. Significant weight gain can cause remaining fat cells in adjacent areas to expand, but the treated cells themselves are permanently gone following a completed course.
Swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, and redness at the injection site are expected and typically resolve within one to two weeks. Rare but serious complications include nerve injury affecting the lower lip, which is avoidable through proper injection technique by a trained injector.
Submental fat is one of those concerns patients often describe as disproportionate to how it affects them. At VIVE Med Spa in Verona, WI, we take it seriously because you do. Patients from Fitchburg, Madison, Middleton, Cross Plains, Sun Prairie, and the surrounding area trust us to deliver results that are worth the process.
If you are ready to find out whether this treatment fits your goals, start with a consultation.
Book a consultation to explore your goals, ask questions, or learn which treatments are the best fit for you. If you are ready to book or simply want to learn more about what we offer, our team is happy to walk you through your options. We are here to help.
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